FDR’s First Fireside Chat - March 12, 1933

FDR’s March 12, 1933 radio address on the banking crisis made a powerful impression on the public. His familiar speaking style made people feel as if he were sitting in their homes speaking directly to them.

The press soon labeled the speech a “Fireside Chat.” This term became associated with a series of informal radio addresses FDR made on important issues during his presidency. He used these speeches to bypass Congress and the press and speak directly to the nation.

Though the Fireside Chats seemed informal, Roosevelt carefully crafted them for his radio listeners. They usually ran for about thirty minutes and were generally delivered on Sunday evenings, when radio audiences were largest. Only a few radio technicians and advisers were in the room when FDR spoke. Roosevelt talked in a clear, informal, conversational style that featured intimate phrasing—including familiar expressions and terms like “we” and “you.” He imagined himself speaking to individuals, rather than a group. He spoke firmly, but softly, and deliberately slowed the pace of his speaking. The result was a new and powerful manner of presidential communication that inspired thousands of letters which often aided FDR in his political battles.

Roosevelt limited the number of his Fireside Chats, believing their impact would decline if he took to the airways too often. During his presidency, he made only thirty-one of them.

Radio microphone, Early 1930s
FDR used this RCA model 4-A-1 carbon condenser microphone to deliver some of his Fireside Chats from the White House.