The Rhetoric of Balance: An Analysis of Selected Speeches by Anwar El-Sadat.

Anwar el-Sadat's speaking style became a key factor in his ability to maintain a balance between the goals essential to Egypt's future and the position taken by Israelis in the settlement of the Mideast conflict. Three speeches (two addressing the Egyptian National Assembly, one the Israeli Knesset) were examined to explore the rhetorical choices Sadat made as he addressed different cultural audiences. The study shows that as Egypt's position improved, Sadat's use of ornate language increased, and as he became more powerful and important in the settlement of the Mideast conflict, his speeches contained more personal references and fewer impersonal references to Israel as the "enemy." Sadat's ethos in Israel grew as a result of his speeches and his decision to address the Israelis in person. He balanced his personal philosophy with the points of view held by his separate audiences, and he was thereby able to pursue peace despite external Arab opposition. Sadat's rhetoric differed vastly from that of other Arab leaders, who espoused violence and total elimination of the Israeli state, preferring war to communication. (AEW)