Question

Read the following speech as if you were delivering it to a group of people.

John F. Kennedy
Inaugural Address
Friday, January 20, 1961 (excerpt)
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility--I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it--and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.
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.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

What tone did you use for the speech and why?

Answer 1

Confident and Humble

Step-by-step explanation:

This is an inaugural address, meaning that the speaker, John F. Kennedy, was just elected into office. When Kennedy says, "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility--I welcome it," it shows that he is confident in his abilities to strengthen the country. This might seem as if he is being egocentric; however, later in the speech, he mentions "our country" and "my fellow Americans" meaning that he has put himself on the same level as the readers/listeners. He makes himself seem equally John F. Kennedy the president and John F. Kennedy the person.