Speech #1
“Remarks on the Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.” After listening to Kennedy’s speech on the Assassination of MLK, he gained the audience’s attention by addressing the fact he had some very sad news. He acknowledges the immediate demand, the likelihood of violence, even before bringing up-to-date the crowd on Martin Luther King’s senseless death. He proceeded to inform all of the fellow citizens of our nation about the sad news, “people who love peace all over the world, Martin Luther King was shot and killed tonight in Memphis, Tennessee” (Kennedy, 1968) The topic and purpose of Kennedy’s landmark speech was to inform the people of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., but also to oppose violence and rioting in this tragic time by explaining they should carry on King’s legacy by keeping in mind his dream was to advocate love and passion, not that of hatred. Kennedy appears compassionate, caring, and as a voice of reason and rationale amongst one of the most tragic events of our era Steering clear of political language or allegations of any kind, Kennedy’s explanation pays tribute to MLK, recognizing the resentment, hatred, and distrust amongst the people. Kennedy’s goal for our nation is “love, and wisdom, and compassion toward one another… whether they be white or whether they be black” (Kennedy, 1968) He urges them to join together to advocate against the violence and bloodshed that has spread across the nation, make an attempt to understand, and surpass these challenging times. Throughout this speech, Kennedy’s voice reflected a sincere and heartfelt approached. Kennedy who experienced a similar affair with the assassination of his own brother engages the audience emotionally by bringing together the two national tragedies “I had a member of my family killed,” (Kennedy, 1968) letting the people know he feels the same injustice resulting from his own personal experience. By Kennedy asking the people to return home and say a prayer for MLK’s loved one’s showed his compassion for the situation. The transition occurs when Kennedy defines “the vast majority of white people and the vast majority of black people in this country want to live together, want to improve the quality of our life” (Kennedy, 1968) he urges people to consider an alternative pathway from violence, provoking people to visualize a future of equality and to address it through reform, instead of civil disobedience. The speaker did well by establishing his credibility and profound empathy towards his audience. Kennedy reveals the immense oratorical importance of understanding amidst a moment of great loss which could of tore the nation apart, but instead provided for a peaceful integration. Kennedy delivered an exception speech. He stood in front of an all-black audience addressing them on the loss of Martin Luther King and notably with his words established a path away from violence. This speech was a call of action; urging people to treat others with dignity and respect. He touched upon the important details which pointed out the significance of establishing equality in our nation; therefore I would not change anything about this speech.
References
Kennedy, F. R. (04, April 1968). Remarks on the Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Retrieved from http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/rfkonmlkdeath.html

Speech #2
“Civil Rights Address” After listening to Kennedy’s speech on civil rights, he gained the audience’s attention by publicly expressing his concerns about the imminent need for racial equality. A previous ruling by a federal court ordered the University of Alabama to integrate; however Governor Wallace confirms his disapproval of the two African American students registering and as a result, blocks the entrance with his body. To protect the students, Kennedy issues an