Rhetorical Analysis Of Ronald Reagan's Speech 'Evil Empire'

Ronald Reagan’s address to the National Associations of Evangelicals (NAE) proved to be a speech that will forever be remembered and referenced because of its rhetoric. In a time of war, Reagan delivered a speech that impacted our nation and branded the term “evil empire” in the minds of Americans in reference to the Soviet Union. His deliberative “Evil Empire” speech strategically coaxed the audience by commending the religious power of America and advocating the unity of religion and politics. Reagan knew exactly what to say and how to say it in order to gain the support of his audience. Reagan was and still is known to be a “Great Communicator”. He seems to know exactly what to say to a particular audience in a way that is inoffensive and empowering. Before he said the first word of his speech, he was already a credible speaker to his audience of conservative religious citizens because he was also a conservative republican known for delivering great speeches. However, this speech enabled Reagan to gain the trust and attention of his audience. The entire speech is framed in religion which was his key to connecting with this audience of the most religious members of society. He begins by thanking the audience for their prayers for him and his wife and revealing himself to be a praying man. This was the first statement
“There is sin and evil in the world, and we’re enjoined by Scripture and the Lord Jesus to oppose it with all our might,” states Reagan. The use of the words we and our unites Reagan and his audience. He quotes the Founding Fathers which show that America was built by men that were God-fearing. He also states that there are “a great many God-fearing, dedicated, noble men and women in public life”. These statements make strong appeals to the audience. Reagan uplifts the audience which heightens their emotions and makes them more receptive in supporting