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The Daily Insight

Why did they call Ronald Reagan the great communicator?

Author

Sarah Oconnor

Updated on February 28, 2026

Reagan’s effectiveness as a public speaker earned him the moniker, “Great Communicator.” Former Reagan speechwriter Ken Khachigian wrote, “What made him the Great Communicator was Ronald Reagan’s determination and ability to educate his audience, to bring his ideas to life by using illustrations and word pictures to …

Who wrote Ronald Reagan’s speeches?

Visalia, California, U.S. Kenneth L. Khachigian (born September 14, 1944, in Visalia, California) is an American political consultant, speechwriter, and attorney. He is best known for being a longtime aide to President Richard Nixon and chief speechwriter to President Ronald Reagan.

Who is a great communicator?

The best communicators are the ones that are aware of their own contributions to the conversation, and know how best to help the flow of dialogue. Communication for the sake of it is not very helpful. Great communicators will know when a contribution is needed, and when it’s best to let others take the floor.

What made Ronald Reagan qualified to give the challenger speech?

Reagan narrows his focus to the first and most affected sub-audience: the families of the fallen. He acknowledges the inappropriateness of suggesting how they should feel and offers praise they can take hold of with words like “daring,” “brave,” “special grace,” and “special spirit.”

What did Reagan promise?

Reagan promised a restoration of the nation’s military strength at a time when 60% of Americans polled felt defense spending was too low. Reagan also promised an end to “trust me government”, and to restore economic health by implementing a supply-side economic policy.

What skills do great communicators have?

Here are six qualities that all good communicators have in common that you can use to both train those around you and improve your own abilities:

  • They are honest. In the short-term, it can be easier to be untruthful.
  • They are proactive.
  • They ask good questions.
  • They listen.
  • They are concise.
  • They are reliable.

What was the point of the Challenger speech?

By mentioning the Challenger Seven a last time, he returns to the original purpose of his speech, tying it up like a gift-wrapped bread machine from Younkers. His assertion that the astronauts honored us simply for being who they were is a crafty bit of ethos.

What happened to the Challenger?

The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurred on January 28, 1986, when the NASA’s Space Shuttle Challenger broke up 73 seconds after liftoff. All seven crew members were killed. It was the 25th flight of a Space Shuttle. During the flight, hot gases escaped from the O-ring and made it break apart.