5. Roosevelt: The First “Great Communicator” and his Fireside Chats
Description: Franklin Roosevelt was considered a master communicator. This session explores how he used the new mass communication medium of radio to reassure a nervous nation in times of economic and military crisis.
Highlighted Documents/Objects/Digital Features
-Clips from FDR’s banking Fireside Chat (audio)
-Political cartoons showing the reaction to FDR on the radio
-Vintage radio equipment
-Clips of old radio broadcasts (audio)
-“Take out your maps” WWII Fireside Chat (audio)
-Letters from people responding to his chats
Interactive Discussion Topics
-Why was FDR’s use of the radio so effective?
-What tools and techniques did he use in the writing and delivery of his speeches?
-Why did the Fireside Chats strike such a chord with people?
-How well would FDR fare in today’s media world?