Introduction
While there are many techniques and strategies to a great speech, learning from real life situations and real people could be a game changer. Listed here in random order, are examples of 5 great speakers and their speeches. Each of them has a lesson that can be incorporated for a great speech.
This week, at Learner Circle it’s all about Public Speaking and great Orators as we try to bring together children from all over the world for our exciting Public Speaking courses. We have made the syllabus extremely interesting, interactive and engaging for children. It is meant to make every child who attends this course a powerful speaker and a great leader.
We all remember great speakers. People who speak well, who are able to connect with the hearts and minds of the audience are always remembered and loved. That is why we all love Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Sudha Murthy, to name a few. Great speakers have a way of slipping into people hearts to make a change word by word.
Here are some examples of those kind of speakers
Five Powerful speeches that changed the world
Franklin D Roosevelt
‘So first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself’’ This famous speech was delivered by Franklin D Roosevelt in his first inaugural speech as he addressed America during the Great Depression. It was a time when America was facing a high unemployment rate with over 12 million Americans out of work. In his iconic speech he addressed the problem of unemployment, the American farmer’s issues and the bank crisis facing America.
Franklin D Roosevelt attempted to convince the American people and the Congress to follow his plan.
‘So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. And I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.’
Lesson: Understand your audience and connect with their sentiments. Speak with passion and belief to inspire them.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was the first African American woman to recite a poem at a Presidential inauguration. In 1993, fervor gripped the audience when she took the stage at President Bill Clinton’s Presidential inauguration.
Maya Angelou recited the poem ‘On the Pulse of the Morning’
“Here on the pulse of this new day, you may have the grace to look up and out and into your sister's eyes, and into your brother's face, your country and say simply, very simply with hope, good morning,”
Lesson: Message should be relevant. Maya Angelou’s poem was timely and current. It reflected hope and promise for the American people after a past of struggle.
Martin Luther King Jr
On Aug 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr addressed 250,000 Americans and spoke to them of his dream. His iconic ‘I have a dream’ touched a million hearts and was a harbinger for change in American.
‘’that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed — we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”
Lesson: Be honest. Be convincing. Give your audience a dream, a vision for change.
Neil Armstrong at the first landing on the moon
Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Micheal Collins exited Apollo 11 on July 21, 1969 and made the first historical landing on the moon. Neil Armstrong’s speech is probably one of the most remembered lines throughout history. A line that is repeated in almost every classroom of the world, it could be the world’s shortest speeches ever.
‘That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Lesson: Even a short, simple speech can make a great impact when delivered at the right time and place.
Malala Yousafzai
On her 16th birthday, Malala Yousafzai spoke about her miraculous survival after she had been shot by The Taliban. She spoke for the women and girls of Pakistan. She has been regarded as a strong voice for the upliftment of women ever since.
“They thought that the bullets would silence us,” Yousafzai told her audience. “But they failed. And then, out of that silence came thousands of voices. The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our ambitions, but nothing changed in my life except this: Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born.”
Lesson: Always stand up for what you believe in. Be bold and use courage in your speech.
Conclusion
The only way to being a great speaker is to speak. If you do not have the opportunity or the platform to do so, then we at Learner Circle would love to present that opportunity for you. Together we will embark on a journey of learning to be better speakers and greater leaders.
The Public Speaking courses at Learner Circle are filling up quickly. Do not hesitate to book your spot soon. This is a super fun interesting after-school activity for children who are looking to pursue a new hobby or passion.
Check out our website and book your free trial session today.
