Inaugurating the Presidency Kathleen Hall Jamieson Karlyn Kohrs

Inaugurating the Presidency Kathleen Hall Jamieson & Karlyn Kohrs Campbell

Characteristics of Inaugural Addresses • Epideictic – Ceremonial – Rite of passage – Swear an oath • Symbolic rather than substantive – Transition – “a new start” • Transcending – “addresses timely questions timelessly” – Memorable phrases that resonate – Can be said at many points throughout history almost verbatim and remain rhetorically appropriate & significant

• Nostalgic – Recall the past • Theatrical/ Performative – Employ a noble and dignified linguistic style – Rehearsed rather than impromptu • Employ explicit appeals for unity – Patriotic duty – Solidarity • Speculate about the future – Inspirational

Rhetorical Functions of Inaugural Speeches

1) Unify the audience – Assures those who did not vote for him that their rights will be protected – Eliminates divisiveness along party lines – Assures solidarity in times of war, crisis, or economic recession

2) Rehearse communal values – Recollections from a shared past • Memoria- use of the principles, policies, and presidencies of the past – Reconstitute community • Unifies the audience and warrants present and future action

3) Set forth political philosophy that will govern the new administration – Incites Contemplation • Amplifies admitted facts and tries to impress ideas upon the audience without action as a goal – Language of continuing principles • Conservationism • Preservation • Maintainence

4) Demonstrate worthiness of the presidency and recognize limitations of office – Set forth executive initiatives while affirming the balance of power • References to God, Congress, and “the people” – Manifest his ability to lead

Factors that affect audience reception of the address 1) Personal characteristics of the speaker 2) Political & economic climate 3) Medium through which the speech is heard 4) Weather