Abstract

The communicative success of Ronald Reagan is as much indisputable a datum as its interpretation is controversial. Starting from an evaluation of the political character in his context, the article underlines the emotional component in Reagan's communication, and focuses on the verbal component of his speech to the Nation. More specifi cally, a linguistic analysis is here offered of the fi rst inaugural address on cognitive-metaphorical basis, developed in visual and emotional perspective, supporting the thesis of the montage as one of the main underpinnings of the persuasive effectiveness of Ronald Reagan's discourse.