Final answer:
George W. Bush used persuasive language in his First Inaugural Address to communicate his policies and unite the nation by appearing humble and inclusive, utilizing the 'rally 'round the flag' phenomenon, and employing presidential symbolism to enhance his message.
Step-by-step explanation:
In his First Inaugural Address speech, George W. Bush utilized persuasive language to effectively communicate his vision and policy priorities to the American public and to temper the skepticism of his critics. One of his strategies was to appear humble and inclusive, attempting to disarm critics and signal a cooperative administration. Another tactic Bush employed was the 'rally 'round the flag' phenomenon, often using symbolic backdrops or traveling to different states to deliver speeches, thereby uniting citizens through shared nationalistic sentiment.
Furthermore, his discourse was characterized by the appeal to American values and the spirit of resilience, especially after the events of 9/11, which garnered not just national but global attention. Through carefully chosen language and the strategic employment of presidential trappings, Bush was able to manipulate the optics of his messages to lend weight to his words, illustrating the power behind the presidency in shaping public opinion and discourse.