IntroductionPoliticians frequently receive negative publicity from their own use of language. Their uses of words in relation to persuasion generally fall into one of the three dimensions of language functions, semantic or thematic. Often, their persuasive language closely resembles one of these three categories simultaneously. There are many tools for analyzing persuasive symbols, many of which should be used when analyzing great communicators such as President Ronald Reagan. In response to the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger on January 28, 1986, in which seven brave Americans gave their lives. President Ronald Reagan made history with his famous speech, which not only served to address this great tragedy, but also served as a focal point of comfort for the grieving nation. He paid tribute to the seven heroes who fell that morning on their way to space; he expressed gratitude to NASA for its past developments and encouraged further exploration. Ronald Reagan was a great communicator, a charismatic persuader whose words focused the message through the use of persuasive symbols. This article is not intended to be an exhaustive guide to the analysis of persuasive symbols, but will guide the reader sufficiently to be more perceptive of persuasive language. Tools for Analyzing Language Dimensions and Persuasive Symbols First, a brief history of the three dimensions of language. discussed throughout this article. The previously mentioned functional, semantic or thematic dimensions of language are often used in parallel with each other. Therefore, it is important to be able to identify them as they occur and differentiate between these dimensions middle of paper......and be able to persuade one's audience to accept one's simplistic discourse. worldviews. He makes it easier to rationalize his position through his strategic use of sentence structure and word choice. When analyzing a past speech or interpreting a speech as delivered, top priority should be given to analytical tools to analyze persuasive symbols and language. Whether the subject matter is driven by strong emotions as is the case here or not, the audience can easily be swayed in a surprisingly direction based solely on universal understanding. ReferencesLarson, CU (2010). Persuasion: Welcome and Responsibility. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Co. Reagan, Ronald. “Discourse on the Space Shuttle Challenger Tragedy.” American rhetoric. IN. January 28, 1986. Presidential speech.