Description: Watch President Ronald Reagan’s 1983 speech to the National Association of Evangelicals, perhaps the most explicit presidential endorsement of Christian faith in recent times. As you watch this presentation, prepare and post your written answers to the following speech presentation analysis questions: What is this speech’s topic? What is the speech’s thesis or main point? What in the speech, if anything, suggests the speaker (or his speech writers) had analyzed the audience and adapted the speech to its needs? Did the speaker use effective and relevant material to support the speech’s thesis? Was the speech effectively organized?

QUESTION

This assignment invites you to consider how topic selection, goal and thesis planning, audience analysis, research, organization, and presentational variables can impact an audience’s response to a speech presentation. This can help you better understand and appreciate the planning process you must follow if you wish to prepare a top-notch speech for delivery to an audience.

Description: Watch President Ronald Reagan’s 1983 speech to the National Association of Evangelicals, perhaps the most explicit presidential endorsement of Christian faith in recent times. As you watch this presentation, prepare and post your written answers to the following speech presentation analysis questions:

1. What is this speech’s topic?
2. What is the speech’s thesis or main point?
3. What in the speech, if anything, suggests the speaker (or his speech writers) had analyzed the audience and adapted the speech to its needs?
4. Did the speaker use effective and relevant material to support the speech’s thesis?
5. Was the speech effectively organized?
6. Did the speaker use clear, interesting, and accurate language?
7. Was the quality of the speaker’s voice acceptable?
8. Were the speaker’s movements and gestures meaningful and effective?

You must explain the observations and the reasoning that justify your answers to these questions. The more thoughtful, detailed, and documented your observations and explanations, the better the quality of your work.

Grading Criteria: Be sure to satisfy each of the following grading criteria:

Thread

Be sure to provide thoughtful, detailed answers to each of the 8 questions and to support your observations by citing supportive parts of the Reagan speech presentation.

ANSWER

Analysis of President Ronald Reagan’s 1983 Speech to the National Association of Evangelicals

Introduction

President Ronald Reagan’s 1983 speech to the National Association of Evangelicals holds significant importance as one of the most explicit presidential endorsements of Christian faith in recent times. By analyzing this speech presentation, we can gain valuable insights into the impact of various factors such as topic selection, goal and thesis planning, audience analysis, research, organization, and presentational variables on the audience’s response.

Topic

The topic of President Reagan’s speech is the endorsement of Christian faith and its significance in American society. Throughout the speech, Reagan emphasizes the importance of religious values and their impact on the country’s moral fabric.

Thesis or Main Point

The main thesis of the speech can be summarized as the belief that religious values, particularly those rooted in Christianity, play a crucial role in the shaping of American society. Reagan asserts that these values are vital for the nation’s progress, emphasizing the need to preserve and uphold them.

 Audience Analysis and Adaptation

Several elements in the speech suggest that President Reagan and his speechwriters analyzed the audience and adapted the speech to its needs (President Reagan’s Address to the National Association of Evangelicals | Free Essay Example, 2022). Firstly, the speech was delivered to the National Association of Evangelicals, a gathering of religious leaders and believers. Reagan’s decision to address this specific audience indicates a deliberate choice to tailor the speech to a receptive and sympathetic audience.

Additionally, Reagan acknowledges the shared religious beliefs and values of the audience, effectively connecting with them on a personal and emotional level. He uses biblical references and quotes to resonate with the religious convictions of the attendees, demonstrating an understanding of their perspective.

Effective Use of Supporting Material

President Reagan effectively utilizes relevant material to support the speech’s thesis. He incorporates historical references, personal anecdotes, and biblical passages to strengthen his arguments. For example, Reagan references the Founding Fathers’ commitment to religious freedom and highlights the historical significance of Christianity in shaping American ideals.

Furthermore, he shares stories of individuals who exemplify Christian values and have made positive contributions to society. These examples provide concrete evidence of the benefits of religious faith, reinforcing the speech’s main point.

Effective Organization

The speech is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Reagan starts by establishing common ground with the audience and expressing his understanding of their values. He then presents his arguments systematically, using logical progression to build his case.

Throughout the speech, Reagan incorporates rhetorical devices such as repetition and parallelism to enhance the coherence and clarity of his message. He uses transitions to smoothly move between ideas, ensuring a cohesive flow of information.

Clear, Interesting, and Accurate Language

President Reagan’s language is clear, engaging, and accurate. He employs a conversational tone, making the speech accessible to a wide audience (Rhetorical Analysis of Ronald Reagan’s Speech at the. . . | ipl.org, n.d.). Reagan’s choice of words and phrases is deliberate, evoking emotional responses and effectively conveying his ideas. The use of rhetorical devices, such as metaphors and vivid imagery, adds interest and captivates the listeners.

Quality of Speaker’s Voice

The quality of President Reagan’s voice is acceptable. He speaks with confidence and conviction, projecting his words clearly to the audience. Reagan’s voice is modulated appropriately, ensuring that his message is conveyed effectively and with impact.

Meaningful and Effective Movements and Gestures

President Reagan’s movements and gestures during the speech are meaningful and effective. He maintains strong eye contact with the audience, conveying sincerity and establishing a personal connection (Cawthorn, n.d.). Reagan uses gestures to emphasize key points, adding visual interest and reinforcing his verbal message. His body language exudes confidence and professionalism, further enhancing his credibility as a speaker.

Conclusion

President Ronald Reagan’s 1983 speech to the National Association of Evangelicals exemplifies the importance of considering various factors in speech preparation.

 The careful selection of a topic, analysis of the audience, effective use of supporting material, and skillful organization contribute to the audience’s response. Moreover, clear and accurate language, quality of voice, and meaningful movements and gestures all play significant roles in delivering a persuasive and impactful speech. By studying and understanding these elements, individuals can enhance their ability to prepare top-notch speeches that resonate with their intended audience.

References

Cawthorn, S. (n.d.). The Four Things That You Can Learn from Ronald Reagan’s Challenger Speech. www.linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/four-things-you-can-learn-from-ronald-reagans-speech-sam-cawthorn-1d 

President Reagan’s Address to the National Association of Evangelicals | Free Essay Example. (2022, October 12). StudyCorgi.com. https://studycorgi.com/president-reagans-address-to-the-national-association-of-evangelicals/ 

Rhetorical Analysis Of Ronald Reagan’s Speech At The. . . | ipl.org. (n.d.). https://www.ipl.org/essay/Rhetorical-Analysis-Of-Ronald-Reagans-Speech-At-FFA452E346B27C29