How a Persuasive Essay Saved Edward Kennedy’s Political Career

The writers know full well to take advantage of the hostile audience technique to provide a more intimate connection to the viewers. By denying the persuasive purpose, it changes any previous assumptions the audiences may has on the speaker. Mr. Kennedy says, “The question in my mind of whether my standing among the people of my state has been so impaired that I should resign my seat in the United States Senate” (Kennedy 320). Edward Kennedy fully understands that the purpose of the speech is to save his political career but, by denying the persuasive purpose it shows the audience that he is not greedy for power, morally sorry for his actions, and makes the audience curious.

Edward Kennedy connects with the audience at a personal level to finally persuade the audience. Mr. Kennedy states, “It has been seven years since my first election to the Senate. You and I share many memories-some of them have been glorious, some has been very sad. The opportunity to work with you and serve Massachusetts has made my life worth living” (Kennedy 320). The speech more effective by using words such a “you and I” and “you” because it refers to every one in the audience. By creating a common bond, it turns hostility to friendliness. If the audience is unwilling to listen to the speaker, even if he has the best reasons and supports them, his speech will prove futile on persuasion. Therefore, making the personal relationship knocks down any barriers between the audiences and shows that he is not superior over them.

With his brilliantly constructed speech, Edward Kennedy saved his political career. His brilliant speech persuaded anger to sympathy using techniques such as logical proof, emotional proof, and hostile audience techniques. Mr. Kennedy was not afraid to tell what had occurred. To persuade the audience he needed to convince to them that he is honest. He showed how he tried helplessly to rescue her and never give up hope. He expressed his sorrows what the unfortunate event that happened. Finally, using the hostile audience technique, he redirected the anger to calmness and received countless supports from everyone. This brilliant speech touched the hearts of everyone who listened and most importantly, saved his career.