One of the most motivational and inspirational speeches was done by President Lyndon B. Johnson’s; the speech was titled “War on Poverty.” His speech was directed to all the Americans in the United States. Everyone could easily understand what they need to do to achieve the goals of the President wanted to pass to American. Therefore, in this paper it will discuss the President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty Speech,” the President created an effective speech by stating a purpose for his speech, repeating the words “I” and “we,” and adding credibility to his character by giving hope to every American.
In his speech “War on Poverty,” President Johnson clearly states the purpose of his speech in which he engages all listeners. When President Johnson began his speech, he started by introducing his purpose of the speech. Johnson noted, “We have in 1964 a unique opportunity and obligation to prove the success of our system; to disprove those cynics and critics at home and abroad who question our purpose and our competence” (State of the Union, 1964). President Johnson’s statement was full of purpose: he wanted to ensure that everyone knew the reason behind why he chose to use specific words when giving his speech. Furthermore, President Johnson had a strong viewpoint on how the previous President, John F. Kennedy, was running the government. For instance, President Johnson said, “Let us carry forward the plans and programs of John Fitzgerald Kennedy not because of our sorrow or sympathy, but because they are right” (State of the Union, 1964). In stating this, President Johnson was showing the purpose behind the plan that he wanted to enforce. He knew that the way things were going, he could continue to maintain them and allow for great change to come.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
In addition to President Johnson’s “War on Poverty Speech” having a purpose, it was also full of repetition: this enhanced emphasis on his topics of discussion. President Johnson not only wanted to make sure the audience knew what he was going to do to assure the success of the plan he was going to carry out but also what all Americans needed to do. Johnson said, “For my part, I pledge a progressive administration which is efficient, and honest and frugal” (State of the Union, 1964). In mentioning what he will do, Johnson effectively stated what he would do to carry out all plans. Being open about what he had to do repeatedly, he made himself clearer that this is something we will all be doing together. Furthermore, all Americans were going to be involved in the entire process of the plan as well. Johnson further stated that “We must advance toward this goal in 1964 in at least ten different ways, not as partisans, but as patriots” (State of the Union, 1964).
Also, President Johnson ensured that every American is going to be advancing to his goals, by repeating the word “we,” which emphasizes that we all are a part of this entire process. Not just one American will benefit from it, but all Americans in a variety of different ways. Another way that President Johnson used rhetorical devices throughout his speech is by showing more about who he is as a person. Throughout the “War on Poverty Speech,” President Johnson reassures each American that he cares about them. By stating that “all of these increased opportunities, particularly in employment, in education, in housing, and every field must be open to all Americans regardless of their color or race” (State of the Union, 1964). When stating this, the President wants people of every color to know and understand, all of what he is trying to do is for everyone.
Every word during the speech, President Johnson emphasized how important every single individual is important. Johnson declared, “All members of the public should have equal access to facilities open to the public. All members of the public should be equally eligible for federal benefits that are financed by the public. All members of the public should have an equal chance to vote for public officials and to send their children to good public schools and to contribute their talents to the public good” (State of the Union, 1964). President Johnson wants to make it clear that everyone in the country matters, and not one person matters more than another. The President chose to show who he was as a person and an emotional side of him that made Americans resonate with him.
In conclusion, President Lyndon B. Johnson’s speech on “War against Poverty” provides one of the best speeches in America and that is so because he called the public to be aware of the poverty that had increased in the United States. Through his speech, Johnson gives the public ways in which they can reduce poverty such as creating more opportunities for job employment, education, creating more job opportunities, and investing in agricultural sectors to produce more food. Furthermore, Johnson did his best to gain the interest of the audience using a variety of different techniques. Johnson ensured that his speech is precise to allow the audience to be brought in progressively throughout his speech. Based on my reflection concerning the effectiveness of the speech, “War on Poverty Speech,” President Johnson helped Americans to be more responsible and independent of the government in supporting them but being creative in dealing with such issues of poverty.
References
State of the Union by Lyndon B. Johnson.” Miller Center – University of Virginia. 8 January 1964. Web. 20 October 2016. Transcript.
