Sample Speech

From Ehninger, Douglas, et al. Principles and Types of Speech Communication. 9^th Ed. Glenview, IL: Scott, Forseman and Co., 1986.

The following speech, delivered to a joint session of Congress on December 8, 1941, was President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s message requesting a declaration of war against Japan. Before that date, the United States had been negotiating around the clock with that nation to keep the peace; and, seemingly, all was going well. Then suddenly, on Sunday morning, December 7, the Japanese launched a massive, surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, sinking eight American battleships and other smaller craft and leveling planes and airfields.

The nation was numbed; Congress was indignant; and the President moved quickly. The joint session was held in the House chamber. The galleries were overflowing, and the speech was broadcast worldwide.

Notice the President’s strategies, particularly his use of supporting materials and motivational appeals. Paragraphs 2 and 3 are cast in narrative form so that background information would be easy to comprehend. Paragraph 4 offers the only comparatively detailed illustration Roosevelt obviously felt that short, quick specific instances, constructed in parallel fashion in Paragraphs 5 through 10-would have greater impact, especially as they could be molded into a reinforcing summary of American beliefs and attitudes in Paragraph 11. The President then was in a position to call for a solution to the problem—the declaration of war—via a series of motivational appeals to power, pride, patriotism, fear, and reverence. Few speeches have ever more efficiently used such a variety of supporting materials and motivational appeals.

For a Declaration of War Against Japan 9 Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Introduction	TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES: Yesterday, December 7, 1941--a date which will live in infamy--the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. / 1
Body Background orientation—Narration of the problem	The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor, looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack. /2
Statement of the Problem	It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese government had deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. /3
Illustration	The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. /4
Specific instances	Yesterday the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. /5 Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. /6 Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. /7 Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. /8 Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. /9 This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island. /10
Reinforcing summary	Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation./11
Solution	As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. /12
Appeal to defense	Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. /13
Appeal to power and pride	No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. /14
Appeal to patriotism	I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again. 115
Overcoming fear	Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our Territory, and our interests are in grave danger. /l6
Reverence for strength, nation, and God	With confidence in our armed forces--with the unbounded determination of our people--we will gain the inevitable triumph--so help us God./17
Conclusion Appeal to aggression	I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire./18