How Is Ethos Used In Jfk Inaugural Address

On January 20, 1961, Kennedy presents his inaugural address to the citizens of the united states by urging them to participate in public service. John F. Kennedy uses a variety of rhetorical devices in his inaugural speech to persuade his audience that every person is similar in heritage and should stand as one to increase human rights around the world. Throughout his speech, Kennedy uses the rhetorical triangle focusing on ethos and pathos. His use of ethos emphasizes his love to God and to portray himself as a religious person as a president, and uses his religious beliefs effectively to gather humanity and unite them for a better way of living. His use of religious words, such as joining countrymen to “explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems …show more content…
This emphasizes the point he is trying to make and leave behind a sense of admiration of what they can do for there country. By using alliteration, Kennedy attracts his audience by letting them feel guilt into why the world creates more problems rather than solve them, it creates a perception of freedom and bond. A key component in Kennedy’s speech is rhetorical questions. Kenedy’s use of rhetorical questions such as “Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?” to let the audience reflect on how to answer his question without requiring an immediate answer. By using a guilt conscience, he leaves his audience contemplating whose side to be apart and when to take action alongside their president. In conclusion, Kennedy’s speech proved committment for change for the better by using rhetorical devices and strong diction to appeal to his