Comparing Nelson Mandela And John F. Kennedy

Throughout history, many leaders have came into power across the globe. This makes people wonder, “what defines a true leader?” A true leader is not chosen through being the most knowledgeable or skilled. Instead, a true leader is chosen by the people who acknowledge him or her to become their leader. These true leaders are able to demonstrate their determination and articulate their views through the medium of their speeches. Nelson Mandela and John F. Kennedy were exceptional at demonstrating how they were true leaders of their generations. Both, Nelson Mandela and John F. Kennedy’s speech techniques proves how they were acknowledged by their citizens to represent them to the world. By unifying and empowering their audience, both presidents are able to retain their acknowledgement from their citizens. In Mandela’s inauguration speech, Mandela used his inauguration as bridge to how South …show more content…
Mandela described this moment by saying, “the people of South Africa, feel fulfilled that humanity has taken us back...we, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil” (Goshgarian, 419). As Mandela emphasized the “people of South Africa,” he then highlighted how, as a unified group, they have achieved recognition of “the nations of the world.” Having the world recognize the significance of an individual country was important for the people in South Africa. Mandela takes the event of his inauguration as a way to empower the citizens of South Africa. JFK does this in his speech as well. During JFK’s inauguration speech, he stated, “dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth...to friend and