On January 17th, 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave his “Farewell Address.” This speech, appropriately named, was the last speech he would give as President of the United States of America. The opening remarks set a precedent for the rest of the speech, in which he expresses his gratitude. To both the television and radio networks for broadcasting his speech, from a press box within the white house, allowing it to reach into millions of homes nation wide. This gratitude is the basis in which this speech is written.
The introduction reaches to out bind the listener with the speaker, in the fact that they are both Citizens of America, and what that represents. The thesis is clearly stated:
“This evening, I come to you with a message of leave-taking and farewell, and to share a few final thoughts with you, my countrymen.”
Speaking using chronological order, the transitional phrases are; We now, Throughout, Progress towards, and Until the latest. The audience's is interest is peaked by going over events that have been relevant, in many cases life altering, to them in the course of his service.
Credibility is built through his tenure at West Point, his military career during war, post war, and finally with his eight year residency at the white house, all of which are referred to in the beginning of the speech. No external sources are used within his speech, his information is drawn from self experience, and first hand accounts. Overall, the message received is one of gratitude, of accomplishments achieved, and of accomplishments that are still yet to be. The introduction is tied into the conclusion leaving the audience with:
“Now, on Friday noon, I am to become a private citizen. I am proud to do so. I look forward to it.”
