Rhetorical situation

Speaker

The speaker of the “Pearl Harbor” speech is Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States. Roosevelt’s decision to deliver the speech only a day after the Pearl Harbor attack shows that he considers the event of utmost importance and that he is willing to take immediate measures. 

Roosevelt portrays himself as an authority figure and lets American citizens know about the future steps he has decided upon: “As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense”. This makes Roosevelt come across as prepared and willing to use his authority to protect America. 

Roosevelt not only portrays himself as an important political figure but as part of the people as well: 

I believe that I inte...