speech on changing world

9 influential speeches that changed the world

From Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty, or give me death" to FDR's "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself," we have selected nine of our favorite speeches that have changed the world:

Napoleon Bonaparte — "Farewell to the Old Guard"

After suffering several setbacks in the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon was forced to abdicate his throne on April 6, 1814.

At the time of the abdication, he gave a speech praising his faithful soldiers and generals who had stuck by him:

Soldiers of my Old Guard: I bid you farewell. For twenty years I have constantly accompanied you on the road to honor and glory.

In these latter times, as in the days of our prosperity, you have invariably been models of courage and fidelity.

With men such as you our cause could not be lost; but the war would have been interminable; it would have been civil war, and that would have entailed deeper misfortunes on France.

I have sacrificed all of my interests to those of the country. 

Source: Speeches That Changed The World

Georges Jacques Danton — “Dare, Dare Again, Always Dare”

Given during the tumult of the French Revolution, Danton urged his fellow French citizens to mobilize in order to push back the invading Prussian forces.

The speech was inspiring, but also chilling, as Danton pushed for those not supporting the war efforts to be put to death: 

 At such a moment this National Assembly becomes a veritable committee of war. We ask that you concur with us in directing this sublime movement of the people, by naming commissioners who will second us in these great measures.

We ask that any one refusing to give personal service or to furnish arms shall be punished with death. We ask that a set of instructions be drawn up for the citizens to direct their movements.

We ask that couriers be sent to all the departments to notify them of the decrees that you proclaim here. The tocsin we are about to ring is not an alarm signal; it sounds the charge on the enemies of our country.

To conquer them we must dare, dare again, always dare, and France is saved!

Giuseppe Garibaldi — Speech to his Soldiers

In the mid 19th century, Giuseppe Garibaldi led a military movement to liberate the various Italian kingdoms from Austrian rule and create a unified modern nation of Italy.

Garibaldi gave this speech in 1860 to rally his troops for further action to unify the nation: 

To arms, then, all of you! all of you! And the oppressors and the mighty shall disappear like dust.

You, too, women, cast away all the cowards from your embraces; they will give you only cowards for children, and you who are the daughters of the land of beauty must bear children who are noble and brave.

Let timid doctrinaires depart from among us to carry their servility and their miserable fears elsewhere. This people is its own master.

It wishes to be the brother of other peoples, but to look on the insolent with a proud glance, not to grovel before them imploring its own freedom.

It will no longer follow in the trail of men whose hearts are foul. No! No! No!

Patrick Henry — "Liberty or Death"

On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry stood and delivered a riveting speech to the Constitutional Congress in Richmond, Virginia. The speech had the impact of causing a resolution to narrowly pass the Congress that led to Virginia joining the American Revolution: 

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, "Peace! Peace!" -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun!

The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms!

Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

Abraham Lincoln — "The Gettysburg Address"

Delivered on November 19, 1863, the address was delivered at the Gettysburg cemetery. The speech was given at a ceremony dedicating the cemetery as the National Cemetery: 

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.

We are met on a great battlefield of that war.

We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live.

It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

Winston Churchill — "Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat"

Upon first entering the British House of Commons as the Prime Minister, Churchill gave a speech rallying the country to war against Nazi Germany.

Delivered on May 13, 1940, the speech was a call-to-arms aimed at uniting the British public against the threat of the Nazis: 

I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined the government: "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat."

We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I will say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of human crime.

That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: victory; victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.

Franklin D. Roosevelt — First Inaugural Address

Roosevelt delivered his First Inaugural Address on March 4, 1933 at the heart of the Great Depression in the US.

Speaking to the concerns of Americans throughout the country, Roosevelt sought to ease the fears of his citizens and highlight what the country would do to resuscitate the economy: 

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.

Watch the speech below:

Source: Speeches That Changed The World  

John F. Kennedy — Inaugural Address

When taking the oath of office on January 20, 1961, Kennedy uttered perhaps one of the most famous lines in US political history.

Kennedy's speech was intended to inspire his audience and unite the USA against the threat of Communism: 

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility -- I welcome it.

I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Martin Luther King Jr — "I Have a Dream"

Speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, King gave one of the most famous speeches in US history on August 28, 1963. Imploring the nation to abandon its racial hatred, King shared in the speech his dream of the future of the nation: 

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream 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."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

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3 Speeches that Changed the World

March 5, 2021 - Dom Barnard

These are 3 speeches that changed the world in very different ways. We describe the background to the speech and what we can learn from each one.

1. Martin Luther King, Jr. (‘I Have A Dream’)

Martin Luther King’s speech I Have a Dream was delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, and is our number one for speeches that changed the world.

King was the sixteenth out of eighteen people to speak that day, and calls for an end to racism in the United States and called for civil and economic rights. Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the speech was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement.

The following day, the New York Times writer James Reston wrote: “Dr. King touched all the themes of the day, only better than anybody else. He was full of the symbolism of Lincoln and Gandhi, and the cadences of the Bible.

He was both militant and sad, and he sent the crowd away feeling that the long journey had been worthwhile”. You can read further analysis of the speech from  The New York Times .

“I have a dream 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.”

“It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of colour are concerned. Instead of honouring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check that has come back marked insufficient funds.”

What can we learn?

• King uses a  literary device technique  of constant repetition of key phrases, including the famous “I have a dream”, which is used 8 times throughout his speech.
• The careful choice of wording – create urgency for the listener. The phrase “Now is the time” is used four times in a row to urge the audience to take immediate action.
• Quoting important events, mentioning the Declaration of Independence and other decrees.

2. Winston Churchill (‘We shall fight on the beaches’)

We Shall Fight on the Beaches speech was given by Winston Churchill to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom on 4 June 1940. This was the second of three major speeches given around the period of the Battle of France.

Churchill had taken over as the British Prime Minister on 10 May, eight months after the outbreak of World War II in Europe. He had done so as the head of a multiparty coalition government, which had replaced the previous government as a result of dissatisfaction with the conduct of the war.

In this speech, Churchill had to describe a great military disaster, and warn of a possible invasion attempt by Nazi Germany, without casting doubt on eventual victory.

He also had to prepare his domestic audience for France’s falling out of the war without in any way releasing the French Republic to do so, and wished to reiterate a policy and an aim unchanged from his speech of 13 May, in which he had declared the goal of “victory, however long and hard the road may be”.  Full transcript . Watch the clip below to understand why we’ve selected this as one of the speeches that changed the world.

“We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender”

“We shall prove ourselves once more able to defend our island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone”

• Repetition on key phrase ‘We shall fight’ is mentioned 7 times in the same section of his speech.
• Many pauses and  slow delivery , listen to the way he pauses before a key message.
• One hard hitting sentence delivered towards the end of the speech to leave people feeling motivated and captivated.

3. John F. Kennedy (Inaugural Address)

The inauguration speech by John F. Kennedy as the 35th President of the United States, held on Friday, January 20, 1961 at Washington, D.C. Immediately after reciting the oath of office, President Kennedy turned to address the crowd gathered at the Capitol.

His inaugural address, the first delivered to a televised audience in colour, is considered among the best presidential inaugural speeches in American history and one of the finest speeches that changed the world.

As a president coming into power at the height of the Cold War, President Kennedy’s duty of representing the United States as a force to be reckoned with while maintaining peaceful international relations was daunting.

Kennedy highlights the newly discovered dangers of nuclear power coupled with the accelerating arms race, saying these efforts should be replaced with a focus on maintenance of international relations and helping the impoverished in the world.  Full transcript .

“The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life”

“The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans – born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage – and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed”

“Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate”

• Use of juxtaposition, by grouping phrases such as “United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do”
• The speech has an abundance of contrast, such as “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”.
• Kennedy uses the  power of three  to great effect, “Where the strong are just, and the weak secure and the peace preserved”
• Combinations of contrasts and lists “Not because the communists are doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right”
• Use of alliteration to highlight important points “Let us go forth to lead the land we love”

10 speeches that have changed the world (for better or worse)

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A good speech can change the course of history. Since the days of Jesus Christ and Seneca, we’ve known that the word—oral or written—has enormous power. With that power comes great responsibility: a speech can provoke a war, or bring peace; it can move people’s hearts, or awaken hatred; it can lift spirits, or bury hopes. It can create or destroy.

Here, we present 10 famous speeches that have left their mark on recent world history, from Lenin to Charles de Gaulle and Hitler. At the end of the article, we include 10 characteristics which help make a good speech, according to Christophe Boutin, a law professor and expert in oratory.

1. Vladimir Lenin. April theses, pronounced in two speeches and subsequently published in the Pravda newspaper on April 7, 1917. The text was promulgated in the context of the beginnings of the Russian revolution against the Tsar and the establishment. In these theses, Lenin call for peace by “overthrowing capital” and the beginning of the collectivization program. Russia suffered the consequences for the next 100 years.

2. Charles de Gaulle. June 18 Appeal to the French, Broadcast on BBC radio on June 18, 1940. Having been named Under-Secretary for War that same month, General De Gaulle took to the BBC to respond to France’s “surrender” to the Nazis under General Pétain. The speech called for resistance after the French defeat by the Nazi invasion. If France could be counted among the victorious powers in 1945 and not as a collaborationist country, it was thanks to him.

3. Winston Churchill. Blood, toil, tears, and sweat. May 13, 1940. The British prime minister pronounced this speech in the House of Commons, in London, calling for citizens’ cooperation and sacrifice to defeat Germany, 8 months into the Second World War. The phrase “blood, toil, tears and sweat” has gone down in history, and Churchill repeated it on various occasions. This speech literally changed the course of the war because it managed to restore hope to a terrified country.

4. Adolf Hitler. Speech on the “Winter Help Scheme” . Berlin, October 3, 1941. In this speech, Hitler evaluates his work and refers to the British enemy as “mad fools.” Hitler was a true master of oratory, capable of firing up the masses with his voice. We don’t need to explain here the effects of his “art”…

5. Juan Domingo Perón. “I want to continue being Colonel Perón.” Buenos Aires, October 17, 1945.

Speech given when the labor unions rose up calling for his release, because he had been jailed on Martín García Island. He thanks the workers for their support and announces his desire to call elections. Perón has been called an incredible speaker, who knew how to adapt to his audience, and managed to be both pragmatic and conciliatory. His words still inspire many Argentinians.

6. David Ben Gurion. Israeli Declaration of Independence. Tel Aviv, May 14, 1948. Ben Gurion (1886-1973), Polish by birth, emigrated to Palestine in 1906. With this speech in 1948, he proclaimed the creation of the State of Israel. The text begins by stating that “the Land of Israel was the birthplace of the Jewish people” where “their spiritual, religious and political identity was shaped.” According to the Jewish calendar, this declaration was signed on the 5th day of the month of Iyar in the year 5708. This positive and conciliatory speech favored the positive reception of the new State of Israel by (almost) the entire world—although 24 hours later, the first war with the country’s Arab neighbors would break out.

7. Mao Zedong. On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People Beijing, Febrary 27, 1957. This speech establishes the theses of the Communist Party and explains that the counter-revolutionaries have been “eliminated” because it was “absolutely necessary.” Faced with dissidence, Mao recognizes in this speech that “it is not only futile but very harmful to use crude methods in dealing with ideological questions among the people, with questions about man’s mental world. You may ban the expression of wrong ideas, but the ideas will still be there.”

8. Fidel Castro. The Revolution Begins Now. Santiago de Cuba, January 1, 1959. This speech is an example of the charismatic style of Fidel Castro, in which he declares that the “Revolution… is beginning now. Our Revolution will be no easy task, but a harsh and dangerous undertaking.” Castro says he has “the greatest satisfaction in the knowledge that [he] believed so deeply in the people of Cuba,” and tells his compatriots that the revolutionary fighters will always bee “faithful servants” whose only badge is that of “service.”

9. John F. Kennedy. “Ich bin ein Berliner” (I am a Berliner). West Berlin, June 26, 1963. President Kennedy visited Berlin two years after the wall was built. This speech is a validation of Chancellor Adenauer (“who for so many years has committed Germany to democracy and freedom and progress,” in Kennedy’s words). The American president declares, “There are many people in the world who really don’t understand, or say they don’t, what is the great issue between the free world and the Communist world. Let them come to Berlin.” The wall, Kenney says, “is the most obvious and vivid demonstration of the failures of the Communist system.”

Behind all of these discourses, there are ten underlying characteristics. French law professor Christophe Boutin explains them in his book Grands discours du XXe siècle (“Great speeches of the 20th Century”):

1. A speech should be convincing, above all.

2. The speaker should do everything possible to make his audience feel special.

3. Politicians know very well the workings of the collective subconscious.

4. A great speech is, above all, an example of calculated ambiguity.

5. The speaker prefers to strengthen unity with his followers around shared ideals.

6. The speech lends itself to all sorts of flattery (“Only you understand me, only you are aware of what’s at risk”).

7. To the extent that a speech is aimed at a large public, it should include various elements that appeal to sentiments more than to reason.

8. The speech is woven together of well-codified formulas.

9. When pronouncing the speech, everything is controlled, even the apparent signs of passion at an emotive moment of the discourse.

10. The speaker, for a few moments, shares a revelation with the multitude of his listeners.

Of course, these criteria don’t solve the problem of whether a given speech will bring peace or war. However, having at least some knowledge of the internal mechanisms of a powerful speech can help those who listen not to let themselves be carried away quite so easily by emotion.

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7 Famous Speeches that Changed the World

What’s Inside

• 1 Queen Elizabeth I—Speech to the Troops at Tilbury
• 2 Patrick Henry—Speech at the Second Virginia Convention
• 3 Mahatma Gandhi—Quit India Speeches
• 4 Eleanor Roosevelt—Address to the United Nations on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• 5 Martin Luther King Jr.—“I Have a Dream”
• 6 Nelson Mandela—Speech at the Rivonia Trial
• 7 Ronald Reagan—Remarks at the Brandenburg Gate
• 8 How Video Helps Speakers

Throughout history, the human voice has always been a powerful weapon for change.

Many great leaders, great orators, and people with vision have given speeches that made their way into the history books. But at the end of the day, every great speech is just words and ideas, right?

Or is it . . .

A lot of speeches can inspire people to do better and be better, but then there are the speeches that inspire entire nations to make history. Bolstering the resolve of even a small group of listeners can bring about world-altering changes.

So we set out to track down some of those special speeches. Every speech on this list led to direct and lasting changes throughout the world, and even to this day, many lines of these speeches might just sound familiar to you.

Download a copy of all 7 speeches .

Queen Elizabeth I—Speech to the Troops at Tilbury

In the 1500s, Spain was considered the most powerful country in the world. When the English became their rivals on the trade routes to the New World, King Phillip II responded by building the Spanish Armada, a fleet of 122 ships .

When the armada launched to invade Britain, the English were sorely outnumbered in both troops and ships. But one thing they had that Spain didn’t was Queen Elizabeth I.

As the Spanish Armada was sailing up the English Channel in 1588, the English land troops gathered at Tilbury, Essex. The queen made a public appearance to boost morale and delivered her iconic Tilbury speech . She was famously wearing a white velvet dress and a breastplate, presenting herself not as a queen but as a war leader of mythological proportions.

To put it lightly, her speech landed. After a nine-day battle, the Spaniards suffered a humiliating defeat and Britain was secured as a world power. Historians are still unclear whether the victory happened thanks to superior war tactics or just a series of very lucky breaks , but there’s no doubt that the English troops’ faith in their queen allowed them to secure victory against incredible odds.

Patrick Henry—Speech at the Second Virginia Convention

Patrick Henry was both a great orator and a Virginian statesman of colonial America. When George III passed the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts , imposing unreasonable taxes on the colonists, Henry was one of the first voices to demand liberty of the American people.

War was brewing, but the vast majority of the colonists weren’t sure if it was worth it to engage in the conflict. What chance did they have against the British? While Massachusetts was preparing for war, Virginia was still on the fence. A delegation of Virginian patriots came together at the Second Virginia Convention to vote on how to proceed in the coming conflict.

This convention became the backdrop for Patrick Henry’s famous speech “ Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death ,” in which he radically proposed that Virginia organize a militia and prepare for war. Thanks to Henry’s speech, his resolutions narrowly passed the assembly, and Virginia joined the Revolutionary War.

This was a huge step toward American independence. Beyond that, young Thomas Jefferson and George Washington were both in attendance to hear Patrick Henry’s speech. These men went on to play key roles in the formation of America and to become U.S. presidents.

Mahatma Gandhi—Quit India Speeches

In history, Mahatma Gandhi is widely recognized as a non-violent revolutionary and a seeker of truth.

Perhaps one of Gandhi’s greatest victories is also linked to one of his greatest addresses ever given. In 1942 virtually the entire world was embroiled in conflicts, and India was no exception. The country had lived under British rule for over a century , and the Indian people were tired of the economic disadvantages and high taxation of the arrangement.

This unrest escalated when Great Britain joined World War II and began dragging India into the conflict as well. In August of 1942, Gandhi delivered his famous “ Quit India ” speeches, entreating the British to grant the Indian population immediate independence. This speech also called the Indian populace to passive resistance against their British rulers.

The same day of Gandhi’s speech, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) passed the Quit India Resolution . The road ahead was long and filled with political turmoil, but eventually in the summer of 1947, India was declared an independent country at last.

Eleanor Roosevelt—Address to the United Nations on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Married to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt was America’s first lady for twelve years. Most historical sources describe her as shy and retiring , but she was a dedicated politician, humanitarian, and activist for the better part of her life.

After President Roosevelt’s death, President Harry S. Truman appointed Ms. Roosevelt to be the U.S. delegate to the United Nations (UN). In this role she accomplished her life’s greatest work by drafting and presenting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Inspired by the atrocities of World War II , the declaration’s purpose was to define universal human liberties and ensure that the tragedies of WWII would never happen again. Ms. Roosevelt worked tirelessly for nearly two years to create a draft and resolve numerous stalemates amongst her fellow delegates.

On December 9, 1948, Ms. Roosevelt attended the United Nations General Assembly in Paris to deliver an impassioned speech , urging the assembly to adopt the finished declaration. At 3:00 am the very next day , the UN unanimously accepted the document.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has since influenced national constitutions and human rights agreements all around the world. The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes it as the most translated document in the world —translated into 370 languages and dialects.

Martin Luther King Jr.—“I Have a Dream”

If you’ve heard of any speech on this list, it’s probably this one. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “ I Have a Dream ” speech is considered one of the greatest speeches in American history and was indeed a battering ram for change.

A Baptist minister and staunch social activist , King was the face of the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 60s. During this era, just about every part of American life was segregated by skin color: buses, restaurants, schools, even restrooms and water fountains.

King used his oratory talents as a pastor to deliver rousing speeches to his followers and the nation on the importance of equality. He was also involved in many famous protests, including the 1963 March on Washington .

That march culminated in a gathering at the Lincoln Memorial where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech to a crowd of 250,000 people. Key sections of the speech hearkened back to Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, and it’s believed that the final section of King’s speech was actually improvised .

This speech was a manifesto for the American civil rights movement and truly became the rallying cry for supporters of equality. By the mid 1960s, both the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act were passed in Congress thanks in large part to King’s words and his influence.

Nelson Mandela—Speech at the Rivonia Trial

In 1948, South African leadership began enforcing official policies of racial segregation. This apartheid segregation restricted who black Africans could marry, where they could live, and what professions they could work.

As the leader of the African National Congress (ANC), Nelson Mandela and his comrades spent years fighting against apartheid. He was arrested several times for treason and sabotage, and when the government raided an ANC hideout in Rivonia, they finally had enough evidence to charge 11 ANC leaders —including Mandela—to life imprisonment.

At the Rivonia Trial in 1964, Mandela stood before the South African Supreme Court. Instead of testifying for himself, he delivered the speech that even today defines him as a leader. In it he expressed his passion for the freedoms of the African people and his hatred for apartheid. The address held the court spellbound for nearly four hours .

Although his words did not save Mandela from being convicted, the speech struck a chord in the hearts of his audience and stirred up unrest in the South African people.

Mandela served 27 years in prison for his beliefs, but his words and his bravery were instrumental in dismantling the apartheid system in his country. He was eventually released from prison in 1990, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 , and became the country’s first black head of state and the first to be elected democratically.

Ronald Reagan—Remarks at the Brandenburg Gate

After World War II, the Berlin Wall divided eastern and western Germany into two separate nations: one that was free and one that wasn’t. In his address at the Brandenburg Gate , President Ronald Reagan challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to finally put an end to the divide and unite Berlin once again.

This address was delivered during the height of the Cold War, and even the president’s own advisors feared that his remarks were crossing a line. Reagan gave the speech anyway.

There’s still a fair amount of debate on just how much influence Reagan’s words had in ending the Cold War, but there’s no doubt that his bold declaration, made right next to the most visible symbol of the Iron Curtain, certainly made an impression.

The very next year, Gorbachev himself gave his famous “ Freedom of Choice ” speech to the UN General Assembly, marking the beginning of the Cold War’s thaw. On November 9, 1989 , the head of the East German Communist Party announced that his citizens were free to cross the border. Crowds showed up with picks and hammers to knock down the edifice, and after 28 years the Berlin Wall finally fell.

How Video Helps Speakers

Video is a powerful tool for developing speech presentation skills. Video helps speakers self-reflect and become aware of their skills as presenters. Video captures the authentic experience of the speech, providing an irrefutable and easily reviewable recording of the speech for evaluation. Discover how GoReact delivers video + feedback for any skill development.

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7 Powerful Speeches That Have Changed the World

In honor of this summer’s “i have a dream” anniversary, we’ve curated images of the speeches that remain embedded in our memory — and the people who delivered them..

This August marks the anniversary of “I Have a Dream,” the unforgettable speech by Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lincoln Memorial, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Even then, Dr. King anticipated that that day would “go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation” — and fifty-seven years later, it has.

For generations, great speeches — whether made by political leaders, activists, or citizens — have helped reshape our societies. They’ve held us accountable, inspired us to do better, and motivated us to overcome the odds. Sometimes they’ve changed the world, drawing lines on the map and recharting the course of history.

Over the last century and a half, we’ve been able to relive some of these historic moments through illustrations and photographs. In honor of this summer’s anniversary of “I Have a Dream,” we’ve curated a selection of images that illuminate seven powerful speeches that remain embedded in our collective memory — and the people who delivered them.

1. “Ain’t I a Woman,” Sojourner Truth, 1851

Delivered at the Women’s Rights Convention in Ohio, this speech by the American abolitionist, feminist, and former slave, exists today in two different versions — one published by the Reverend Marius Robinson in 1851 and another relayed by the abolitionist Frances Gage in 1863.

During the 1951 convention, discussions of women’s rights were met with arguments, some based on passages from the Bible, about why men were “superior” to women. Though she hadn’t prepared official remarks beforehand, Truth — a preacher herself — was moved to stand up and voice her thoughts about equality. Even those who disagreed were left in silence following her words. As Harriet Beecher Stowe once put it, “I never knew a person who possessed so much of that subtle, controlling power called presence as Sojourner Truth.”

Truth would continue advocating for human rights for the rest of her life. She met with Abraham Lincoln on the eve of the Civil War and made visits to the White House thereafter to ask for help in the war effort. During the bloody conflict, she treated wounded soldiers and provided care to formerly enslaved people from around the country.

2. “The Gettysburg Address,” Abraham Lincoln, 1863

The American President delivered this now-iconic speech on a battlefield in Pennsylvania during the Civil War, following the Battle of Gettysburg and marking the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Though it was not scheduled to be the main address of the day, this brief, 272-word speech has become one of the most enduring in American history.

Even in the three minutes it took the President to make his remarks, he left a strong impression. According to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Garry Wills, he was interrupted five times by applause. Today, five copies of the speech exist, written in Lincoln’s hand. Though they differ slightly from one another, they all underscore the importance of liberty, equality, and unity in the aftermath of one of history’s bloodiest battles.

Although Lincoln remarked at the time that “the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here,” his words have endured. Later, the speech would form part of the legacy that inspired Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. If “Gettysburg” referenced and expanded the meaning of the Declaration of Independence , “I Have a Dream” referenced and expanded upon “Gettysburg.”

3. “Freedom or Death,” Emmeline Pankhurst, 1913

Delivered by British activist Emmeline Pankhurst in Hartford, Connecticut, this address brought together suffragists and suffragettes from both nations, joined in the battle for voting rights. In it, she described herself as a soldier in a civil war waged by women, and she underscored the fact that while male revolutionaries had long been heard and understood, women had been overlooked and cast aside.

During the speech, Pankhurst also addressed her sometimes controversial use of militant methods, comparing them with the Boston Tea Party during the American Revolution. She passionately spoke about the injustice of denying the vote to half of the population, whether in the United States or her homeland.

Pankhurst also spoke of the hunger strikes that women across the Atlantic had endured — and the ways in which they had refused to give in to authorities. She alluded to her time in prison overseas, and asked for help from America in the fight for suffrage. She promised, “If we win it, this hardest of all fights, then, to be sure, in the future it is going to be made easier for women all over the world to win their fight, when their time comes.”

4. “We Shall Fight on the Beaches,” Winston Churchill, 1940

The British Prime Minister delivered this speech, one of several historic addresses during the Second World War, to the House of Commons on June 4th, 1940, following the Battle of Dunkirk. With the threat of a Nazi invasion looming — along with the possible fall of France — Churchill made the promise to fight, alone if need be, and to never surrender his nation.

The speech — and the iconic lines, “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills” — was addressed, in part, to the British as a show of strength amid painful and demoralizing circumstances. However, it should also be read as an appeal to the United States to join the fight against Nazi Germany.

In the end, it wasn’t only Churchill’s fortitude but also his honesty that made the speech one for the ages. “He has always been able to look at the facts without flinching,” The New York Times declared the next day. “This was gloomy, but it was magnificent.”

5. The Second Bill of Rights, Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1944

During his State of the Union Address in January of 1944, delivered as a fireside chat from the White House, President Roosevelt introduced the idea of a “second Bill of Rights” — one that would ensure the economic security and independence of all Americans, including the right to employment, housing, medical care, education, social security, and more.

While the Bill of Rights had promised political rights, he felt that, as the nation grew, more steps were needed to protect equality in the pursuit of happiness. The eight rights in the proposed bill would, in his words, “spell security.” Without security, he argued, Americans could not be truly free.

Though sick with the flu, Roosevelt spoke passionately: “After this war is won, we must be prepared to move forward, in the implementation of these rights, to new goals of human happiness and well-being.” The second Bill of Rights was not adopted, but even now, it serves as a reminder and point of departure for those advocating for economic equality and justice.

6. “I Have a Dream,” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 1963

This historic speech from the American civil rights activist Dr. King, made a hundred years after the “Gettysburg Address” and the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, brought into focus the injustices of racial segregation, inequality, discrimination, and police brutality. It was delivered on a sweltering hot summer day, and 250,000 people, having traveled from around the country, were in attendance.

Dr. King drew inspiration from the Bible, history, literature, and music. Perhaps the most famous line — and the one from which the speech gets its name — was inspired midway through the address when the singer Mahalia Jackson cried out from the stands, “Tell ’em about the ‘Dream,’ Martin, tell ’em about the ‘Dream!’” It was a reference to earlier speeches, and Dr. King understood immediately, setting aside the prepared words and improvising some of the most important words in American history. 

In his address, Dr. King spoke of what he called “the fierce urgency of now,” declaring, “Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.” Decades have passed, but that sense of urgency still resonates today. As the great activist himself put it, “1963 is not an end, but a beginning.”

7. “I Am Prepared to Die,” Nelson Mandela, 1964

During the proceedings at the Rivonia Trial, the anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader Nelson Mandela delivered this three-hour speech from the defendant’s dock in lieu of testifying, addressing the charges he faced and the realities of apartheid in South Africa. At the time, he was accused of sabotage, and if convicted, he could face the death penalty.

In those pivotal three hours, addressing the judge in a segregated courtroom, Mandela spoke about the exploitation and oppression of Black people in South Africa. He discussed the many ways in which the struggle for equality had (thus far) been blocked by legislation and government violence. He also laid bare the injustices of poverty and alluded to the fundamental human right to live in dignity.

In his Rivonia speech, Mandela also spoke about the right to vote, describing the ANC’s (African National Congress) mission as “a struggle for the right to live.” He closed the address with the now-famous passage, “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to see realized. But, my lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

Two months after the legendary speech, Mandela and seven other members of the ANC were convicted of sabotage and sentenced to life imprisonment. Mandela was released in 1990, following twenty-seven years of imprisonment at Robben Island. While these photographs don’t depict the speech inside the courtroom, they do capture that moment in national and international history.

Cover image via AP/​Shutterstock .

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The Full Admiral McRaven Speech Transcript

O n May 17, 2014, Former Admiral William. H. McRaven advised the graduates of the class of 2014 at the University of Texas. He served in the Navy for many years.

The former Admiral McRaven’s speech is very motivational, and the whole purpose of the speech is to show that anyone can change the world. In his speech, he gives ten suggestions on how anyone can see the world.

Article Topics

What is the theme of admiral mcraven speech.

The general theme of his ‘make your bed speech’ is that anyone can change the world; all you need is the courage to do it. He also explains how giving up isn’t an option no matter what you’re going through. Eventually, it will pass, and you will win.

Admiral McRaven also explains how it isn’t necessary to change everyone’s lives for the world to change. All you need is to change the lives of only a few people, and the generations to come will feel the effect. You would have changed their entire lineage’s lives.

Watch and Listen to this motivational video of the Admiral McRaven Speech on YouTube

What advice did navy admiral william.h.mcraven give in his commencement address and well known 'make your bed speech'.

• Make your bed . Making your bed means that you’d have accomplished the first task of the day. It might seem small and mundane, but even after a long miserable day, at least you’ll come back to a made bed.
• Find someone to help you paddle . You can’t change the world on your own; you need a support team, people to cheer you up and help you change the world. We all need help.
• Measure a person by the size of their heart, not their flippers’ size . The physical aspects of who someone is don’t necessarily make up for a lot. What’s on the inside is what matters the most.
• Get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward . Sometimes the universe just doesn’t recognize your efforts no matter how much you’ve put in. This shouldn’t make you lose hope, get over it and keep pushing.
• Don’t be afraid of the circuses . Some situations will wear us down, but they are meant to strengthen your resolve by the end of the day.
• Sometimes you have to slide down the obstacle head first . Even in the hardest of situations, you have to take a risk and face your problems head first. Sometimes that’s the only way to win.
• Don’t back down from the sharks . Sharks are obstacles that you might face in your journey. Even when those obstacles show up, don’t back down. That’s the only way you’ll win.
• If you want to change the world, you must be the very best in your darkest moment . During the darkest moments, it gets hard to see what lies ahead, but be hopeful because, after that darkness, there can only be light.
• Start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud . In your darkest moments, be the person who stands up and gives others hope. Giving others hope will mean preventing them from giving up during those difficult moments.
• Don’t ever ring the bell . Ringing the bell is the easiest thing to do. But for you to succeed in life, you will have to assume that giving up isn’t an option, and that’s when you can concentrate on winning.

The Full Admiral McRaven Speech

It’s been almost 37 years to the day that I graduated from UT. I remember a lot of things about that day. I remember I had a throbbing headache from a party the night before. I remember I had a serious girlfriend, whom I later married (that’s important to remember, by the way), and I remember that I was getting commissioned in the Navy that day.

But of all the things I remember, I don’t have a clue who the commencement speaker was, and I certainly don’t remember anything they said. So, acknowledging that fact, if I can’t make this commencement speech memorable, I will at least try to make it short.

The University’s slogan is, “What starts here changes the world.” I’ve got to admit. I kind of like it. “What starts here changes the world.”

Tonight there are almost 8,000 students (there are more than 8000) graduating from UT. So, that great paragon of analytical rigor, Ask.Com, says that the average American will meet 10,000 people in their lifetime. That’s a lot of folks. But, if every one of you changed the lives of just ten people and each one of those people changed the lives of another ten people,(just ten people) then in five generations 125 years, the class of 2014 will have changed the lives of 800 million people.

Eight hundred million people — think about it — over twice the population of the United States. Go one more generation, and you can change the entire population of the world — eight billion people.

If you think it’s hard to change the lives of 10 people, change their lives forever, you’re wrong. I saw it happen every day in Iraq and Afghanistan: A young Army officer makes a decision to go left instead of right down a road in Baghdad, and the ten soldiers with him are saved from a close-in ambush.

In Kandahar province, Afghanistan, a non-commissioned officer from the Female Engagement Team senses that something isn’t right and directs the infantry platoon away from a 500-pound IED, saving the lives of a dozen soldiers.

But, if you think about it, not only were those soldiers saved by the decisions of one person, but their children were saved. And their children’s children were saved. Generations were saved by one decision, one person.

But changing the world can happen anywhere, and anyone can do it. So, what starts here can indeed change the world, but the question is — what will the world look like after you change it?

Well, I am confident that it will look much, much better. But if you will humor this old sailor for just a moment, I have a few suggestions that may help you on your way to a better world. And while these lessons were learned during my time in the military, I can assure you that it matters not whether you ever served a day in uniform. It matters not your gender, your ethnic or religious background, your orientation, or your social status.

Our struggles in this world are similar, and the lessons to overcome those struggles and to move forward — changing ourselves and changing the world around us — will apply equally to all.

I have been a Navy SEAL for 36 years. But it all began when I left UT for Basic SEAL training in Coronado, California. Basic SEAL training is six months of long torturous runs in the soft sand, midnight swims in the cold water off San Diego, obstacles courses, unending calisthenics, days without sleep, and always being cold, wet, and miserable.

It is six months of being constantly harassed by professionally trained warriors who seek to find the weak of mind and body and eliminate them from ever becoming a Navy SEAL.

But the training also seeks to find those students who can lead in an environment of constant stress, chaos, failure, and hardships. To me, basic SEAL training was a lifetime of challenges crammed into six months.

So, here are the ten lessons I learned from basic SEAL training that hopefully will be of value to you as you move forward in life.

1. Make your bed

Every morning in SEAL training, my instructors, who at the time were all Vietnam veterans, would show up in my barracks room, and the first thing they would do is inspect my bed. If you did it right, the corners would be square; the covers would be pulled tight, the pillow centered just under the headboard, and the extra blanket folded neatly at the foot of the rack.

It was a simple task, mundane at best. But every morning, we were required to make our bed to perfection. It seemed a little ridiculous at the time, particularly in light of the fact that we were aspiring to be real warriors, tough battle-hardened SEALs, but the wisdom of this simple act has been proven to me many times over.

If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that the little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never be able to do the big things right.

And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made — that you made — and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.

If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.

2. Find someone to paddle with

During SEAL training, the students are broken down into boat crews. Each crew is seven students — three on each side of a small rubber boat and one coxswain to help guide the dingy. Every day your boat crew forms up on the beach and is instructed to get through the surf zone and paddle several miles down the coast. In the winter, the surf off San Diego can get to be 8 to 10 feet high, and it is exceedingly difficult to paddle through the plunging surf unless everyone digs in.

Every paddle must be synchronized to the stroke count of the coxswain. Everyone must exert equal effort, or the boat will turn against the wave and be unceremoniously dumped back on the beach.

For the boat to make it to its destination, everyone must paddle. You can’t change the world alone — you will need some help — and to truly get from your starting point to your destination takes friends, colleagues, the goodwill of strangers, and a strong coxswain to guide them.

If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.

3. Measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers

Over a few weeks of difficult training, my SEAL class, which started with 150 men, was down to just 42. There were now six boat crews of seven men each. I was in the boat with the tall guys, but the best boat crew we had was made up of the little guys (the munchkin crew we called them) no one was over about five-foot-five.

The munchkin boat crew had one American Indian, one African American, one Polish American, one Greek American, one Italian American, and two tough kids from the midwest. They out-paddled, out-ran, and out-swam all the other boat crews.

The big men in the other boat crews would always make good-natured fun of the tiny little flippers the munchkins put on their tiny little feet prior to every swim. But somehow, these little guys, from every corner of the nation and the world, always had the last laugh, swimming faster than everyone and reaching the shore long before the rest of us.

SEAL training was a great equalizer. Nothing mattered but your will to succeed. Not your color, not your ethnic background, not your education, and not your social status.

If you want to change the world, measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers.

4. Get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.

Several times a week, the instructors would line up the class and do a uniform inspection. It was exceptionally thorough. Your hat had to be perfectly starched, your uniform immaculately pressed, your belt buckle shiny and void of any smudges.

But it seemed that no matter how much effort you put into starching your hat, or pressing your uniform, or polishing your belt buckle — it just wasn’t good enough. The instructors would find “something” wrong.

For failing the uniform inspection, the student had to run, fully clothed into the surf zone, and then, wet from head to toe, roll around on the beach until every part of your body was covered with sand. The effect was known as a “sugar cookie.” You stayed in the uniform the rest of the day — cold, wet, and sandy.

There were many a student who just couldn’t accept the fact that all their effort was in vain. That no matter how hard they tried to get the uniform right, it was unappreciated. Those students didn’t make it through training. Those students didn’t understand the purpose of the drill. You were never going to succeed. You were never gonna have a perfect uniform.

Sometimes no matter how well you prepare or how well you perform, you still end up as a sugar cookie. It’s just the way life is sometimes.

If you want to change the world, get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.

5. Don’t be afraid of the circuses.

Every day during training, you were challenged with multiple physical events — long runs, long swims, obstacle courses, hours of calisthenics — something designed to test your mettle. Every event had standards — times you had to meet.

If you failed to meet those standards, your name was posted on a list, and at the end of the day, those on the list were invited to a “circus.” A circus was two hours of additional calisthenics designed to wear you down, to break your spirit, to force you to quit.

No one wanted a circus.

A circus meant that for that day, you didn’t measure up. A circus meant more fatigue, and more fatigue meant that the following day would be more difficult, and more circuses were likely. But at some time during SEAL training, everyone, everyone, made the circus list.

But an interesting thing happened to those who were constantly on the list. Over time those students — who did two hours of extra calisthenics — got stronger and stronger. The pain of the circuses built inner strength and physical resiliency.

Life is filled with circuses. You will fail. You will likely fail often. It will be painful. It will be discouraging. At times it will test you to your very core.

But if you want to change the world, don’t be afraid of the circuses.

6. If you want to change the world, sometimes you have to slide down the obstacle head first.

At least twice a week, the trainees were required to run the obstacle course. The obstacle course contained 25 obstacles, including a 10-foot high wall, a 30-foot cargo net, and a barbed wire crawl, to name a few.

But the most challenging obstacle was the slide for life. It had a three-level 30-foot tower at one end and a one-level tower at the other. In between was a 200-foot-long rope. You had to climb the three-tiered tower, and once at the top, you grabbed the rope, swung underneath the rope, and pulled yourself hand over hand until you got to the other end.

The record for the obstacle course had stood for years when my class began training in 1977. The record seemed unbeatable until one day; a student decided to go down the slide for life head first. Instead of swinging his body underneath the rope and inching his way down, he bravely mounted the TOP of the rope and thrust himself forward.

It was a dangerous move — seemingly foolish and fraught with risk. Failure could mean injury and being dropped from the course. Without hesitation, the student slid down the rope perilously fast. Instead of several minutes, it only took him half that time, and by the end of the course, he had broken the record.

If you want to change the world, sometimes you have to slide down the obstacle head first.

7. If you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks

During the land warfare phase of training, the students are flown out to San Clemente Island, which lies off the coast of San Diego. The waters off San Clemente are a breeding ground for the great white sharks.

To pass SEAL training, there are a series of long swims that must be completed. One is the night swim.

Before the swim, the instructors joyfully brief the trainees on all the species of sharks that inhabit the waters off San Clemente.

They assure you, however, that no student has ever been eaten by a shark — at least not that they can remember. But, you are also taught that if a shark begins to circle your position, stand your ground.

Do not swim away. Do not act afraid. And if the shark, hungry for a midnight snack, darts towards you, then summon up all your strength and punch him in the snout, and he will turn and swim away.

There are a lot of sharks in the world. If you hope to complete the swim, you will have to deal with them.

So, if you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks.

8. Be your very best in the darkest moments.

As Navy SEALs, one of our jobs is to conduct underwater attacks against enemy shipping. We practiced this technique extensively during training. The ship attack mission is where a pair of SEAL divers is dropped off outside an enemy harbor and then swims well over two miles — underwater — using nothing but a depth gauge and a compass to get to their target.

During the entire swim, even well below the surface, there is some light that comes through. It is comforting to know that there is open water above you. But as you approach the ship, which is tied to a pier, the light begins to fade. The steel structure of the ship blocks the moonlight, it blocks the surrounding street lamps, it blocks all ambient light.

To be successful in your mission, you have to swim under the ship and find the keel — the centerline and the deepest part of the ship. This is your objective. But the keel is also the darkest part of the ship — where you cannot see your hand in front of your face, where the noise from the ship’s machinery is deafening, and where it is easy to get disoriented and you can fail.

Every SEAL knows that under the keel, at the darkest moment of the mission, is the time when you must be calm when you must be composed — when all your tactical skills, your physical power, and all your inner strength must be brought to bear.

If you want to change the world, you must be your very best in the darkest moments.

9. Start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud

The ninth week of training is referred to as “Hell Week.” It is six days of no sleep, constant physical and mental harassment, and one special day at the Mud Flats. The Mud Flats are area between San Diego and Tijuana where the water runs off and creates the Tijuana slues, a swampy patch of terrain where the mud will engulf you.

It is on Wednesday of Hell Week that you paddle down to the mudflats and spend the next 15 hours trying to survive the freezing cold mud, the howling wind, and the incessant pressure to quit from the instructors. As the sun began to set that Wednesday evening, my training class, having committed some “egregious infraction of the rules,” was ordered into the mud.

The mud consumed each man till there was nothing visible but our heads. The instructors told us we could leave the mud if only five men would quit — just five men — and we could get out of the oppressive cold. Looking around the mudflat, it was apparent that some students were about to give up. It was still over eight hours till the sun came up — eight more hours of bone-chilling cold.

The chattering teeth and shivering moans of the trainees were so loud it was hard to hear anything. And then, one voice began to echo through the night, one voice raised in song. The song was terribly out of tune but sung with great enthusiasm. One voice became two, and two became three, and before long, everyone in the class was singing.

The instructors threatened us with more time in the mud if we kept up the singing, but the singing persisted. And somehow, the mud seemed a little warmer, the wind a little tamer, and the dawn not so far away.

If I have learned anything in my time traveling the world, it is the power of hope. The power of one person — Washington, Lincoln, King, Mandela, and even a young girl from Pakistan, Malala — one person can change the world by giving people hope.

So, if you want to change the world, start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.

10. Don’t ever, ever ring the bell.

Finally, in SEAL training, there is a bell. A brass bell that hangs in the center of the compound for all the students to see. All you have to do to quit is ring the bell.

Ring the bell, and you no longer have to wake up at 5 o’clock. Ring the bell, and you no longer have to be in the freezing cold swims. Ring the bell, and you no longer have to do the runs, the obstacle course, the PT — and you no longer have to endure the hardships of training. All you have to do is ring the bell and be out.

If you want to change the world, don’t ever, ever ring the bell.

Why does Admiral McRaven say to make your bed?

He emphasizes making your bed first thing in the morning because by doing that, you have accomplished your first task of the day. Making your bed means; you have already won something even before you’ve begun. And even if your day ends up being not perfect, at the end of the day, you will come back home to a well-made bed to rest on.

Making your bed in the morning will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment and help you get through the day. Having accomplished your first task in the morning will give you the encouragement needed to accomplish the other tasks ahead of you, making it not just one task but a couple of others that followed.

When did Admiral McRaven make his speech?

Admiral McRaven, the ninth U.S. Special Operations Command, made his speech at the University of Texas commencement on May 17, 2014.

Final Words

The Admiral’s speech is the most memorable speech ever given due to the amount of wisdom and advice. It is an encouragement to everyone that making a change in the world doesn’t require much except for will and drive. Never giving up is a very great tool that he shares multiple times in his speech.

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Luke Ocean is a writer, self-proclaimed bio-hacker, wellness advocate and yoga expert. Luke grew up on a small ranch in Montana and enlisted in the Navy to study and become a cryptologist. He later graduated from the US Naval Academy with a Minor in Mandarin and a Bachelor's of Science for General Engineering and a Major of English Literature. Luke's interests and career span multiple industries and various disciplines.  Luke resides in San Antonio and is a Certified Yoga Instructor, a student of Zen Buddhism, practitioner of Holistic Psychology and has completed his CYT-200 and is studying for his 300-hour yoga teacher training.

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Words as Catalysts: 10 Ways Words Change the World

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on August 23, 2023

Categories Society

In the vast expanse of human history, few things have held as much sway as the spoken and written word. Words, whether whispered between two people or broadcasted to millions, have the incredible power to inspire movements, challenge ideologies, and transform societies.

They’ve toppled empires, uplifted the downtrodden, and sparked revolutions. In our world from the sermons of spiritual leaders to the rallying cries of revolutionaries, words have been the undercurrent of change, pushing humanity forward and shaping our collective destiny. Our

Key Takeaways

• Words have the power to ignite social and political movements, such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech and Gandhi’s call for peaceful disobedience.
• Propaganda and the presentation of information play a significant role in shaping public opinion, highlighting the importance of evaluating news sources and being aware of personal biases.
• The impact of words extends to religion, with religious texts influencing beliefs and cultures worldwide, and to education and advertising/marketing, where language proficiency and persuasive language are key.
• In the digital age, the power of words is amplified through mediums like literature, social media, and scientific communication, but it also comes with challenges such as online bullying and the need for clear and simplified language in science communication.

10 Powerful Ways Words Change the World

Words are more than just combinations of letters. They have the profound power to inspire movements, to challenge ideologies, and to spark revolutions.

Here are 10 powerful ways words can change the world:

• Inspire and motivate – Great speakers use words that spark passion and purpose in others to drive change. Speeches by Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and others inspired movements.
• Educate and inform – Influential books, articles, and reports shape opinions and perspectives. Scientific and academic writing leads to discoveries and policies.
• Advocate and activate – Books like Uncle Tom’s Cabin and movements like Black Lives Matter harness words to advocate for change.
• Legislate and lead – Laws, policies, and directives crafted with words have shaped societies. Think Bill of Rights, Emancipation Proclamation.
• Express creativity – Poems, novels, films use words creatively to enlighten and entertain, promoting empathy. Art reflects and motivates progress.
• Record history – Words document people, cultures, events through stories, news, memoirs. Preserving histories informs future generations.
• Build community – Speeches, songs, and text unite people around shared ideas and experiences.
• Promote diplomacy – Negotiations and agreements between leaders avert conflict and create cooperation.
• Spark revolutions – Writings can challenge power structures. Think Thomas Paine’s ‘Common Sense’ pamphlet during American Revolution.
• Heal and comfort – Words of consolation uplift spirits and provide support during hard times.

The Power of Words: An Overview

Words give voice to ideas that shape society. Their unique power to inform, inspire, move, and unite people means writing can make tangible impacts on the world.

Words the essence of Language Empowerment, a phenomenon where words don’t just communicate ideas, they instigate change.

Every significant moment in history had language at its core; speeches that ignited revolutions, treaties that ended wars, proclamations that granted freedoms. That’s Verbal Artistry.

Words aren’t merely functional tools for communication; they are potent instruments of influence. They possess the power to inspire actions and evoke emotions. So when you articulate your thoughts with precision and eloquence, you’re not just talking. You’re wielding a force capable of shaping perceptions and altering destinies!

Historical Perspective: Words That Changed History

It’s fascinating to delve into history and see how certain phrases or speeches have significantly altered the course of events. As a student of Linguistic Anthropology, you would appreciate the Semiotics Revolution and its impact on our understanding of language and symbols.

Consider these historical game-changers:

• Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech ignited the civil rights movement.
• Churchill’s ‘We shall fight on the beaches’ rallied Britain during WWII.
• The phrase ‘Liberté, égalité, fraternité’ became synonymous with the French Revolution.
• Gandhi’s call for peaceful disobedience changed India’s struggle for independence.
• Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address redefined American democracy.

Each utterance reflects society’s underlying structures while reshaping them, showing you how powerful words can truly be.

Words in Politics: A Study of Influence

You’re about to delve into an intricate exploration of the power and influence of words in politics.

You’ll scrutinize the crucial role rhetoric plays in campaigns, shaping public opinion and driving voter behavior.

Furthermore, you’ll examine how political speeches can have a global impact, altering international relations.

You’ll also explore how propaganda manipulates public sentiment to achieve specific political objectives.

Rhetoric’s Role in Campaigns

Rhetoric’s crucial in campaigns, often shaping voters’ perceptions and decisions. You’re likely aware of how campaign strategies and election slogans play a significant role in this. An effective slogan can encapsulate a candidate’s entire platform, making it easier for you to understand their stance.

Here are some aspects to consider:

• The relevance of the slogan: Is it fitting for the current political climate?
• Its simplicity: Can it be easily remembered and repeated?
• Emotional appeal: Does it resonate with your feelings or values?
• Consistency with candidate’s image: Does the slogan reflect what you know about the candidate?
• Clear message delivery: Do you get a clear idea of what they stand for?

Political Speeches’ Global Impact

When examining political speeches, you’ll notice they’re not just confined to national borders; indeed, their influence often resonates on a global scale. The importance of speech delivery can’t be understated. It’s the vehicle that carries the message, affecting its reception and impact.

Consider how motivational speeches influence individuals and societies alike. They inspire change, fuel movements, and create waves of transformation.

The table below showcases some iconic political speeches as examples:

In essence, political speeches shape worldviews and shift paradigms beyond geographical boundaries due to their emotive power and persuasive rhetoric.

Propaganda and Public Opinion

It’s crucial to understand how propaganda can shape public opinion, often molding perceptions and directing societal attitudes. Media manipulation and disinformation campaigns are powerful tools in this process.

As you navigate through the convoluted world of information, be aware of:

• The sources of your news: Are they reliable or do they have a history of spreading falsehoods?
• How information is presented: Is it factual or emotionally charged to sway opinions?
• Your own biases: Are you more likely to believe certain narratives over others?
• The potential impact on society: Could the propagation of such views lead to harmful consequences?
• Involvement of political entities: Are governments or political groups behind these campaigns?

Analyzing these aspects helps protect against manipulation and promotes informed decision-making.

The Role of Words in Social Movements

You’re about to delve into the intricate dynamics of how words fuel movements and the substantial impact language has on activism.

You’ll scrutinize the transformative power of rhetoric in stirring social change, understanding how carefully selected phrases can ignite passion or provoke action among masses.

Words Fueling Movements

Words have been the driving force behind many social and political movements, shaping our world in profound ways. Your understanding of ‘Verbal Symbolism Influence’ can illustrate this.

Words are not merely tools for communication; they carry symbolic power that can inspire action or engender change.

Consider these examples to demonstrate the ‘Linguistic Diversity Impact’:

• The Civil Rights Movement leveraged potent rhetoric to mobilize masses.
• Feminist writings have redefined societal perceptions of gender roles.
• Environmental campaigns use words to raise awareness about climate change.
• Indigenous rights activists reclaim native languages, asserting cultural identity.
• Social media hashtags crystallize public sentiment into movements.

By dissecting these instances, you’ll grasp how linguistic diversity fuels socio-political transformations.

Hence, every uttered or written word has the potential for monumental impact if harnessed effectively.

Language’s Impact on Activism

In the realm of activism, language’s impact is significant. You’ll often find that strategic linguistic choices can propel a movement forward or hinder its progress.

To understand this, consider language discrimination, where certain dialects or accents are unfairly disadvantaged. Such bias may not only undermine activism efforts but also create divisions within movements themselves.

Yet, on the other hand, linguistic diversity can be harnessed to foster inclusivity in activism. Different languages and dialects offer unique perspectives and narratives that enrich the dialogue and broaden understanding on issues at stake.

By effectively utilizing this diversity in your advocacy efforts, you’re more likely to connect with diverse audiences and galvanize collective action towards shared goals.

Therefore, it’s crucial for activists to be mindful of their language choices.

Words in Religion: Shaping Beliefs and Cultures

Religious texts, like the Bible or the Quran, have shaped beliefs and influenced cultures worldwide. The field of Religious Linguistics studies how these sacred writings are interpreted and understood. This intricate process involves examining ancient languages, understanding cultural contexts, applying hermeneutic principles, recognizing theological implications, and respecting diverse interpretations.

Sacred Texts Interpretation is a complex task. It’s not just about translating words; it’s about conveying meanings that resonate with believers’ spiritual lives. It’s an endeavor where one word can change everything – from personal faith to societal norms.

Psychological Impact of Words: Changing Thoughts and Behaviors

You’re probably not aware of it, but the language you use can dramatically alter your thoughts and behaviors. This concept, known as Language Empowerment, suggests that words can play a significant role in shaping our psychological state.

When you consciously choose positive language patterns, it boosts your emotional resilience and empowers you to handle challenges more effectively.

For instance, consider how self-talk shapes your perspective. Phrases like ‘I can’t’ or ‘I’m not good enough’ often create feelings of helplessness. However, replacing them with empowering phrases such as ‘I’ll try’ or ‘I’m learning’, fosters a growth mindset and strengthens your emotional resilience.

Words and Education: The Catalyst for Knowledge

As you delve into your studies, it’s crucial to realize the profound impact language has on your educational journey. Language barriers in education can hinder progress, but with effective vocabulary development strategies, these obstacles can be surmounted. Understanding this concept is vital for academic success.

Consider these points:

• Language proficiency affects comprehension and expression of ideas.
• Vocabulary development strategies enhance knowledge acquisition.
• Inclusive teaching methods help overcome language barriers in education.
• Multilingual environments enrich cognitive skills.
• Learning aids such as dictionaries or translation apps foster autonomy.

The Art of Persuasion: Words in Advertising and Marketing

In advertising and marketing, it’s the compelling use of language that often influences consumer behavior, demonstrating the true art of persuasion. You’ve seen how words can shape perceptions and spark emotions, serving as pivotal aspects in branding strategies.

However, with this power comes responsibility: advertising ethics cannot be overlooked. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about crafting messages that resonate without resorting to deception or manipulation. You must ensure transparency and fairness while creating a brand identity that is both appealing and trustworthy.

This balancing act between persuasive language and ethical communication is where you’ll find the heart of effective advertising. If mastered, you can change not just buying habits but also the world around you through your words.

Words in Literature: Inspiring Change Through Storytelling

Consider the profound role literature plays in catalyzing change. It’s not merely a passive observer of societal shifts, but an active participant that shapes and directs.

Reflect on the impact of inspirational storytelling. How it stirs emotions and motivates actions, leaving indelible marks on individuals and societies alike.

Examine carefully the power inherent in empowering words used within literature. They do more than entertain; they educate, inspire, challenge norms, and can ultimately lead to a paradigm shift.

Literature’s Role in Change

Literature’s role in change cannot be underestimated. It is often the catalyst for societal shifts, with a unie power to stir emotions and prompt action.

Let’s delve into how literature fosters change:

Through these mechanisms, literature truly influences change.

Inspirational Storytelling Impact

Having explored literature’s role in change, it’s crucial to delve into another facet: the impact of inspirational storytelling.

You may wonder how this connects; well, storytelling therapy and narrative medicine provide a bridge between these concepts. These techniques use stories as healing mechanisms, allowing individuals to reshape their personal narratives positively.

Storytelling therapy helps you confront disturbing experiences or feelings by narrating them and finding new meanings. Similarly, narrative medicine enhances health professionals’ empathic understanding of patients through their narratives.

It’s clear that such therapeutic storytelling not only changes individual worldviews but also reshapes communal perspectives on issues like mental health and patient care. Therefore, the power of words extends beyond mere literary influence to a tangible therapeutic context.

Empowering Words in Literature

In the realm of literature, empowering phrases can truly make a difference in how we perceive ourselves and others. This is especially true with Poetic Empowerment and Literary Feminism. You see, distinct words can act as catalysts for change. They help to dismantle stereotypes and foster inclusivity.

Literature has been instrumental in promoting gender equality. Feminist literature challenges patriarchal norms. Empowering language nurtures self-confidence. Through poetry, marginalized voices are heard. Poems empower us by articulating our deepest feelings.

It’s imperative to recognize that these powerful literary tools don’t just reflect society but also shape it. They echo voices of resilience, courage, and defiance. So next time you pick up a book or read a poem, remember its potential power to inspire change.

The Digital Age: How Words Shape Online Interactions

You’re living in a time where your online words hold immense power to influence and shape virtual interactions. As the digital age advances, it’s crucial to be aware of current digital communication trends and the potential consequences of online bullying.

Analyzing these trends, you’ll discover that while they offer ways to enrich virtual interaction, they might also contribute towards a negative environment if misused. Thus, careful choice of words is paramount; they’re not just letters strung together but powerful tools shaping the digital landscape.

Words and Law: Legislations That Altered the Course of Societies

Let’s now delve into how legislation has literally rewritten the course of societies. Laws and their interpretation are pivotal in shaping societal structures, but they can often be cloaked in complex legal jargon. Your understanding is crucial, so let’s simplify it:

• Legal Jargon Simplification : Decoding the complex language used in laws helps you to comprehend them better.
• Deciphering Law Terminology : Learning law terminology doesn’t only aid legal professionals but empowers all citizens.
• Legislation Impact : Understanding how legislations impact daily life fosters awareness and engagement
• Historical Revision through Laws : Laws have changed societies from the abolition of slavery to women’s suffrage; it’s a testament to their power.
• Future Predictions : Through analysis, we can predict societal changes based on proposed legislations.

Language Evolution: How New Words Reflect Social Changes

As you’ve seen, laws and legislation can influence societies through the craft of language. However, such changes are not limited to legal texts.

Language Evolution, our current subtopic, delves into how linguistic shifts reflect societal transformations. Here we’ll investigate ‘Language and Technology’, focusing on how technological advancements impact linguistic diversity.

As technology evolves rapidly so does our language; new words emerge capturing new realities and ideas while some older terms become obsolete. This continuous evolution affects linguistic diversity, constantly reshaping dialects and languages globally.

Thus, you’ll see that technological progress doesn’t only transform our physical world but also profoundly influences the intangible realm of human communication and expression: language itself.

Words in Science: Terminologies That Define Progress

In your exploration of the evolution of scientific terminology, you’ll delve into how language shapes and is shaped by scientific progress. You’ll analyze its profound impact on the advancement of science, recognizing that terminologies not only record but also catalyze intellectual breakthroughs.

Simultaneously, we must address misunderstandings in science communication, acknowledging that linguistic clarity is vital to promoting accurate comprehension and reducing misconceptions within both scholarly circles and public discourse.

Evolution of Scientific Terminology

You’re probably aware of how scientific terminology has drastically evolved over the years, haven’t you? Semantic shifts in science have necessitated a focus on linguistic simplicity in scientific communication. This evolution is driven by multiple factors:

• The need for precision and clarity
• Technological advancements leading to new fields
• Globalization influencing language usage
• Public understanding and accessibility
• Collaboration across disciplines

These shifts aren’t just arbitrary changes. They’re important strides towards making science more inclusive and accessible.

Understanding the evolution of scientific terminology allows us to appreciate the complexity behind these simple words that ultimately shape our worldview.

Impact on Scientific Progress

It’s clear that the evolution of scientific terminology has a significant impact on scientific progress, facilitating clearer communication and fostering greater collaboration across disciplines. You might have noticed how language barriers in science can hinder such progress. Yet, through scientific jargon simplification, these barriers are gradually being broken down.

You see, less complex language makes science accessible not just to you as a fellow scientist but also to the general public. It bridges the gap between different fields of study and encourages diverse perspectives in problem-solving. Henceforth, it’s crucial for scientific communities worldwide to continue championing this linguistic evolution for sustained progress in science.

Misunderstandings in Science Communication

However, there’s a downside to the simplification of scientific language – it can lead to misunderstandings in science communication.

This is particularly problematic when the ‘Science jargon barrier’ comes into play. You see, layman interpretation errors often stem from:

• Misuse or misunderstanding of terminology
• Oversimplification of complex concepts
• Lack of context or background knowledge
• Inaccurate translation between technical and common language
• Preconceived ideas masking actual scientific facts

These factors not only distort your understanding but also hamper accurate information dissemination.

It’s worth noting that while simplifying scientific language has advantages, it needs careful handling. The challenge lies in striking a balance – making science accessible without sacrificing accuracy and nuance.

The Future of Words: Predictions and Possibilities

Looking ahead, can’t you just imagine the transformative power words might have in shaping our future?

Semantic algorithms and linguistic predictions are two key components that could revolutionize how we interpret and use language.

Semantic algorithms delve into the complexities of meaning in text, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of context. They’re not just recognizing words; they’re learning to understand intent, emotion, even sarcasm.

On the other hand, linguistic predictions involve forecasting language trends based on data analysis. You’ll find these tools being used everywhere from marketing campaigns to political speeches.

This is not simply about convenience or efficiency anymore – it’s about reshaping human communication as we know it.

Words aren’t static; they evolve with us, influencing our thoughts and actions in ways we’re only beginning to comprehend.

Small actions matter! How to change the world one step at a time

Recently I gave a speech at the Global Forum on Childhood Pneumonia as a youth advocate in front of global leaders, officers from different international organizations, and hundreds of people that are working daily to protect children’s rights. Yes, I know. Sounds big, right? But let me tell you first a little bit more about myself and my journey.

My name is Daryl, I’m 25 years old and I’m passionate about international relations. Currently, I’m the president of UNSA Spain , a federation that aims to give youth the opportunity to get involved in the Sustainable Development Goals and from here I’ve led both national and international projects, but my beginnings were very different.

For a long time, I’ve been scared of doing things because of what others may think. Although I always wanted to make something to help people and to make the world a better place; I was just too scared of failing and of what the people around would say about it. That prevented me to take action.

I used to tell myself that it was fine not to do anything and that other people – older or more qualified – would do it. But at some point, I asked myself “Why I don’t give it a try? Why should I wait for someone to do something that I really want to do?” and I got the courage to start. I did not start by going to the United Nations to give a speech, rather I started to take little steps and I chose a NGO to do volunteering.

Since then, I’ve given food to homeless people in Madrid, I’ve gone to schools to raise awareness on global issues, I’ve given workshops to encourage young people to take action, I’ve started my own initiatives on gender equality or c hildren recruited by armed forces or armed groups , and I’ve taught English and math to children in India.

All this has allowed me to become a youth activist for children rights and children's health, and I want to share with you some tips I’ve learned through my experience.

1️⃣  Be confident

During your journey, there may be a lot of people that will tell you that you won’t be able to do what you aim for. Believe me, I know this perfectly! And this won’t change when you get older.

Teachers, colleagues and sometimes friends used to tell me that I was not going to be able to make it, that those were only dreams and that the world is a mess. And to be honest, it is! But that does not mean that we cannot do something to make it better. Remember why you are doing what you are doing; and bare in mind that if I don’t give it a try, you will never know!

2️⃣  Surround yourself with people that encourage you

Sometimes – more than I want to admit – I ended up doubting myself too. Those times, it was very important for me to surround myself with people that believed in me. My mother has always been very supportive through all this process and having her by my side has helped me to keep going even in those times when confidence failed me.

3️⃣  Inform yourself

If you really want to make a change, you need to inform yourself. Reading and knowing more about the world will help you to understand the situation and how to make those changes happen.

If you are interested in climate change, then read about the environment and actions that can reduce climate change; if you are interested in ending racism, then read about its origins and how it affects people in their daily lives. Knowledge is power and it can help us come up with solutions to current problems.

4️⃣  Perseverance is key

There will be times where things won’t work out the way you expected it. But you know what? It’s fine! Dozens of times, I’ve had an idea or I’ve started a small project and it did not go well, but that does not mean that I should stop trying. I could learn from it and implement what I’ve learned next time. What makes us strong is getting back up every time we fall.

5️⃣  Step by step

Every action has an impact, whether it’s big or small. You don’t need to give a speech at the United Nations or win a Nobel Prize to change the world. The truth is that big changes start from small actions, and that you starting an initiative in your school or in your neighborhood is as meaningful as talking to global leaders.

During my journey, I’ve learned from every small initiative I’ve participated in, and all those small actions have led me to what I’m doing now; and if you think about the journey of public figures such as Greta Thunberg or Malala Yousafzai , it has always started with them raising their voices and taking action about what is important to them at local level. You never know the change your actions can make.

I can give you tons of advice, but the truth is that you don’t need anything special to change the world and there is no magic formula.

It is about what you do with the tools you have to make the difference. It doesn’t matter if you are 12 years old or if you are 80, if you have a master degree or if you have never studied in your life, if you are a boy or a girl; if you live in a big city or in a small town.

It is about attitude, believing that you can do it and working hard for it. At the end only those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are those who do.

View the discussion thread.

C 2019 Voices of Youth. All Rights Reserved. 

• History & Evolution of Public Speaking →

The Future of Public Speaking in a Rapidly Changing World

In today’s fast-paced world, the art of public speaking is evolving at an unprecedented rate. As technology continues to advance and reshape how we communicate, public speakers must adapt their skills to stay effective and engaging.

This blog post will explore how public speaking has transformed in our increasingly connected yet disconnected society, highlighting key trends and skill sets essential for aspiring speakers.

Key Takeaways

• Public speaking is essential in a changing world because it allows individuals to reach a global audience, embrace new technology, and build trust in the face of misinformation.
• The evolution of public speaking includes hybrid events that combine both in – person and virtual audiences, more collaborative and interactive presentations, and a greater emphasis on storytelling .
• Key skills for public speakers in the future include effective communication tactics, technological proficiency, adaptability, and cultural awareness and sensitivity. Speakers who possess these skills will be able to adapt quickly to change while making meaningful connections with diverse audiences around the world.

Why Public Speaking Is Essential In A Changing World

In a rapidly changing world, public speaking is essential because it allows individuals to reach a global audience, embrace new technology, and build trust in the face of misinformation.

Reaching A Global Audience

In today’s  interconnected world , public speakers have an unprecedented opportunity to reach a global audience. Advancements in technology and the growing popularity of teleconferences and webinars mean that your message can now resonate with people across continents, transcending geographical limitations.

For example, consider renowned motivational speakers like Tony Robbins or Simon Sinek; their inspiring messages have reached millions through platforms such as YouTube or TED Talks.

Similarly, political leaders are also leveraging technology to address international issues by connecting remotely with foreign constituents during times of crisis or important events.

This widening scope necessitates cultivation of cultural sensitivity and awareness amongst public speakers so they can effectively communicate with diverse audiences while fostering meaningful relationships on both personal and professional levels.

Embracing New Technology

In a rapidly changing world, embracing new technology is essential for public speakers to keep up with their audience’s needs. With the growth of virtual events and webinars, it is crucial to master the tools that facilitate delivering impactful speeches remotely.

Online platforms like  Zoom, Skype, and GoToWebinar  are becoming more popular for virtual presentations as they offer features such as screen sharing and polling options that encourage audience engagement.

In addition to leveraging these technologies, public speakers should also stay updated on advancements in speech recognition software and AI-powered text-to-speech applications to enhance their overall performance.

Building Trust In A Time Of Misinformation

In today’s world, where information overload and fake news are rampant, it can be challenging to build trust with your audience. As a public speaker, building trust is crucial to your success, as listeners are more likely to engage with speakers they believe in.

Another way is by establishing yourself as an expert in your field through continued learning and professional development.

Lastly, practicing good communication skills such as active listening and appropriate body language can demonstrate sincerity and improve credibility.

Overall, strengthening relationships based on mutual respect fosters greater confidence in public speakers’ abilities which further improves their influence over others positively impacting lives they touch at various levels.

The Evolution Of Public Speaking

Hybrid events are becoming increasingly popular, allowing speakers to engage with both in-person and virtual audiences simultaneously.

Hybrid Events: Combining In-person And Virtual Audiences

Hybrid events, which combine both in-person and virtual audiences, are becoming increasingly popular in the public speaking world. This is largely due to the growth of technology and the need for accessible presentations that reach a global audience while still providing some level of human interaction.

For example, a speaker might give their presentation at a physical venue in front of an audience while also broadcasting it online . This allows individuals who may not be able to attend physically but have an interest in the topic to tune into the event from anywhere around the globe.

In addition, these types of events provide more opportunities for collaboration between different groups or communities that would typically remain disconnected without technology’s help.

More Collaborative And Interactive Presentations

In the future of public speaking, it’s becoming increasingly important to engage audiences with more collaborative and interactive presentations. This means going beyond traditional lecture-style speeches and instead creating opportunities for conversation, participation, and group activities that involve your audience.

By doing this, you can create a more meaningful connection with your listeners and ensure that they are actively involved in the learning process. For example, you could encourage attendees to share their experiences or opinions on a topic through live polls or breakout sessions.

These types of activities not only make the presentation more enjoyable but also increase retention rates by engaging multiple senses and creating a memorable experience for participants.

A Greater Emphasis On Storytelling

In the future of public speaking, there will be a greater emphasis on storytelling . This is because people tend to remember stories more than facts and figures. A good storyteller can make an emotional connection with their audience and keep them engaged throughout the presentation.

One example of this is Steve Jobs’ famous keynote speeches where he used storytelling techniques to introduce new products by explaining how they fit into people’s lives.

Another example would be former President Barack Obama’s speeches that always had inspiring stories woven in to emphasize his message. By incorporating these techniques, public speakers can captivate their audiences, inspire action, and leave a lasting impression.

Key Skills For Public Speakers In The Future

Public speakers in the future need to have effective communication tactics, technological proficiency, adaptability, and cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Effective Communication Tactics

As public speaking evolves, effective communication tactics remain a key element for success. Public speakers must continuously refine their ability to effectively message and communicate with different audiences.

This includes understanding the importance of nonverbal communication, tone of voice, and speech pacing.

One effective tactic is to use storytelling as a means of conveying information in a memorable way. Sharing personal anecdotes or using real-life examples helps bring concepts to life and resonates more strongly with the audience.

Using interactive tools such as polls or online quizzes can help keep the audience engaged while also providing valuable feedback on what topics resonate most with them.

Technological Proficiency

With advancements in technology, public speaking is no longer limited to just live events. Speakers must now have the technological proficiency to deliver engaging presentations across various online platforms, including webinars and virtual conferences.

In addition, speakers should also be able to incorporate interactive elements into their presentations using tools like polls or Q&A sessions. Technological proficiency also includes understanding how to use visual aids effectively, such as creating high-quality slideshows or videos that add value to the presentation.

Ability To Adapt Flexibly

In the rapidly changing world of public speaking, one of the most important skills for speakers to possess is the ability to adapt flexibly. With new technologies emerging and audiences becoming more diverse than ever before, speakers must be able to adjust their presentations on-the-fly to engage with their listeners effectively.

This might involve implementing new multimedia elements or adjusting delivery based on audience feedback.

For example, a speaker who has always given speeches in person may need to shift gears quickly when asked to give a virtual presentation instead. By adapting flexibly and embracing technology, this same speaker can still deliver a powerful speech while reaching an even wider audience.

Cultural Awareness And Sensitivity

Public speakers need to be aware of cultural differences and show sensitivity towards them in order to connect with a diverse audience. This involves understanding the customs, beliefs, and values of different cultures and incorporating them into presentations.

Additionally, public speakers should avoid making assumptions or generalizations about cultures that could come across as insensitive or offensive. A lack of cultural awareness can lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding which can negatively impact an audience’s perception of the speaker.

Therefore, it’s essential for public speakers to develop their cultural sensitivity skills through training programs or research before giving any presentation.

The Future Of Public Speaking: Trends And Outlook

The future of public speaking is looking bright, with innovative trends and technologies revolutionizing the industry.

The Growth Of Virtual And Hybrid Events

As the world becomes more interconnected, virtual and hybrid events are becoming increasingly popular. Virtual events allow speakers to reach a global audience and connect with people who may not have been able to attend in person.

Hybrid events combine the benefits of both in-person and virtual events. They allow for greater flexibility for attendees as they can choose whether they want to attend online or in person.

Public speakers need to adapt their skills and techniques accordingly when participating in these types of events.

These shifts require public speakers to develop new strategies that reflect technological advancements such as augmented reality (AR) technology, which can provide interactive presentations that enhance audience engagement during speeches.

Finally, sustainability concerns necessitate eco-friendly decisions regarding event planning while keeping diversity at its forefront by ensuring accessibility options for everyone including those living with disabilities both on-site and online presentation formats impact accessibilities differently according to popular research reports from sources like APEX Accessible Documents Scientific Writing Team Inc ‘s publication “A Guide To Creating Presentations That Are Accessible To Everyone”.

Innovative Use Of Technology For Engaging Presentations

With the advent of new technology, public speaking has opened up a whole new world for speakers. Virtual presentations have become more prevalent, with online platforms that allow real-time interactions and engagement with audiences from all over the globe.

Innovative technology can also be used during live presentations to enhance audience participation through social media polls or live Q&A sessions using tools like  Slido or Mentimeter .

The best part is that you don’t need to be a tech genius to incorporate these tools into your speeches! Even if technology isn’t your forte, there are plenty of resources available online for public speakers who want to take things up a notch.

The Importance Of Sustainability And Diversity In Public Speaking

Sustainability and diversity are increasingly important topics in today’s society, and public speaking is no exception. As a public speaker, it is crucial to consider the impact your message has on both people and the planet.

Sustainability involves reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions while also ensuring that resources are used efficiently.

In addition to sustainability, diversity should also be a key consideration when preparing speeches or presentations. Diversity means embracing differences among people of different races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities or disabilities.

By showcasing diverse perspectives in your speech content and delivery style – such as through personal anecdotes – you can demonstrate inclusivity while creating an engaging experience for all members of your audience.

The Role Of Public Speakers In Addressing Global Issues And Challenges

As the world faces a multitude of global issues and challenges, the role of public speakers has become more important than ever. These issues can range from climate change to social justice, political instability, and much more.

Public speakers have a unique opportunity to address these issues and inspire their audiences towards action.

An excellent example of this is Greta Thunberg’s speeches on climate change. Her impassioned speeches about our planet’s future have brought attention to environmental destruction across the globe.

In summary, public speaking provides an essential platform for addressing global issues and promoting positive solutions that will benefit society as a whole. It offers influential individuals like you an effective way to share ideas with your audience while inspiring them towards meaningful action.

Conclusion: Embracing Change And Preparing For The Future Of Public Speaking

As public speakers, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in our field. Embracing change and preparing for the future of public speaking means being open-minded and adapting to new ways of engaging with audiences.

However, keeping up with these changes also means staying true to the core skills needed for effective communication.

It’s important for us as public speakers to view change as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

1. How will technology impact the future of public speaking?

Technology is expected to play a major role in the future of public speaking, with virtual presentations and online events becoming increasingly popular. This trend may also lead to new tools and techniques for engaging audiences remotely.

2. What skills will be most important for successful public speakers in the future?

Effective communication, adaptability, and the ability to connect with diverse audiences are likely to be essential skills for successful public speakers in a rapidly changing world. Other critical competencies include empathy, creativity, and technological literacy.

3. How can public speakers stay relevant and engaging in an era dominated by social media and short attention spans?

To remain relevant and engaging in today’s fast-paced digital landscape, public speakers must be able to craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience while also leveraging social media platforms to connect with followers before, during, and after live events.

4. Will traditional forms of public speaking become obsolete in the future?

While some types of live events may decline or disappear over time due to advances in technology or changes in social norms (such as large-scale conferences), there will always be a need for skilled communicators who can engage audiences on important topics ranging from politics to business innovation. Therefore traditional forms of public speaking are unlikely to become obsolete anytime soon.

Speech about Change in the World [1,2,3,5 Minutes]

This tutorial will cover the speech in two different contexts;

• 1 Speech about Change in the World (changes that already occur)
• 4 Speeches about Change in the World (How we can change the world )

You can select speech context according to your requirements.

Short Speech about Change in the World

The world has changed a lot in the last few years with the emergence of new technologies.

The change in the world has been rapid and it is not slowing down. The pace of change is increasing and it will only get faster in the coming years.

The world is changing in many ways. Some of the changes are happening for the better, others for the worse. The reason for these changes is not always clear and it is hard to predict what will happen in the future.

The world we live in has undergone a lot of changes over time. Some of these changes have been positive, while others have been negative. These changes are not always clear and it is hard to predict what will happen in the future.

The world is changing and it is happening faster than ever. The advent of technology has brought about a revolution in the way we live our lives. With the help of AI, we can now automate a lot of tasks that used to require human labor in the past.

The rapid changes in technology have transformed people’s lives and they are now able to create content at scale. It has also helped them to generate more content with ease, which was not possible before.

In recent years, many people have asked what will happen to humans when they are replaced by machines? How long will it take for machines to replace humans completely? Will there be a time when we can live without human intervention? Will there be a time when we are no longer needed?

The 21st century has seen a huge change in the world. It is not just about the technological advancements and innovations but also about how humans are changing as a whole. The impact of these changes cannot be ignored, which brings us to the topic of this paper – what can we expect from our future?

The changes in technology have brought about many innovations which have changed our lives and society as a whole. The advancement of technology has made it possible for people to communicate with one another from across the globe, opening up opportunities for people to work together towards common goals.

In the past, society has always been based on a certain set of rules and morals. With the advancement of technology, society is changing, and new ideas are being explored.

Our world is changing rapidly with the invention of new technologies, but that doesn’t mean that we should give up our old ways. We need to keep both old and new values in mind and work together for a better future for everyone.

Short 1 Minute Speech about Change in the World

Social media has made it easy to share our thoughts and opinions. We can change the world by sharing our knowledge, insights and experiences with others.

The social media platforms are a great way for people to share their thoughts, opinions, and ideas. However, the platforms are also an easy way for people to spread hate speech and propaganda.

It is important that we take action against these types of content on social media platforms before it goes viral. It is also important that we try to educate those who are spreading these types of content about why these ideas are wrong or why they should be changed in order to make them more productive in society.

We can Change the World by spreading positivity.

Positive thinking has been scientifically proven to improve your health, happiness, and well-being. It also helps you to achieve more in your life.

The Change the World by spreading positivity is a campaign that encourages people to spread kindness and positivity in their everyday lives. The campaign was initiated by the founder of the charity organization Big World Small World, David Bornstein.

2 Minutes Speech about Change in the World (Bringing Change)

The world is changing at a very fast pace, and it is very difficult to keep up with the changes.

The future of our society looks uncertain and chaotic. It would be great if we could change the world for the better by using our creativity, emotions, and knowledge.

We can Change the World by being more mindful of what we consume. We can also Change the World by being more aware of how we consume media and what messages are being delivered to us as consumers.

It’s not easy to change the world. We need a lot of people to come together and work towards a common goal.

But there are ways we can make our voices heard. We can start by making small changes in our daily lives, like recycling and turning off the lights when we leave a room.

The world is becoming more and more competitive and it is hard to keep up with the pace. It seems like everyone is always on the move. But there is still hope in humanity.

We can change the world by spreading positivity. We can live a life where we are not constantly thinking about what we have lost or what we need to do to get ahead in life.

3 Minutes Speech about Change in the World (Bringing Change)

The world is changing so rapidly that it can be difficult to keep up. There are many new technologies that have yet to be discovered and used in the world.

We are entering a time of change where we will see more change than ever before. It is important for us to stay optimistic and hopeful about our future because it will only get better from here on out.

There are many ways in which we can change the world. We can change it by being a good people, by donating to charity, or by making a difference in society.

Changing the world starts with changing ourselves and our own lives. It is important that we improve our skills and knowledge so that we can help others who may be struggling with the same problems that we have faced in life

The way we feel about the world has a direct impact on our lives and the future of humanity. The more positive we are, the better we feel. We should always be conscious of how our actions have an impact on others around us.

This is why spreading positivity is such a powerful tool for change in today’s world. There are so many ways to spread positivity, but some people might not know what it entails or how to do it themselves. This article will provide you with some great ideas on how you can spread positivity in your everyday life and make a difference in someone else’s life too!

5 Minutes Speech about Change in the World (Bringing Change)

Wisdom is a valuable and important feature of a human being. A wise person has the ability to make good decisions, understand and learn from past experiences, and have a deep understanding of the world around him/her. Wisdom is not something that can be measured or acquired overnight. Earning wisdom is a continuous process and requires a sufficient amount of time. Earning wisdom requires openness, patience, and hard work with previous experiences. Especially we must have the willingness to learn and grow.

One of the most important ways to cultivate wisdom is through education and learning. We can seek out new experiences and knowledge, and challenge ourselves to think critically and deeply about the world around us. Earning wisdom involves being open your mind to different perspectives and listening to others with an open mind, as this can help us to gain new insights and understanding.

Another key aspect of earning wisdom is the ability to reflect and learn from our mistakes. We all make mistakes in life, but it is how we handle them and learn from them that can help us to become wiser. It is important to take responsibility for our actions instead of blaming others. We must try to understand the root causes of our mistakes so that we can avoid these mistakes in the future.

Wisdom is about making good choices and living a fulfilling life. It is about finding balance and harmony in our lives and being able to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come our way. So let us all strive and hard work with our best actions to cultivate wisdom in our own lives, and be a source of wisdom for others as well.

Examples of sentences that can be used in starting of this speech

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Read Catherine’s Full Statement on Her Cancer Diagnosis

The princess asked for privacy as she undergoes treatment, and said that “it has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family.”

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By The New York Times

• March 22, 2024

A transcript of the video message given by Catherine, princess of Wales:

I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery. It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful. In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment. This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK. As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both. We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery. At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.

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Patricia Zengerle has reported from more than 20 countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and China. An award-winning Washington-based national security and foreign policy reporter who also has worked as an editor, Patricia has appeared on NPR, C-Span and other programs, spoken at the National Press Club and attended the Hoover Institution Media Roundtable. She is a recipient of the Edwin M. Hood Award for Diplomatic Correspondence.

Kate, Princess of Wales, 'enormously touched' by messages of support

Kate, Britain's Princess of Wales, and her husband Prince William have been "enormously touched" by the messages of support received since she announced her cancer diagnosis, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Saturday.