Rhetorical Analysis of A Time for Choosing - Essay Example

4). In so doing, Reagan effectively appealed to the emotions of the audience through pathos and thereby enhanced his credibility (ethos) as a down-to-earth and sensitive political servant. The rest of the speech was used to discuss economic conditions of the country as Reagan delved into the issues of unemployment, the conundrum within the Social Security program, and the link to Barry Goldwater’s ability to address pressing and relevant issues that were relayed. His effective use of categorical questions spurs the audience’s analytical skills and invites persuasion to support his contentions.

As disclosed at one point: “Now are we so lacking in business sense that we can't put this program on a sound basis, so that people who do require those payments will find they can get them when they're due that the cupboard isn't bare? Barry Goldwater thinks we can” (American Rhetoric.com, 1964, p. 5). Reagan’s delivery as it neared the concluding portion stressed the antithesis of peace being the policy of appeasement as he averred, “the greater risk lies in appeasement, and this is the specter our well-meaning liberal friends refuse to face that their policy of accommodation is appeasement, and it gives no choice between peace and war, only between fight or surrender” (American Rhetoric.

com, 1964, p. 8). Having successfully furnished his audience with profound points to ponder and validated through facts, economic details, anecdotal narratives, and raising effectively designed questions for the audience’s own response, the contents would be validly proven that these have been effective in achieving his defined goal. As for Reagan’s style in delivery, listening to the speech through YouTube. Reagan’s delivery as it neared the concluding portion stressed the antithesis of peace being the policy of appeasement as he averred, “the greater risk lies in appeasement, and this is the specter our well-meaning liberal friends refuse to face that their policy of accommodation is appeasement, and itgives no choice between peace and war, only between fight or surrender” (American Rhetoric.

com, 1964, p. 8). Having successfully furnished his audience with profound points to ponder and validated through facts, economic details, anecdotal narratives, and raising effectively designed questions for the audience’s own response, the contents would be validly proven that these have been effective in achieving his defined goal. As for Reagan’s style in delivery, listening to the speech through YouTube would enable one to state that he exuded the air of a well-prepared politician in thoughts, words, and actions.

The context within which the structure of the speech was presented was likewise well-balanced. Reagan used different rhetorical elements and details that effectively enhanced his credibility as an authoritative figure and politician due to the acumen manifested from citing the current economic status of the nation through relevant indicators. He interjected strictly serious topics with humor and wit that included telling stories about friends or citing political personalities through famously delivered quotes.