For centuries, presidents have used the power of their words to convey the nation’s interests and aspirations. Working with primary sources from the Library of Congress, students can examine how different presidents have crafted their rhetoric to influence and persuade audiences. They can also identify components of a successful speech and find persuasive strategies they can use to develop their own speeches.
Inaugural Address
Every President gives an inaugural address after taking the oath of office on their first day in office. The inaugural address is designed to set the tone for a new administration and highlight themes of unity and direction. The inaugural addresses have varied greatly in length from the shortest–George Washington’s 135-word address–to the longest–William Henry Harrison’s 8,445-word speech on March 4, 1841. He died a month later of pneumonia, believed to be caused by prolonged exposure to the elements during his speech.
State of the Union Message
The annual State of the Union address is an opportunity for the President to update Congress and the public on the status of the country and their policy goals. It is a chance for the President to review the current state of the nation and propose legislative agendas. This address has evolved with advancements in technology and the rise of media. In 1923 Calvin Coolidge’s was the first State of the Union address to be broadcast on radio and in 1947 Harry S. Truman’s was the first to be broadcast on television. Often the address is delivered with the President sitting at his Resolute desk and speaking into the camera.