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Non-verbal and Verbal Communication

(JFK's Inaugural Address and MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech)

1. Intro (Overview of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication)

"Verbal and Non- Verbal languages are imperative for effective communication. Verbal

communication encompasses the use of words orally to pass a message (Doyle). To

communicate effectively verbally, the choice of words and tonal variation is essential. On the

other hand, non-verbal communication involves using body movements, facial expressions, hand

gestures, and eye contact to emphasize the message (Cherry). However, body movements should

synchronize with the spoken word for message emphasis. Furthermore, the general appearance of

the speaker is part of non-verbal communication. By merging verbal and non-verbal language in

communication, effective message presentation is guaranteed. This essay analyzes John F.

Kennedy's inaugural speech and Martin Luther's "I have a dream" speech to show how they used

their body movements and paralanguage to perfectly present their contrasting messages.

2. John F. Kennedy use of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

John F. Kennedy Inaugural speech presents us with a powerful depiction of the two

elements of communication. He gave it on January 20 at the Swear-in ceremony to become the

35th president of America. As a newly elected president, this was his chance to convey his vision
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for America and induct citizens hope in him. Firstly, his voice was audible and confident enough

for the eager citizens to hear. Audibility is very important because it ensures the audience can

perfectly hear one's words. If one cannot be heard, then the message cannot be understood.

Furthermore, the message one is presenting serves as the determining factor for

paralanguage. Paralanguage is the employment of pitch, intonation, speaking speed, and word

choice in communication (Ritchie). Kennedy used them to almost perfect synchrony. His speech

is filled with pauses and emphasis on the American dream. As he begins greeting the

congregation, he pauses each time he identifies the audience. For instance, "Vice President

Johnson… (pause), Mr. Speaker…(pause)… Mr. Chief Justice… (Pause) (Kennedy). By

pausing, he allows the audience time to grasp the momentary identity of the greeted public figure

before heading to the next one. As he continues his speech, he pauses every moment before

passing a critical point.

Next, his non-verbal language supplements his message. He looks directly at the audience

to show camaraderie and readiness for service. Former President Kennedy only looks down

when reading extracts of the speech. Direct eye contact with the audience gains their attention,

making sure they listen attentively and follow through. Furthermore, he clenches his fist, hitting

the podium to emphasize his main points. For instance, as he says, "… for I hold in this mortal

hand, the power to abolish (hits the podium), all forms of human poverty (hits the podium) …"

(Kennedy). His facial expression when uttering these words is contorted and dire, showing that

he means every word of it. His word choice, such as inclusivity, freedom, human rights, and

peace, emphasizes the more excellent vision, goals, and service his administration would do to

American citizens. Kennedy would have improved his speech by repeating words like
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employment, the American dream, and future to show his love and ambition of the ordinary

citizen.

3. Martin Luther Use of Verbal and Non- Verbal Communication

Martin Luther King Jn. Speech "I Have a Dream" is considered one of the greatest in

history. He gave it on August 28 in Washington District at the peak of the civil rights

movement. Luther's main message advocated for freedom and equality for African Americans

and the opportunity to achieve the American dream. In contrast to Kennedy's speech for

empowering America, he was driven by racial discrimination and Blacks' future. However, their

mode of presenting their messages was rich in both verbal and non-verbal communication. Like

Kennedy, Luther's speech is filled with pauses, momentary hesitations, and confident audibility.

His tonal variation keeps on changing, his voice rising to the climax of his speech. The pitch that

is highness and lowness of voice expresses one's attitude and emotions towards the subject

matter (Kim). Luther's speech is passionate, and it is evident in his strained and sharp voice. For

instance, when he says, "…but one hundred years later, the negro still is not free…), a deep

feeling of forlornness hits his audience. His voice stretches and takes a poetic note.

But what distinguishes Luther's speech from others is his reputation. He uses repetition to

emphasize, to make it memorable and lyrical. It makes the audience remember fragments of his

speech even after he is done delivering it. Even in his other speeches, Luther employed

reputation, often leaving certain words engrossed permanently in his audience's minds. This

contrasts with Kennedy's direct presentation of the message. The refrained words carry the main

message. He constantly repeats the words Negro, freedom, and rights. Furthermore, he repeats

the phrase "I have a Dream" eight times to seal his message of the American future. His non-

verbal language synchronizes with his verbal message to give the speech a powerful impact.
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Luther, like Kennedy, looks directly into the people, only bowing down to read the written script.

This ensures a direct focus on the audience who are part of the event.

Furthermore, it shows confidence in his message making the audience want for more. He

often shakes his head to show disbelief, like when he says, "… the negro lives on a lonely island

of poverty, amid a vast ocean of material prosperity" (Junior). Every time he utters "I have a

dream," he pauses at the audience before proceeding. This creates suspense as the audience wait

to hear more. Both Kennedy and Luther used it to hold people's attention. His body movements

increase as he draws close to a conclusion. His face shows determination and profound

induction. His voice raises high and high, and the audience begins to chant "yes" to his

statements. The whole communication process wounds up together with the speaker, audience,

and message, all in cohesion. His head's movements become furious, and his face tilts upward as

he utters, "Let freedom rain from Stonewall of Georgia…" (Junior). Luther effectively

communicated his dream of hope for African Americans with his strained high voice and

aggressive body movements. Luther could have improved his speech by employing hand

movements like clasping them together to show the unity of African Americans in fighting for

equality.

4. Speech Structures of The Two Orators

Now lets us look at the speech structures of the two orators. Both have a beginning, body,

and end. At the beginning of Kennedy's speech, he inducts his major point, which involves

offering greater opportunities to American citizens. On the other hand, Luther grounds his

message of hope and equality for Blacks in America. By doing so, the two introduce the

audience to the general theme of their speech. In the body, they emphasize their themes. For

instance, Kennedy asserts, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for
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your country." This shows that he expected Americans to work hard instead of relying on the

government. Luther refrains "I have a dream" to emphasize hope for a better tomorrow. Both

conclude their speeches on a high note summarizing their themes.

5. Conclusion

It is imperative to note how the two used verbal and non-verbal communication to give

powerful speeches. Although most people only notice oral language, non-verbal communication

plays a crucial role in communication. If you remove body language and paralanguage elements

in the two speeches, the message's confidence and conviction get lost. Research shows that

nonverbal communication takes 93% of the communication process (Lapakko 7). Therefore, we

try to use our gestures and body movements in complementing what we say orally. This not only

empowers our communication skills but also enables us to appreciate our body parts as tools of

communication. Kennedy's and Luther's speeches offer us important lessons on communication

skills. The two great orators mainly show the importance of synchronizing our words with our

bodies. This educates us that our words may be of less impact if plainly delivered. It is how we

say them and how we act when saying them that defines their impact on the audience. Thus, our

actions should complement our oral communication. In doing so, our communication skills will

be significantly improved. "

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Work Cited

Cherry, Kendra. "Types of Nonverbal Communication." Verywell Mind, July 27, 2020,

www.verywellmind.com/types-of-nonverbal-communication-2795397.

Doyle, Alison. "List of Verbal Communication Skills Employers Seek." The Balance Careers,

2015, www.thebalancecareers.com/verbal-communication-skills-list-2059698.

Junior, Martin L. K. "Martin Luther King - I Have a Dream Speech - August 28, 1963."

YouTube, January 20, 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=smEqnnklfYs.

Kennedy, John F. "President John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address." YouTube, January 16, 2011,

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEC1C4p0k3E.

Key, Mary Ritchie. "Paralanguage and Kinesics (Nonverbal Communication)." ERIC, 1975,

eric.ed.gov/?id=ED143053.

Kim. "The Power of Pitch: Change Your Tone for Better Stress and Intonation in English •

English with Kim." English with Kim, May 16, 2017, englishwithkim.com/pitch-tone-

stress-intonation-english/.

Lapakko, David. "Communication Is 93% Nonverbal: An Urban Legend Proliferates."

Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal, vol. 34, no. 2, 2007, pp.

7–19, cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=ctamj.