Kennedy’s style was symbolic of articulate leadership in the Cold War period. His voice and appearance was pleasing to his audiences wherever they were. They liked him, and his kingly style fitted very well the needs of the new television era. He was a symbol of a new generation and spoke in the same deliberative […]
Kennedy’s speech at the Berlin Wall [video]
This was an inspirational type speech where the languages of ‘action’ and ‘feeling’ prevailed. Without credibility (ethos) this speech could not have succeeded; it offered security in a time of uncertainty. It is one of the most famous pieces of oratory in the Cold War years. More than a million West Berliners turned out to […]
Profile of an Orator: John F. Kennedy
This essay is a profile of John Kennedy as an orator and on his communication skills in general. It is not a political biography. Unlike Ronald Reagan or Margaret Thatcher who were conviction speakers with ideological messages, John Kennedy’s platform was more inspiring, pragmatic and liberal. His Inaugural Address and his speech at the Berlin […]
