University:
Florida International University
Course:
SPC 2608 | Public Speaking
Academic year:

2023
Views:

109

Pages:

1
Author:

blakestar2o1o

JFK Inaugural Speech Summary John Fitzgerald Kennedy, often referred to by his initials JFK, was an American politician who served as the 35th president of the United States from 1961 until his assassination near the end of his third year in office .On January 20, 1961, JFK inaugural speech “ask not what your country” expressed his famous words, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." This use of antimetabole can be seen even as a thesis statement of his speech. A call to action for the public to do what is right for the greater good. Assuming office during the Cold War, understand that his inaugural address would have to instill confidence at home and respect Abroad. He believed that democracy thrives only when citizens contribute their talents to the common good, and that it is up to leaders to inspire citizens to acts of sacrifice. However, the feeling the speech conveyed towards JFK is inspiring, but it can also be viewed as a doubleedged sword. As a positive note, it provides citizens with the opportunity to come together and work together for a better future. JFK's emphasis on "...acts of sacrifice" in his speech caused a sense of “purpose” emphasizing on the use of individuals’ skills to create a society of prosperity and stability.