John F. Kennedy Speech Analysis

John F. Kennedy’s strong emotion and youthful energy is evident throughout his speech. Even though Kennedy had just won the election, he does not rejoice in his, “victory of party,” but invites his audience to join him in this, “celebration of freedom.” “I do not shrink from this responsibility — I welcome it,” demonstrating his determination to the American people, signifying that he is ready for the upcoming challenges that are going to face him. One of his challenges while in office, would be negotiating peace with other nations. Kennedy’s main focus throughout his speech is that he wants opposing forces to come together, however, it is only possible if everyone gives the effort. Understanding that the American people are afraid of the world, Kennedy states, “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.” Signifying that he will stand before the people and reassure them that he, himself, is not afraid to negotiate for peace. Kennedy’s usage of short paragraphs helps him to not drag on about one point. This is a way of engaging with his audience and making them listen to him all the way till the end of his sentences. This allows the audience to pay attention to the messages that Kennedy is trying to convey with his speech. He includes short rhetorical questions such as, “Will you join in that historic effect?” exemplifying his readiness to have a united nation with the help of the American citizens. Kennedy’s repetition sentences; “To those old allies cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends,” and, “To those people in the huts and villages…we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves…” This emphasizes the importance of Kennedy’s responsibilities that he is going to take while in office, as well as supporting his plan of unity among other nations. Kennedy effectively uses metaphors in his speech; “Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans,” emphasizing that he desires a change of responsibility by working with the present-day generation, and then finally, the future generation. Kennedy uses a cliché in the metaphor, “the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.” This cliché has no new meaning, because the phrase has been used on several occasions by different speakers. However, Kennedy refers to clichés throughout his speech, trying to get the message across through his audience in order