Answer:
President John F. Kennedy, recognized for his dedication and ability to influence, convened a press conference to address the steel price increase of 3.5 percent. He employed techniques including repetition, specific word choices, statistical data, and emotional appeals to communicate with steel companies.
Kennedy opens with a serious tone: "In this serious hour in our nation's history," emphasizing that the rising steel prices represent a national issue. He reiterates that this issue impacts everyone, utilizing the term "we" to illustrate how even someone of his stature and class is affected by this injustice. In a following paragraph, he combines a cause-and-effect technique with a tone of guilt, stating, "If this rise in steel prices is echoed across the industry instead of retracted, it would lead to increased costs for housing, automobiles, appliances, and nearly every other item for American families," to illustrate the dire consequences of a widespread increase in steel prices.
Moreover, Kennedy skillfully employs emotional appeals and carefully selected language to sway both the public and steel companies to his perspective. He purposefully chooses words aimed at provoking a sense of negative emotion and persuasion. For instance, he remarks in the first paragraph that this action "constitutes a wholly unjustifiable and irresponsible defiance of the public interest," positioning steel companies as self-serving and disconnected from "public sentiment." In the second paragraph, he states, "...a tiny handful of steel executives whose pursuit of private power and profit exceeds their sense of public responsibility can show utter contempt for the interests of 185 million Americans," contrasting the scarce group of executives with the vast number of Americans and highlighting their inability to prioritize the common good over their financial gains. Additionally, Kennedy incorporates pathos by referencing the ongoing Vietnam War, addressing the sacrifices required of citizens, "When we are committing our efforts to economic recovery and stability, while asking Reservists to leave their homes and families for extended periods... at a time when every American is being asked for restraint and sacrifices," in stark contrast to the actions of steel firms during this challenging period.
In this compelling address, John F. Kennedy effectively delineates the disparity between "185 million Americans" and a "tiny handful of steel executives" while notably including himself among the 185 million, framing the conversation as a united front against an unnecessary price hike.
Explanation:
