Analysis
Here are the elements which will help you with your analysis of Richard Nixon’s “Silent Majority” speech.
The rhetorical situation is that the speaker is Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the United States. His audience consists of the American citizens who listen to his speech broadcast on radio and television on November 3, 1969.
The composition of the speech can be split into six parts, in which Nixon talks about the different aspects related to America’s military involvement in the Vietnam War. Nixon uses elements that are typical of a political speech to capture the attention of his audience.
The style of language is formal and mirrors the political context of the speech. At times, Nixon introduces figurative language that makes his speech more memorable.
Nixon uses several rhetorical devices, including allusions, rhetorical questions, direct address, and repetition. The rhetorical devices are meant to defend the US’ involvement in the Vietnam War and to convince the audience of the importance of supporting Nixon’s Vietnamization plan.
When it comes to forms of appeal, Nixon uses ethos, logos, and pathos to engage his audience. The combination of the three forms of appeal makes his speech more balanced and more convincing.
You can read a full analysis of the speech on the following pages.
