Rhetorical Devices
Nixon describes his daughters’ emotional attachment to their dog. Explain which rhetorical device he uses here and why it strengthens his argument.
Pathos; it appeals to family emotions and makes him seem relatable.
Nixon’s speech responds to accusations about a political fund. Explain what he wants the audience to believe about his involvement.
He wants them to believe he never misused or benefited improperly from the fund.
Nixon explains that he and his wife do not own expensive property. Explain how this fact supports his overall argument.
It shows he isn’t wealthy or corrupt, supporting his claim of honesty.
Nixon presents detailed financial records. Identify the appeal and explain why it is effective in defending his integrity.
Logos; evidence makes his argument logical and verifiable.
Nixon uses the story of Checkers to make himself relatable. Explain how this anecdote functions as a rhetorical strategy.
It’s an anecdote that makes him seem relatable and trustworthy.
Nixon lists specific details about his personal finances. Identify the device and explain how it helps him counter accusations.
Logos; factual details show transparency and counter claims of wrongdoing.
The speech was broadcast on national television. Explain how this medium shaped Nixon’s rhetorical choices.
Television required a conversational, personal tone to connect with viewers at home
Nixon mentions that his wife wears simple, inexpensive clothing. Explain how this detail contributes to his image.
It reinforces the image of a humble, down‑to‑earth family.
Nixon describes his daughters’ affection for the dog. Identify the appeal and explain how it shifts the audience’s focus.
Pathos; it evokes warmth and shifts attention to family values.
The dog symbolizes qualities Nixon wants voters to associate with him. Explain what those qualities are and how the symbolism works.
Honesty, family values, and innocence; the dog symbolizes these traits.
Nixon repeatedly emphasizes his modest upbringing. Explain which rhetorical strategy this represents and how it shapes the audience’s perception of him.
Ethos; it builds credibility by presenting him as an ordinary, hardworking American.
Nixon needed support from his own party’s leadership. Explain why convincing this specific audience was essential for his political survival.
Their support determined whether he stayed on the ticket, so persuading them was crucial.
Nixon provides a breakdown of his income and expenses. Explain why presenting this type of evidence is persuasive in the context of the accusations.
It provides concrete evidence, making his defense harder to dismiss.
Nixon emphasizes his honesty and moral character. Identify the appeal and explain how it strengthens his credibility.
Ethos; it strengthens his credibility as an honest public servant.
Nixon uses the Checkers story to redirect attention away from accusations. Explain what he shifts the focus toward and why that shift matters.
He shifts focus to his character and family life, which are harder to attack.
Nixon contrasts his own transparency with the idea of politicians having “secret funds.” Identify the device and explain how the contrast supports his defense.
Contrast/antithesis; it highlights his honesty by comparing himself to less transparent politicians.
Nixon repeatedly highlights his honesty and simple lifestyle. Explain how these details help him build trust with the American public.
These details build trust by showing he lives modestly and has nothing to hide.
Nixon says the only gift he ever accepted and kept was a dog. Explain how this fact helps him frame the accusations as exaggerated or unfair.
It reframes the accusations as trivial by showing the “gift” was harmless.
Nixon criticizes the idea of politicians using “secret funds.” Identify the appeal and explain how it positions him as more trustworthy than his opponents.
Ethos; it positions him as more ethical than unnamed opponents.
The Checkers story humanizes Nixon. Explain how personal narrative can influence public perception in political communication.
Personal narrative makes him appear human and sincere, not just political.
Nixon includes a personal story about receiving a dog as a gift. Identify the rhetorical technique and explain why personal storytelling is effective in political speeches.
Anecdote; personal stories create emotional connection and humanize the speaker.
Nixon urges viewers to contact the Republican National Committee. Explain what action he wants them to take and why this call to action is strategically placed near the end of the speech.
He wants them to demand he remain the VP candidate, using public pressure as leverage.
Nixon describes his children’s reaction to the dog. Explain how this moment supports his rhetorical strategy and influences the audience emotionally.
It creates emotional appeal that distracts from the accusations and builds sympathy
Nixon explains why he accepted the dog and why he kept it. Identify the two appeals at work and explain how they reinforce each other.
Ethos + Pathos; credibility and emotion work together to make his defense compelling.
The emotional impact of the Checkers story strengthens Nixon’s broader persuasive goal. Explain how this emotional connection supports his defense.
Emotional connection increases audience sympathy, making them more likely to support him.