Rhetorical Analysis: A Crisis Of Confidence

A Crisis of Confidence
The 1970s was a rough time for America. America suffered from a lost in the Vietnam War early on, had to deal with the Watergate scandal in 1972 and was having problems with foreign power controlling oil when President Jimmy Carter made his speech, A Crisis of Confidence, to millions of Americans in 1979 in hopes of inspiring them to conserve energy and to raise morale during these difficult times. Carter effectively uses clear and honest words to do this as well as directly speaking to audience about what he needs from them. By doing this, his speech was effective in reassuring Americans that problems would be solved and motivating them.
Throughout his speech, Carter speaks to the Americans in a hopes that all and anyone can understand without much background knowledge of politics. He is trying to convey the problem then follow up with a solution without sugarcoating anything but at the same time reach everyone in his country. By speaking honestly and openly to his audience, it allows Carter to explain to his audience what he intends to do to fix the problems but also what he needs from the audience. He openly admits that there are faults in the nation and that “Our people are losing that faith, not only in government itself but in the ability as citizens to serve as the ultimate rulers and shapers of our

democracy,” and mentions them to appear open to his audience. His open language shows that he is trying to connect with his audience and create a bond with them. He adds to this by even addressing the Americans directly and asking for their help during this difficult time.
Towards the end of the speech, Carter calls directly to the audience and asks them for their help.

He lists solutions for conserving energy then speaks directly to them “...to take no unnecessary trips, to use carpools or public transportation whenever you can, to park your car one extra day per week, to obey the speed limit, and to set your thermostats to save fuel,” By speaking directly to his audience, he shows that no one is alone in this dire time and uses this to unify them. He also mentions that these acts of energy conservation is “an act of patriotism” as an appeal to Americans emotions and duty to serve their

country.
Many believe that Carter’s speech was not efficient in its message. The tone of the speech could be taken as condescending, rather than inspiring. Carter’s words can been seen as trying to guilt the citizens and blame them for all the problems America was dealing with.
President Carter’s speech is effective because he made American aware of the problems in the nation as well as offering solutions to the problems. He acknowledged that everyone needs to work together to fix the problems without sugarcoating anything. His speech inspired many Americans to look at how they were wasting energy and encouraged them to conserve energy for the better of the nation. Without this speech, America’s morale during this tough time may have deteriorated even more.