Interdependence

The ability of the spoken word to communicate better or worse than the spoken word depends upon the talents of both the speaker and the writer. Speeches are little more than the verbal manifestation of the written word and the power of each is effectiveness of one is dependent upon the other. Speeches when given with the appropriate rhythm, intensity, and tone are capable of eliciting a greater emotional response than prose. A speech written by a powerful and talented writer in the hands of a speaker who does not adhere properly to the writer’s voice or punctuation becomes little more than an announcement.
Kennedy may well have been a great President, and might have given more impassioned speeches than the one in which he announced the Cuban Missile Crisis but in this case his delivery did not do this text justice. It may be an effect of his charming back east accent, but often throughout this speech he does not adhere to the punctuation ascribed rhythm. The transcript which he likely had before him read this way, “But this secret, swift, and extraordinary buildup” a reader might well have assumed his copy looked like this, “But this secret swift and extraordinary buildup.” Such a rhythmic device when used correctly gives the words a greater degree of emotional strength.
When Kennedy announced the Cuban Missile Crisis he was given a text which in its written form was likely to elicit a great degree of emotion, specifically fear. Perhaps when he practiced this speech his listener felt too a great a degree emotion. In this case the written version of this speech held a greater degree of power than its verbal companion.