In his landmark 1961 inaugural address, John F. Kennedy extensively employs pathos, parallelism, antithesis, and varied syntax to captivate millions of people, particularly to persuade them to stand together and attempt to promote human rights for the “betterment” of the world. Kennedy's effective use of various rhetorical styles succeeds in persuading his audience - the world and US citizens - that his newly won position as president of the United States will be beneficial to everyone. Evident throughout his speech, Kennedy uses a convincing pathetic appeal to keep his audience intrigued. This can be demonstrated when Kennedy initially proclaims, “Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe, that the baton has been passed to a new generation of Americans…” whom he urges to be “unwilling to witness or permit the slow obliteration of… the human rights to which this nation has always been committed…” (Kennedy). Kennedy's use of "we" rather than "I" gives the audience a sense of existing as part of something large, perhaps a family, while painting Kennedy as a popular president who desires to be a "person in the crowd ". Throughout his speech, Kennedy establishes pathos primarily by appealing to American patriotism, a significant concept during the Cold War period in which Americans needed a jingoistic spirit to succeed. By reminding the public of their ancestors and instigating parallels between "the first revolution" and the current generation, "born in this century, hardened by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage", the president captures the concept public attention. It also highlights the value of freedom and this generation's dedication to the survival of that value by putting it out there... in the middle of paper... very occasionally to maintain the formality of the speech and to convey the imperative messages to the his audience. The alternation between short and long sentences captures the audience's full attention, allowing Kennedy to convince them that he is fit for his position as president of the United States. Thus, through various rhetorical strategies, Kennedy achieves his goal of gaining favor with viewers by highlighting major current events that were of concern to the American people. These significant concepts include American patriotism and American diplomacy, underlined when he begins four consecutive paragraphs with the same three recurring words: “Let Both Sides.” Kennedy's brilliant use of pathos, parallelism, antithesis and varied syntax successfully conveys his ambitions and hopes for America, as it makes Kennedy's speech truly memorable in history.