Final answer:
Fireside chats were effective because they created a sense of intimacy and reassurance by making the listeners feel like they were having a personal conversation with the president.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fireside chats were effective because they created a sense of intimacy and reassurance. President Roosevelt spoke directly to the people using simple terms and a reassuring tone, invoking a family patriarch sitting by the fire. This form of communication made the listeners feel like they were having a personal conversation with the president, building a sense of trust and connection.