Style of language

Lyndon B. Johnson uses a formal style in his “We Shall Overcome” speech, which mirrors the political context of the time and the serious topic he addresses. 

When it comes to sentence structure, Johnson uses a mix of different lengths of sentences. For example, short sentences are used when Johnson tries to make a point and to make his ideas more memorable: 

Because all Americans just must have the right to vote. And we are going to give them that right. All Americans must have the privileges of citizenship – regardless of race. And they are going to have those privileges of citizenship – regardless of race.

In this example, Johnson stresses the fact that race should not stand in the way of African Americans exercising their constitutional rights. 

At times, long sentences are used when J...