In the excerpt from the article "Nixon Resigns" by Carroll Kilpatrick, the speaker's use of language affects the tone by creating a formal and serious tone.
1. The speaker addresses the intense interest of the American people and the individuals present in the room regarding recent developments. This shows a level of respect and seriousness in acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
2. The mention of meeting with members of the bipartisan leadership of Congress at the White House in the Oval Office adds formality to the communication. This setting and context imply a sense of official business and importance, contributing to the serious tone.
3. The language used, such as "bipartisan leadership" and "Oval Office," carries a weight of formality and significance, which aligns with a serious tone suitable for discussing matters of national importance and political leadership.
Therefore, the speaker's use of language in the excerpt from the article "Nixon Resigns" by Carroll Kilpatrick creates a formal and serious tone due to the respectful acknowledgment of public interest, the official setting mentioned, and the formal language employed.