Distinctive Voices- John F Kennedy, 9th Earl Spencer and Related Text (George W Bush)
Every type of text, whether it is a film, song, poem or speech portrays a distinctive voice. The distinctive voice is usually a result of how the composer wants to get their point of view across to the audience. John F Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, 9th Earl Spencer’s Eulogy for Princess Diana and George W. Bush’s 9/11 Address to the Nation are all speeches, which makes it easier to hear the distinctive voice within each one, along with the numerous language techniques, stylistic features and their structures.
John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address took place in Washington D.C on 20th January, 1961 and was his very first speech as president. Kennedy spoke from a strong moral and humanitarian position, which made it difficult for people to disagree with him on certain points, for example, when Kennedy called all American citizens to be active participants in the future. This was emphasised by one of Kennedy’s most notable quotes “And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” A couple of distinctive voices he aimed to achieve with this speech were as president, as he was speaking on behalf of his citizens and as a humanitarian as he was a spokesman for equality and justice for all people. The Cold War was an overwhelming issue at the time of his election and throughout his presidency. Kennedy used euphemisms such as “the hand of mankind’s final war” in relation to the possibility of a nuclear war, to play down any fear that was created by the cold war. He uses tone to illustrate that he is a dedicated, fearless president when he says, “I do not shrink from this responsibility, I welcome it.” This use of tone also indicates that he is a confident, visionary president when he says, “The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavour will light our country and all who serve it.”
The 9th Earl of Spencer’s Eulogy for Princess Diana, former wife of Prince Charles, took place at West Minster
John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address took place in Washington D.C on 20th January, 1961 and was his very first speech as president. Kennedy spoke from a strong moral and humanitarian position, which made it difficult for people to disagree with him on certain points, for example, when Kennedy called all American citizens to be active participants in the future. This was emphasised by one of Kennedy’s most notable quotes “And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” A couple of distinctive voices he aimed to achieve with this speech were as president, as he was speaking on behalf of his citizens and as a humanitarian as he was a spokesman for equality and justice for all people. The Cold War was an overwhelming issue at the time of his election and throughout his presidency. Kennedy used euphemisms such as “the hand of mankind’s final war” in relation to the possibility of a nuclear war, to play down any fear that was created by the cold war. He uses tone to illustrate that he is a dedicated, fearless president when he says, “I do not shrink from this responsibility, I welcome it.” This use of tone also indicates that he is a confident, visionary president when he says, “The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavour will light our country and all who serve it.”
The 9th Earl of Spencer’s Eulogy for Princess Diana, former wife of Prince Charles, took place at West Minster