I Speak…

Anyone who is looking to make a public speech would be well advised to do their research. Since the very beginnings of humanity, there have been those people with a special talent—a talent that allows them to speak in such a way that others listen en masse. This week, I thought we would look at some of the greatest speeches of all time—and the speakers who gave them.

Blood, Sweat, and Tears – Prime Minister Winston Churchill

In the middle of the largest war in history, for his first speech to the House of Commons as Britain’s Prime Minister on May 13, 1940, Winston Churchill proved that England was in more capable hands. He wasted no time in calling the people to arms as he echoed Theodore Roosevelt’s famous phrase of “blood, sweat, and tears.”

Duties of American Citizenship – President Theodore Roosevelt

A speech given by Theodore Roosevelt in Buffalo, New York on January 26, 1883 discussed the theoretical reasons why every citizen must be involved in politics and the practicality of serving in that capacity. People must not excuse themselves from politics just because they are too busy and then blame the government for its ineptitude.

Inauguration Address – President John F. Kennedy

There has never been anything more gripping than this speech delivered by one very young, ambitious and popular president called John F. Kennedy. After a lengthy campaign, and after edging Vice-President (and future President) Nixon out of the way, Kennedy became the 35th president of the United States. He embodied the fresh optimism of a nation that had just risen out of decades of war. As the citizens listened to his inaugural speech, they felt that the nation was headed towards a new frontier.

Duty, Honor, Country – General Douglas MacArthur

General Douglas MacArthur was the world famous commander of Allied Forces in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. His chivalry, his experience in the battlefield, and his selfless sacrifice were all done for the sake of “Duty, Honor, Country.” This 1962 speech was given while accepting the Sylvanus Thayer Award for outstanding service to the nation. His address was intended for the soldiers who would tread the same course he did, reminding them of their purpose in becoming soldiers.

I Have a Dream – Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.

This was a very special speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr. on August 28, 1963 in Washington, DC. A century after the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation, the promise of full equality was not yet fulfilled. Black Americans still experienced racial discrimination, but amidst all this, the voice of Dr. King sent out a message of hope.

Sermon on the Mount – Jesus Christ

Given by Jesus Christ in 33 AD, people often consider the Sermon on the Mount to be one of the most influential speeches ever given. In fact, one would be hard pressed to find a more quoted, discussed, or revered piece of oration in all of history.

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