“We choose to go to the Moon” Speech Summary, Text, & Analysis

If you are looking for a simple overview of President John F. Kennedy’s “We choose to go to the Moon” speech, a summary, text, and analysis have been provided for you. JFK’s impact has affected perceptions of space expansion beyond its initial delivery at Rice University in 1962. His speech has continued to inspire Americans, leading to the eventual arrival of man on the moon.

“We choose to go to the Moon” Speech Summary

“We choose to go to the Moon” Speech Text

The Yoodli AI-powered speech coach provides this text for “We choose to go to the Moon” speech:

"We meet in an hour of change and challenge in a decade of hope and fear. In an age of both knowledge and ignorance, the greater our knowledge increases, the greater our ignorance unfolds. No man can fully grasp how far and how fast we have come, but condense, if you will, the 50,000 years of man’s recorded history in a time span of about a half a century stated in these terms. We know very little about the first 40 years except at the end of them, advanced man had learned to use the skins of animals to cover them.

Then about 10 years ago, under this standard man emerged from his caves to construct other kinds of shelter. Only five years ago, man learned to write and use a cot with wheels. Christianity began less than two years ago. The printing crest came this year, and then less than two months ago. During this whole 50 year span of human history, the steam engine provided a new source of power. Newton explored the meaning of gravity.

Last month, electric lights and telephones and automobiles and airplanes became available only. Last week, we developed penicillin and television and nuclear power. This is a breathtaking pace and such a pace cannot help but create new ills as it dispels old. So it is not surprising that some would have us stay where we are a little longer to rest, to wait. If this capsule history of our progress teaches us anything, it is that man in his quest for knowledge and progress is determined and cannot be deterred.

We shall send to the moon 240,000 miles away, a giant rocket, more than 300 feet tall on an untried mission to an unknown celestial body, and then return it safely to earth. But why? Some say the moon, why choose this is our goal, and they may well ask, why climb the highest mountain? Why 35 years ago by the Atlantic, we choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon.

We choose to go to the moon in this decay and do the other things. Not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills because that challenge is one that we’re willing to accept. One, we are unwilling to postpone, and therefore, as we set sail, we ask God’s blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked."

“We choose to go to the Moon” Speech Analysis

The general public and scholars alike have analyzed JFK’s “man on the moon” speech, yet the Yoodli AI-powered speech coach provides an accessible speech analysis. The tool provides feedback on various components of speech, including word choice and delivery. You can view the full results here.

Word Choice

President JFK received high rankings overall. The only significant improvement Yoodli suggests is the presence of the words “so” and “very”, which may weaken the content of his speech. Yet, JFK’s deliberate usage of these words likely emphasized his deliberation and overall encouragement of sending man to the moon.

Furthermore, JFK’s top keywords included “moon” and “man”, a perfect indication of the content of his speech.

Delivery

In the Delivery category, Yoodli provides scored feedback on both Pacing and Pauses. JFK’s speech scored well in each category, maintaining a conversational pace with minor suggestions for improvement. Overall, this reflects his successful speech delivery which remains a pivotal moment in time.

Wrapping Up

If you enjoyed this “We choose to go to the Moon” speech summary, text, and analysis, sign up for a free Yoodli account to receive the same feedback on any speech you upload or record. Continue to improve your public speaking skills and communication in any context or setting with Yoodli and you may one day have an impact paralleling JFK.