Rhetorical Study of the Speaking of Calvin Coolidge. Cal's Rhetoric

Calvin Coolidge participated in 15 inaugurals, ran for over 30 elective offices. His speaking contributed to his success and mirrored the conservative mind of his age. Although more flexible than strong, Coolidge was able to impress many as a man of action and conviction. Although he seldom used humor, he knew how to prepare a speech with clearly defined divisions, balanced sentences, and flowing phrases. He usually talked in soothing generalities on the virtues of the Republican Party, the principles of constitutional government, and love of God and country. He organized his material chronologically and often supported his propositions with historical examples. His was primarily a ceremonial rhetoric, never a rhetoric of reform.