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Conversation 006-135

TapeTape 6StartSaturday, July 3, 1971 at 6:16 PMEndSaturday, July 3, 1971 at 6:17 PMTape start time02:46:49Tape end time02:47:30ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Andrews, John K., Jr.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon consulted with John K. Andrews, Jr. to clarify the correct pronunciation of the word "valedictory" for an upcoming presidential address. The brief exchange confirmed the stress placement on the third syllable and verified that preparations for the speech were finalized. Andrews informed the President that his requested revisions had been incorporated and the text was ready for delivery.

Presidential speechesLinguistic consultationSpeechwritingPreparationCommunication
AudioNARA Description

On July 3, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and John K. Andrews, Jr. talked on the telephone from 6:16 pm to 6:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-135 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 6-135

Date: July 3, 1971
Time: 6:16 pm - 6:17 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with John K. Andrews, Jr.

     Pronunciation of "valedictory"

     President's forthcoming address
Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

Yeah.
Mr. Andrews there.
Yeah.
Yes, sir, Mr. President.
Hello.
Say, what is, what do you, how do you pronounce the, that valedictory?
Do you put the, on the dick or the tory?
Is it valedictory?
It's, you see what I mean?
Well.
It's a rather awkward, awkward word.
Valedictorian.
Well, valedictorian is the way you pronounce that, but when you call it valedictory address.
I think the accented syllable is D-I-C, valedictory.
Valedictory.
That would be my thought.
Okay.
Thank you.
You got it all ironed out, ready to go?
Oh, yeah.
It's fine.
Yeah.
I made a couple, a few more changes, but we're all set.
Well, we'll look forward to it.
It's all set.
Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
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