In his inaugural speech January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy created a very memorable quote, “And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

That statement IS one of the most repeated parts of a speech ever.  It is a wonderful quote.  But, the whole speech is a wonderful speech filled with quotes that we should pay more attention to.

In this post we will focus on two of those quotes that use a technique called contrast.

The first comes very early in the speech.  I have included the audio and full text below for your benefit.

In a nuclear age and a technological boom, the youngest president at the time realized the wonderful position we were in as far as what we could create as he stated, “The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.”

Wow, was all I could say to myself as I read that.  What a wonderful “contrast” he used in his speech.  That powerful statement pierced the soul of those listening.  That is an incredible use of contrast in communication.  It has the ability to create powerful emotions.  We had and have the power to END human poverty or END human life.  We get to choose.  What powerful emotions that brings to bear in each of us.

That contrast began a speech that would be remember for all time.

Now let’s look at another example of a more subtle contrast.

Just after the most famous quote (which is a contrast as well), is another powerful statement, “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.“

We are not alone on this planet and we need to seek methods of getting along and helping our brothers and sisters of different countries and races progress.  Right? Wow!  More emotions!  Another contrast.

Martin Luther King, Jr in his “I Have A Dream” speech definitely used contrast.  “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

What a wonderful use of contrast.  Feel the emotion?  I know YOU do!

See the full text of the JFK speech here

Listen to the 13 minute 31 second speech here

Full Audio, Video and Text of “I Have A Dream”here

It is not just the words we utter, it is the emotions that we arouse and incite as we communicate, whether it be in a marketing message, a political message or a sports motivational speech.  We have the power with our communication to change the world.

Are you going to become a world changer?

Let me know by leaving your comments here!!!

Rob.

PS – Check out this list of great speeches