Let's complete our comparison of "First Fireside Chat" to other presidential speeches with something quite close to us today. President Obama took office in 2009, right as America was suffering the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. (Source)

How do you know it was so bad? Well, they dubbed it the Great Recession.

President Obama discusses the economic problems in his inaugural address (always a president's first formal speech to the nation). So the context is different than a fireside chat—even though FDR's "First Fireside Chat" was a mere eight days into his presidency.

Obama starts out pretty formally, saying,

"I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors." (Source)

It's a little more flowery than "My friends," but it's still a powerful line that gives a nod to the American people. Bonus: it reaches out for a connection through the use of the word "humbled."

As you probably know from plowing through "First Fireside Chat," economic problems get worse with fear and better with confidence. FDR and Reagan both commented on the power of those forces and—no surprise here—Obama does the same:

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

He even references that same recovery option that FDR used in the New Deal:

"The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act—not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges…"

Roosevelt's recovery plan included boosting construction and infrastructure jobs, so it looks like Obama did his history research. (A+, Obama.)

Lastly, Obama ends his speech in a similar was as Roosevelt, with a message of hope and determination. He references George Washington's troops at Valley Forge and how they gritted their teeth to get through the hopeless winter and conquer their enemy. Obama says,

"[…] with hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end […]"

Note to future presidents: it's probably smart to follow in the footsteps of these presidents (FDR, Reagan, Obama, and many others) and end your speeches with a nod to the past and an eye to the future. Because that's a combination that really hits a one-two punch of inspirational.