This first book-length analysis of Kennedy's public address defines how he aroused Americans to action. This rigorously researched study offers both an in-depth analysis about the development of President Kennedy as a public speaker with a balanced view of his civil rights, foreign policy, presidential, and other types of speeches. Eight speech text accompany the analysis, along with a selected chronology of major speeches and a bibliography of important primary and secondary sources. This is a reference/teaching tool for students, teachers, and professionals in the fields of rhetoric, political communication, presidential studies, and American history.