JFK persuades the UN to ban nuclear testings

This is a video I found that shows JFK's attempt to persuade the United Nations to vote for a ban on nuclear testing. The first thing that I considered when watching this speech was the audience. I think JFK did a really good job of speaking slowly and clearly enough for the people whose first language is not english. By speaking slowly, JFK also makes his points very clear.

The intoduction to the speech starts out with some prett heavy pathos. JFK starts the speech by mentioning a government official who recently died. I'm not sure who he is talking about, but his audience must have been familiar with him. JFK uses this man's passing as the reason why he must speak about nuclear testing. I think this is an excellent attention-getter.

JFK goes on to persuade the UN that nuclear testing and nuclear war must be banned world-wide. He uses strong words such as, "we must" and "resposibility, in order to include the audience and bring the issue closer to home. In reference to nuclear war, JFK uses phrases like "end of the world" and "threats to peace". Towards the end of the speech, JFK warns the UN that they must "save the planet or parish in it's flames." His use of powerful language is alarming and makes one recognize the seriousness of the situation.

While parts of the speech can seem intense and scary, JFK realized he had to use some positive images and thoughts, otherwise he would lose his audience. JFK does this by mentioning peace throughout his speech. In the conclusion of the speech, JFK makes sure to mention the "blessings of God" because it is reassuring.

I think JFK does a good job in convincing the UN of his position. He maintains good body language throughout the speech, however, I think he looks at his notes too often and it is often distracting.