Robert Kennedy talks the way he does partly due to his rhetorical style and partly because of a neurological voice condition. Rhetorically, Robert F. Kennedy was known for using empathetic, moderate tones combined with direct, contemplative, and emotional speech that often drew on personal involvement. His speeches used simple yet sophisticated language, emotional appeals, repetition, and rhetorical devices like anaphora and antithesis to connect with and move his audience. He spoke from the heart with a style that was often lyrical and evocative, particularly during emotionally charged events such as his speech after Martin Luther King's assassination. His speaking style aimed to inspire hope, social responsibility, and compassion, and was marked by personal conviction and direct engagement with his listeners.

Physiologically, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s distinctive voice, characterized by a quiver and a strained or raspy quality, is caused by spasmodic dysphonia, a rare neurological disorder affecting the muscles controlling the vocal cords. This condition causes involuntary spasms that disrupt the voice, making it sound broken or strangled. Kennedy has had this condition for decades and receives treatments such as botulinum toxin injections to manage it. This neurological basis influences how his voice sounds during speaking engagements, adding to his unique vocal presence.

In summary, Robert Kennedy's way of speaking reflects both his powerful rhetorical skill designed to connect and persuade emotionally and a neurological voice disorder that shapes the sound of his spoken voice.