Analysis of a speech by James A. Baker

In order to analyze Baker's speech and the effectiveness of its message, it is necessary to first develop a criteria for analysis based on persuasion theory and research. One of the most important elements in persuasive communication is establishing a central theme and sticking to it. According to Humes, the central theme should be repeated periodically throughout the speech (Humes, 1988, p. 31). However, the

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ht blow America up or that Soviet Communism might seep into the country. Baker then moves on by telling his audience about the need that Americans now share in the wake of the Soviet collapse. Now that the Soviet Empire has dissolved, it is vitally important that the United States develop a new relationship with the republics of East Europe. Having established this need, Baker then helps his audience to visualize both the opportunities and the dangers of the situation. On the positive side, he notes that the collapse of the Soviet Empire provides "a situation in which the West can play an important supporting role" (Baker, 1992, p. 163). On the negative side, he warns that failure to take appropriate action might result in America "paying" the way it had to pay "with the collapse of the promising democratic revolution in Petrograd in February 1917" (p. 163). Baker also helps the audience to visualize some of the specific ways in which America will have to pay for its failure to satisfy this important need. Using a triad formulation, Baker claims that failure on this issue will result in: (1) continued proliferation of nuclear arms in East Europe, (2) a lack of democratic values in East Europe, and (3) economic problems
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2426
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page)