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My Favorite Speeches for Rhetorical Analysis: 10 Speeches for Middle School ELA and High School English

Teaching rhetorical analysis is one of my absolute favorite units to complete with my students. I love teaching my students about rhetorical strategies and devices, analyzing what makes an effective and persuasive argument, and reading critical speeches with my students. Here is a quick list of some of my favorite speeches for rhetorical analysis.

I absolutely LOVE teaching rhetorical analysis. I think it might be one of my favorite units to teach to my high school students. There are just so many different text options to choose from. Here is a list of some of my favorite speeches to include in my rhetorical analysis teaching unit.

10 Speeches for Teaching Rhetorical Analysis

1. the gettysburg address (abraham lincoln).

Some notable things to mention in this speech include allusion and parallel structure. To make your analysis more meaningful, point out these devices to students and explain how these devices enhance the meaning of the text.

Teaching Resource : The Gettysburg Address Rhetorical Analysis Activity Packet

2. Lou Gehrig’s Farewell Speech (Lou Gehrig)

This speech is one that many of my athletes love to analyze, and it is an excellent exemplar text to teach pathos. And like The Gettysburg Address, it is short. This is another speech that you can read, analyze, and even write about in one class period.

When I use this speech in my class, I have students look for examples of pathos. Mainly, I have them look at word choice, tone, and mood. How does Lou Gehrig’s choice of words affect his tone and the overall mood of the speech?

3. I Have a Dream (Martin Luther King,  Jr.)

In the classroom, it is important to point out the sermonic feel to the speech and also to have your students look for calls to action and pathos. Have your students look for tone, allusions, and word choice to help them notice these rhetoric expressions throughout it.

Teaching Resource : I Have a Dream Close Read and Rhetorical Analysis

4. Speech at the March on Washington (Josephine Baker)

This is another important speech that held a lot of importance for the changes that needed to be made in America. The speech is a shorter one, so in the classroom, it will not take as long to analyze it, and students can understand the significance of the use of rhetoric in a shorter amount of time than some other speeches.

When teaching this speech, I like to remind my students to search for devices that portray an excellent example of the pathos that is so present in this speech. Some of these devices could be mood, repetition, and diction.

5. Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech (Steve Jobs)

In class, it is good to have your students annotate and analyze the speech just as they have done for the others. The organization of the speech will help them to notice the similarities and differences between each point Jobs makes.

6. Space Shuttle Challenger (Ronald Reagan)

This speech represents a strong sense of pathos as a movement to help the American people cope with loss after the deaths of the astronauts aboard the Challenger. It is another speech that is not too long, so it should not take a long time to both analyze and annotate the entire speech.

When teaching this speech in class, be sure to mention how pathos is the driving force behind the speech, through the tone and the diction. How does Reagan use emotion to focus on the astronauts as humans, rather than solely focusing on the tragedy?

7. The Perils of Indifference (Elie Wiesel)

This speech is a good one to teach because it both makes students question their own lives, but also how the world works. The speech relies on pathos, and a little ethos too, to get the audience to feel the full effect of the tragedy of the Holocaust and what the speaker went through. It is a long speech so it may take longer for the students to fully grasp all the details that make it such a persuasive speech.

When I teach this speech, I like to have students annotate every place they notice an example of pathos, and then have them explain why in their annotations this makes them feel an emotion. The same with the ethos, and then we can further analyze the rest together.

8. 9/11 Address to the Nation (George W. Bush)

This speech shows another example of the use of pathos in the midst of a tragedy. The President wanted to show the American people how much he was feeling for those lost in the tragedy of 9/11. It is not a long speech, but the amount of emotion within the words is significant for students to notice.

When teaching this speech, it is essential that students look very closely at each part of it, noticing each piece that reveals tone, mood, and other literary devices. How do the different devices add to the pathos of the speech?

FREE TEACHING ACTIVITY : September 11 Address to the Nation Sampler

Teaching Resource : September 11 Address to the Nation Rhetorical Analysis Unit

9. We are Virginia Tech (Nikki Giovanni)

This speech is probably the shortest speech on this list but provides one of the most emotional and pathos-filled rhetoric. This describes another tragedy that is spoken about with pathos to give the audience a safe feeling after such an emotional thing. Students can spend time analyzing the different devices that make the piece so strong in its emotion.

In the classroom, make sure your students make a note of the repetition, and what that does for the speech. Does it make the emotion more impactful? How does it make the audience feel like they are a part of something bigger?

10. Woman’s Right to the Suffrage (Susan B. Anthony)

This is another short speech that holds a lot of power within it. A lot of students will enjoy reading this to see how much the country has changed, and how this speech may have some part in influencing this change. It is a great speech to help teach logos in the classroom, and it will not take a long time to analyze.

Make sure your students notice, and they also understand, the use of allusions within the speech. These allusions help to establish the use of logos, as Anthony wants the use of American historical documents to show how logical her argument is.

Ready-For-You Rhetorical Analysis Teaching Unit

You might also be interested in my blog post about 15 rhetorical analysis questions to ask your students.

Teaching rhetorical analysis and speeches in the classroom is a great way to teach informational text reading standards.

Rhetorical Analysis Teaching Resources:

These resources follow reading standards for informational text and are ideal for secondary ELA teachers.

• Rhetorical Analysis Unit with Sticky Notes
• Ethos, Pathos, Logos: Understanding Rhetorical Appeals\
• Rhetorical Analysis Mini Flip Book

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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > 10 Must Watch TED Talks for Students- Get Inspired!

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

10 Must Watch TED Talks for Students- Get Inspired!

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: August 15, 2019

TED Talks are a huge trend these days for discovering new ideas, new ways of doing business and a host of other exciting and thought-provoking topics in fields such as education, self-help, business, technology and more. If you are a student, you are sure to benefit from these online videos, but with thousands of available talks in hundreds of languages, it can be hard to choose where to start. Here we’ve rounded up the 10 best TED Talks for students.

Top 10 Must Watch TED Talks for Students

1. inside the mind of a master procrastinator : tim urban.

Tim Urban is blogger and author of written content on his website, Wait but Why ? He is one of the internet’s most popular writers and has over one million unique page views on his website. He uses cute, crude drawings and relatable figures to explain his points.

In this funny TED Talk, Urban explains why procrastinators are drawn to procrastination. Procrastination is an inevitable part of being a student because there will always be at least one assignment or project that you just aren’t crazy about, or a time in your student life when there seems to be too much going on and you just can’t muster up the motivation to get started. If you feel like you are a constant procrastinator, it can lead to a build up of anxiety in your life, making it hard to give your all to your studies.

Here are some simple time management tips you can use, for online studies and on campus:

• Define and prioritize tasks
• Break up big tasks
• Create a reward system
• Set a schedule
• Eliminate distractions

2. How To Stay Calm When You Know You’ll Be Stressed : Daniel Levitin

Daniel Levitin allows us all to be mini neuroscientists. As a neuroscience researcher himself, Levitin takes his findings and allows non-scientists to understand more about the brain by using layman’s terms and easy-to-understand anecdotes and analogies.

In this TED Talk, he discusses how to be proactive in avoiding catastrophes, which tend to happen when we are stressed. The main take-away from this TED Talk is to know that as humans, we must expect failure at times. And the rates of failure will be higher when we are stressed. Levitin suggests that we should put systems in place in order to minimize the chances of failure during times of stress. As a student, times of stress are common and can include finals or midterms, registration periods, fall start, or when you have an upcoming project or presentation.

University of the People has created a complete guide for you to combat student stress , a guide on how to cope with exam stress , plus a list of 5 tips to reduce college stress .

3. Dare To Disagree : Margaret Heffernan

Margaret Hefferman is the former CEO of five businesses and is a leader in women’s entrepreneurship.

Her TED Talk explains the importance in standing up for something you believe in, or something you believe to be right. Disagreeing is not always a bad thing, and usually there is a reason why you feel you disagree with others. As students, this could come about with professors or TAs, your student body government, faculty, or in group projects. Bringing up a disagreement is integral to the success of a group as it brings to light issues that must be addressed and will make the group stronger.

4. How Do You Define Yourself? : Lizzie Velásquez

Lizzie Velasquez is a well-known motivational speaker and author who speaks and writes about identity, beauty standards, and bullying. Born with a rare syndrome that prevents her from gaining weight, Lizzie was the subject of much bullying in her youth, and has some unique perspectives on how to define yourself.

University is a time for you to explore who you are as a person and to find what defines “you.” Create your own goals and make yourself uniquely you, according to who you want to be now and who you want to become. Don’t listen to others’ negative comments, in fact, use those negativities to push yourself even further to become exactly who you define yourself as.

5. Everyday Leadership : Drew Dudley

Drew Dudley is a leadership speaker and author who uses his wit and humor to keep audiences engaged while he explains his idea of what it means to be a leader.

In this funny TED Talk for students, Dudley urges listeners to redefine what it means to be a leader. Leadership is often seen as being someone who will change the world; it is something of prestige that is earned. But it does not have to be — every day of our lives brings opportunities to be leaders and change others’ lives for the better.

Dudley’s anecdote involves a way he helped a peer on her first day of college, and he didn’t even know it. College students come into contact with scores of people daily, usually other students, but also teachers, shop workers and more, and have numerous chances to have a positive impact in people’s lives. Not only should you keep your eyes open for ways to be a leaders in someone’s day, but take time to celebrate yourself and others’ as leaders in your life.

6. How to Speak So That People Want to Listen : Julian Treasure

Julian Treasure is a sound and communication expert and has given a total of five TED Talks on related subjects.

In this helpful TED Talk, he explains aspects of voice and how to use each to your advantage when speaking. He also explains what not to do so that people will listen. The most important part of speech, according to Treasure, is to speak with HAIL, which stands for honesty, authenticity, integrity and love.

When you are a student, you will have many presentations. They might be in front of your class, at your job, or in a student organization, and it might be one-on-one or you speaking to many. No matter the speaking scenario, you will want to be prepared so that people will really listen to you, and this TED Talk explains exactly how to do so.

Treasure also emphasizes the importance of being an active, engaged and motivated listener. This is something students should undoubtedly work on, due to the high number of lectures students watch or attend. Active listening will help you to absorb more of the information being offered, and help out with memory and studying the material later.

7. The Power of Introverts : Susan Cain

Susan Cain calls herself a ‘quiet revolutionary,’ and is a champion for introverts in all industries around the world. Cain advocates for the benefits of being an introvert in this TED Talk, and argues that introverts are just as valuable to the world as extroverts, despite being commonly viewed as lesser thans.

Introverts make up a third of the population, according to Cain, which means that even if you aren’t an introvert, many of your classmates or future coworkers will be. It is important as students to know where and how you will be most inspired, creative and productive. If you are an introvert, don’t force yourself to be an extrovert. Understand your strengths and you will be more successful if you’ve set up the right environment for yourself to achieve. If you are an introverted student, you may want to set up a quiet study area or study time, ask a professor to work individually, or tell groupmates you will take over a part of the group project on your own.

8. The Key to Success? Grit : Angela Lee Duckworth

Angela Lee Duckworth is an academic, psychologist and author and has written a book on the power of success and what she calls “grit.” According to Duckworth, grit is the key indicator to know if someone will be successful. She says that “grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Success is not all about how much money, beauty or brains you have. Success is not even about how hard you try, but it is about how much you persevere with long-term goals in mind. Students must have grit to succeed, and the best way to get more grit, is to have a growth mindset, which is to say to understand that you are always learning, even as an adult, and that you can learn from your failures.

9. How to Build Your Creative Confidence : David Kelley

David Kelley is a designer, engineer, professor and entrepreneur. He founded a design firm and has received several honors for his contributions to design and design education.

Oftentimes people don’t believe they are creative because of something someone once told them. And they continue their lives being fearful of making creations or creative comments out of fear of being judged for not creating the ‘right’ thing.

Why should you want to increase your creativity as a student? First of all, creativity can help you in many ways outside of art: in problem solving, emotional intelligence, and more. Also, if you are more creative, or have more confidence in your ability to create, naturally you will be more likely to have ideas flow when brainstorming for school projects or on group committees. You don’t have to be an artist to be creative. You just need confidence.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

10. Why You Will Fail to Have a Great Career : Larry Smith

Larry Smith is a professor of economics, who coaches his students on finding a career that they can truly love. In this loveable and funny TED Talk for students, Smith goes through the several ways and failures that you will have on your way to a great career.

Students should watch this TED Talk because Smith outlines what it means to have a great career and just how you can achieve your definition of greatness. In finding a great career, you need to try in order to succeed, and sometimes that means failing. Students should stop making excuses and start trying, even if there’s a risk of failure.

Bonus Video: Getting a High Quality, Online, Low-Cost Degree with UoPeople

Degrees are typically known to be extremely expensive which result in many potential students give up on their dream to get a higher education.

Shai Reshef, founder of the very first nonprofit, high quality, tuition-free, US accredited, and fully online University, talks about a new solution for qualified students worldwide to gain a higher education regardless of their geographic, social and financial class.

The UoPeople model is a low-cost alternative to the high price of most traditional institutions. It allows students the flexibility to learn whenever is convenient for them as it is 100% online.

Hear more about this initiative in Reshef’s TED talk to learn more!

In this article

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

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TED Talks | 6 Inspiring Speeches Every Student Should Watch!

Some speeches can change your life, and ted talks do just that. these 18 minute presentations are packed with insightful information designed to inspire and challenge you. as a student, being exposed to tips, information, and guidance from industry mentors can be a great way to foster learning skills. read on to find some brilliant mentors along the blog, table of contents, arel moodie – the secret to student success , kelli sandman-hurley – what is dyslexia , tim urban – inside the mind of a master procrastinator , margaret heffernan – dare to disagree , susan cain – the power of introverts , drew dudley – everyday leadership, key takeaways .

An acronym for Technology, Entertainment, and Design — TED is a platform that brings together industry professionals from across the globe. TED Talks have now evolved to become the gold standard for presentations in the consumer, education & business realms. 

Presentations on the TED platform use effective ways to communicate complex topics in an easy-to-understand way to a target audience. With the vast amount of topics available, choosing talks that inspire you can be beneficial for your academic career. 

Keep reading to discover 6 incredible TED Talks recommended for students! 

• A TED talk that is based on the concept of grit, Arel Moodie delivers an inspiring presentation about the struggles of student life. 
• From elementary school to college, Moodie discusses his struggles, highlighting the peaks & valleys that characterize any student journey. 
• Moodie uses his 18 minutes to share his experiences on the reality of growing up in a New York neighborhood. 
• The unique elements of his story will resonate with you. The message he delivers has a broader perspective to inspire any student who is willing to learn.

• Dyslexia is a condition that affects a significant portion of the student communities around the world (1 in 5 people). 
• It is, therefore, ‌likely that the peers you interact with may grapple with the struggles of having dyslexia. 
• Kelli Sandman-Hurley uses the TED Talks platform to explain the difficulty of language processing and the spectrum that dyslexia presents. 
• This is a talk that will help you recognize and celebrate the neurodiversity of student brain development. 
• Sandman-Hurley also emphasizes the use of labels in the student community, and how uniqueness does not require any conformity.

• Arguably one of the most popular TED Talks among the student community, this is a presentation by blogger Tim Urban. 
• If you struggle with meeting deadlines primarily because of your procrastination, this talk will help you recognize the why behind your inaction. 
• In this hilarious and interactive presentation, Urban discusses anxiety with unnecessary procrastination. 
• As a part of the talk, you will take away several simple time management tips to help improve the quality of your output. 

• Margaret Heffernan was the former CEO of 5 independent businesses and has now evolved to become a leader in ‌women entrepreneurship. 
• In this motivational speech for students, Heffernan explains the importance of standing up for what you believe in or what you believe is right. 
• She goes on to explain that disagreement is not always a bad thing! In fact, bringing up a topic you disagree on is a contributor to the success of a group or team. 
• This is primarily because disagreements bring to light key issues that need discussion, significantly eliminating any weaker points in strategy. 

• Extroverts are recognized for their ability to be the life of the party. They are often seen and heard quite easily. 
• Modern society may emphasize extroversion, but if you are an introvert, you may be wondering — what can I bring to the table?
• Susan Cain challenges the societal perception of extroversion by discussing the power of knowing your inner self. 
• Throughout the presentation, Cain traces the cultural path of extroversion’s value over introversion. Her arguments include personal and historical examples to better connect with you. 
• With this talk, you will soon begin recognizing the balance needed between extroversion and introversion – allowing you to embrace all aspects of becoming a social being. 

• Drew Dudley is a leadership author whose quick wit and humor will keep you engaged with his words till the end of his talk. 
• In this TED talk, Dudley urges students to redefine what it means to be a figure of leadership. 
• Leadership is often seen as the quality presented by someone whose aim is to change the world; a prestige that is often earned. 
• However, Dudley brings to light how everyday circumstances can give you unique opportunities to bring out the leader in you. 
• With anecdotes and examples, a key piece of knowledge that you will take away from this talk is the power of being a leader in your everyday life. 

• TED Talks have evolved to become an online platform bustling with discussions and speeches by industry leaders and mentors. 
• As a student, engaging with inspiring and thought-provoking content is a great way to increase your knowledge, awareness, and exposure to life skills. 
• TED Talks often cover a wide range of topics across different industries. You can be sure to find a myriad of topics that interest and fascinate you. 
• Listed in this blog are 6 excellent talks for students to enjoy every day! 

We hope you found this blog informative. Don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts! You can also get in touch with us if you have any doubts. 

Liked this blog? Read: Top 5 motivational stories every student should know | Get inspired today!

Q1. Can I listen to a TED talk in a language other than English? 

Answer – Absolutely! TED Talks are screened in over 100 different languages, allowing you to choose the tongue that you are most comfortable with. 

Q2. Are the presentations on-the-spot?

Answer – While the presentations and speeches may seem spontaneous, don’t be fooled! Hours of preparation go into creating engaging, creative, and stimulating content. 

Q3. Do speakers of TED Talks use visual aids & props? 

Answer – Yes! In most of the videos you come across, speakers will use visual aids & props to communicate information in an easy-to-understand and engaging way. Also, be sure to note the hand gestures and body language adopted by the speaker when communicating their ideas. A lot of thought goes into a presentation shared on this platform.

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15 of the Best Ted Talks to Watch For a Dose of Inspiration

From Brené Brown to Adam Driver and Kelly McGonigal, you'll want to take notes.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Trying to go after your dream job ? Want to know the secret to a long, happy life ? Looking to manifest your 2020 goals ? From speeches on education to the practice of mindfulness, TED talk videos are the perfect source of inspiration for taking tiny steps toward living your best life . Whether you're a teacher searching for motivational videos for the classroom, a college student trying to plan for the future, or a parent looking for ways to connect with your kids, we sorted through countless incredible videos to find the 15 funniest, most popular, and most inspirational TED talks of all time. What are you waiting for? Get to watching!

Adam Driver: "My Journey From Marine To Actor"

You may know Adam Driver from Star Wars, BlacKkKlansman , or Marriage Story , but did you know he used to be a marine? In this popular TED talk—great for kids and adults alike—the actor explains his incredible journey across careers and why he started his nonprofit organization, Arts in the Armed Forces .

Kelly McGonigal: "How To Make Stress Your Friend"

Named an O, the Oprah Magazine 's 2020 Visionary, research psychologist Kelly McGonigal delivered one of the most popular TED talks in 2013 about using stress to your advantage. Her arguments on embracing the stressful moments can be particularly helpful for college students in your life who might be facing tough decisions.

Tom Thum: "The Orchestra In My Mouth"

Looking for TED talks for kids, for teens, or for high school students interested in music? This incredible instrumental performance from renowned beatboxer Tom Thum will definitely have you watching over and over again in disbelief.

James Veitch: "This Is What Happens When You Reply To Spam Email"

Have you ever wondered who was on the other end of those spam emails you get in your inbox? Comedian James Veitch started communicating back-and-forth with a spammer for months, resulting in one of the most popular and funniest TED talks of all time.

Simone Giertz: "Why You Should Make Useless Things"

For teachers looking to inspire kids in the classroom, popular YouTuber and inventor Simone Giertz makes a joyful case for why you should never stop asking questions and creating—regardless of the end result.

Sir Ken Robinson: "Do Schools Kill Creativity?"

This popular, thought-provoking TED talk on education explores whether our schools are properly equipped for kids. As a creativity expert and author of The Element , Sir Ken Robinson makes the case for a radical rethinking of how we teach the next generation of leaders.

Julian Treasure: "How To Speak So That People Want To Listen"

For teachers who want to command the attention of the classroom, or for parents trying to get your kids to listen, learn from sound consultant Julian Treasure who explains the how-to's of speaking with power and empathy.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The Danger Of A Single Story

If anyone knows the power of a story, it's MacArthur Genius Grant awardee Chimamanda Adichie, author of bestselling novels We Should All Be Feminists , Americanah , Half of a Yellow Sun .

Maz Jobrani: "A Saudi, an Indian and an Iranian Walk Into A Qatari Bar"

Watch Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani deliver one of the funniest TED talks on YouTube while speaking to an audience in Doha, Qatar. He discusses everything from the proper etiquette for greeting somebody to what not to say while boarding a plane.

Brené Brown: "Listening To Shame"

After the success of her first viral Ted Talk on vulnerability in 2012, Gifts of Imperfection author and researcher Brené Brown— who now has her own Netflix special —returned the following year to talk about the power of confronting shame.

Robert Waldinger: "What Makes A Good Life? Lessons From The Longest Study On Happiness"

As the director of a 75-year-old Harvard study on adult development, Robert Waldinger delivered one of the most popular TED talks about what makes for a happy life.

Andy Puddicombe: "All It Takes Is 10 Mindful Minutes"

Feeling a little stressed or overwhelmed in your day-to-day life? Mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe makes the case that you only need to take 10 minutes of doing nothing to refresh your mind.

Apollo Robbins: "The Art Of Misdirection"

Watch Apollo Robbins as he tests your attention and your perception while demonstrating his ability as a master artist of misdirection in one of the funniest, most entertaining TED talks.

Stephen Petranek: "Your Kids Might Live On Mars. Here's How They'll Survive"

Transport yourself to outer space for 17 minutes as journalist Stephen Petranek makes the case that humans will live on Mars within 20 years.

Maysoon Zayid: "I Got 99 Problems...Palsy Is Just One"

"I'm like Shakira meets Muhammad Ali," jokes Arab-American comedian and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid, who recently modeled for O, The Oprah Magazine 's collection with Talbots . If you're looking for inspiration to go out and conquer your dreams, this is for you.

Monica Chon is the former editorial fellow at Oprah Daily, previously OprahMag.com.  

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19 Inspiring Leadership TED Talks for Teachers and Students

Leaders speak up when they see something that needs to change.

What does it mean to be a leader? This question is important to kids and adults alike. Leaders have the ability to make significant changes, touch people, and shape the world. But how do they do it? Luckily, we have some of the most successful, powerful, and influential leaders in the world as our teachers. This roundup of leadership TED talks will inspire students and teachers to stand up and lead the way forward.

Leadership TED Talks for Students

Leadership ted talks for teachers.

(Be sure to preview all videos to ensure they’re appropriate for your audience.)

Share these stirring videos with your students to encourage them to step up into leadership roles at school and beyond.

Jack Bonneau: Kids Can Be Role Models

Who better to inspire student leaders than a kid their own age? Kids look up to sports stars and entertainers, but they should really be looking up to other kids. Jake Bonneau is clearly wise beyond his years.

Luvvie Ajayi Jones: Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

Leaders speak up when they see something that needs to change. That means that they face their fears and speak their mind. Inspire students to find their voices with this uplifting talk.

Drew Dudley: Everyday Leadership

For anyone who thinks leadership takes something “special” that not everyone has, Drew Dudley is here to prove you wrong. In less than five minutes, he’ll convince your students that every single one of them can be a leader, every single day, without even knowing they’re doing it.

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Derek Sivers: How To Start a Movement

Derek Sivers uses a hilarious, quick video to show just how a moment turns into a movement. Kids will laugh, but this is one of those leadership TED talks where the laughter leads to a lesson.

Stanley McChrystal: Listen, Learn … Then Lead

General Stanley McChrystal is a decorated four-star general, making him a great source for advice on leadership. McChrystal shares an essential value of leadership: Don’t be too proud or full of yourself to learn from others because, at the end of the day, we all need one another to get through life.

Paul Osincup: Leading With Laughter

Humor is a powerful leadership school, and Paul Osincup wants to help you use it to your advantage. His open, easy style will appeal to students and encourage all those class clowns out there to consider themselves future leaders.

Lars Sudman: Great Leadership Starts With Self-Leadership

Would we need leaders in Utopia? Lars Sudmann thinks we would, but only the very best type: those who lead themselves before leading others. Find out what he means in this talk.

Susan Cain: The Power of Introverts

Susan Cain is well-known for touting the power of introverts. Your quieter students will recognize themselves in her descriptions and learn that they bring special skills to the table that make them incredible leaders.

Jim Lemoine: What Is Leadership?

Before you share this engaging video with your students, ask them to brainstorm answers to the question “What is leadership?” After the video is over, take a look at their original answers and see what was right and what they missed. Leadership might not be exactly what they think.

Teachers in need of motivation and encouragement will find plenty of both in these leadership TED talks.

Kayla Delzer: Reimagining Classrooms—Teachers as Learners and Students as Leaders

“As teachers and educators, we must embrace the students of today to reimagine tomorrow.” Kayla Delzer wants you to completely rethink your classroom and encourage kids to lead the way.

Linda Cliatt-Wayman: Lead Fearlessly, Love Hard

Linda Cliatt-Wayman is a powerful, driven, and successful school principal. Linda says that if you want to be a leader, you have to really lead. No matter what kind of organization you’re leading, a little concern and respect go a long way.

Lev Bukhman: What Student Leaders Can Learn From Leadership

Teachers themselves are leaders, but they’re also helping to build the leaders of tomorrow. Find out how learning to be a leader can help every single kid be healthier, happier, and more successful at school and beyond.

Dan Pink: The Puzzle of Motivation

Leaders motivate people to succeed, often through incentives and rewards. Dan Pink shares that incentive systems can do more harm than good and offers advice on what good leaders do instead.

Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action

Simon Sinek has lots of great inspiration and advice for anyone who wants to be a strong leader. In this talk, Sinek shows that your mission statement motivates and that your “why” is more important than your “what” or “how.”

Sheryl Sandberg: Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders

The gender gap is real in leadership positions across industries, and education is no different. Sandburg offers pragmatic advice to help keep women from undercutting their own aspirations.

Fields Wicker-Miurin: Learning From Leadership’s Missing Manual

Fields Wicker-Muirin travels the world to learn lessons from leaders on the spot, then tries to bring those ideas to others. In her talk, she highlights three amazing leaders you’ve never heard of and shares the qualities that make them great.

Roselinde Torres: What It Takes To Be a Great Leader

Roselinde Torres argues that today’s great leaders aren’t superheroes. Instead, they’re people who anticipate change, value diversity, and are willing to think differently and make courageous choices.

John Maeda: How Art, Technology, and Design Inform Creative Leaders

Strong leaders make creativity and innovation part of their everyday lives. John Maeda shares some lessons from the fields of design and technology that will help change the way you look at leadership.

Beth Wolfe: A Teacher’s Lesson on Leadership

Every teacher knows plenty about leadership, good and bad. Teacher Beth Wolfe shares what she’s learned over the years, including the fact that you don’t need a title to be a leader.

What are your favorite leadership TED talks? Come share your suggestions in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, 40 must-watch ted talks for students ..

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10 Great Movie Speeches for Teaching Rhetoric

Rhetoric can be difficult for students. Heavy speeches often scare students away from enjoying the beauty of rhetoric. Using movie speeches as an introduction to rhetoric is a great alternative to starting with the historic staples. Students do not have to have a working knowledge of these movies in order to analyze them for rhetoric. All of these speeches can be found HERE . This site is my favorite to use because it has a transcript for each speech below the movie clips, which makes it easy for students to analyze the rhetoric after they watch the speeches. Plus, it’s a one stop site. All the speeches you need are in one place.

Are you looking for a great activity to use in your own classroom with movie speeches? Click on the graphic below for my Movie Speech Rhetorical Analysis Resource.

Coach Brooks Addresses the US Hockey Team

“miracle” 2004.

Powerful sports speeches are always a great asset to rhetoric units. Heavy with pathos, this speech uses repetition and anastrophe to grab the attention of the players before they begin an Olympic championship. Students love the emotion of the speech. It’s a great starting speech because the elements are easy to identify.

Oscar Schindler’s Departure Speech

“schindler’s list” 1993.

Oscar Schindler addresses his factory workers and Nazi guards on the eve of the end of the war. His speech is addressed to two groups separately: his factory workers and the Nazi guards. Addressing the workers, Schindler uses parallel structure and antithesis to express his thoughts on their freedom and his guilt. He then turns to the guards and uses antithesis one more time to urge them to do what is right. Moving and emotional, this speech uses a combination of pathos and logos. It takes a little background knowledge for students to understand this one, but it’s worth the time spent.

Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore Addresses the 7th Calvary

“we were soldiers” 2002.

A list of great movie speeches can’t be complete without a moving battle speech. Almost verbatim from the actual historical speech, Moore’s speech serves as a powerful reminder of universal equality regardless of race or religion. Moore creates a sense of unity among his troops as he promises to fight along side of them throughout the battle.

Mia’s Decision to Become a Princess

“princess diaries” 2001.

An unlikely addition to this list, Mia’s speech is a powerful reminder that sometimes having a platform is all it takes to make a difference in the world. Mia uses rhetorical questions to build her argument as to why she has decided to accept her role as princess. This addition is the result of years of student suggestions for it’s inclusion. I relented and I’m so glad that I did.

President Whitmore Addresses Fighter Pilots

“independence day” 1996.

Aliens and fighter planes grab the attention of students in this inspirational fight speech from the 1996 version of “Independence Day.” President Whitmore uses the holiday to invoke feelings of unity among the fighter pilots and continues his argument by using parallel structure and allusions. If these were to be voted upon, this speech would come out as the collective favorite in my classroom for the past ten years.

T errance Mann- People Will Come

“field of dreams” 1989.

Yes, another sports movie. It’s worth it. I promise. Terrance Mann explains why people will come to Ray’s outrageous dream of a field by using emotion, logic, and hyperbole. His image of what will be stirs both Ray and us to believe that the field will be worth the price.

Harvey Milk’s Address at the Gay Freedom Parade

“milk” 2008.

Students LOVE this speech. An unknown among students, this short speech uses parallel structure, allusion, and pathos to remind the audience that equality does not have one face. If you have not used “Milk” in your classroom for other projects, you need to discover the many uses of this phenomenal film.

Peace by Inches Speech

“on any given sunday” 1999.

Disclaimer: Stong Language (but still PG-13)

This speech deserves a place in this list because of the unlikely inspiration tactics used by coach D’Amato. Most students peg this speech for pathos as first, but upon closer inspection realize that it is logos to the core. He uses the analogy of life as a football game because, after all, “in either game, life or football, the margin for error is so small.” Students love that line. And, frankly, so do I.

Gettysburg Speech

“remember the titans” 2000.

Sometimes is takes a little bit of history to understand today. This rallying speech reminds the players of a recently desegregated team that there are many who died to get them where they are. I find that year after year, my students still know and love this movie- especially my football players! Coach Boone uses a combination of logic and emotion to change the outlook of the players who go on to unite as a team.

The Cowardly Lion on Courage

“the wizard of oz” 1939.

What makes a king out of a slave? COURAGE! This fun and playful speech on courage uses rhetorical questions coupled with parallel structure to reinforce the idea that courage is what makes one great and that courage is what the Cowardly Lion is lacking. Students love the whimsical nature of this speech and are drawn into the rhythm of the language.

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Nicole Brown is a content creator and secondary ELA Teacher in East Tennessee. She has been teaching and creating for over twenty years. You can reach her at [email protected]. View all posts by Modern ELA Materials

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Great Talks Most People Have Never Heard

Not long ago, I came across a little-known speech titled, “You and Your Research”.

The speech had been delivered in 1986 by Richard Hamming, an accomplished mathematician and computer engineer, as part of an internal series of talks given at Bell Labs. I had never heard of Hamming, the internal lecture series at Bell Labs, or this particular speech. And yet, as I read the transcript, I came across one useful insight after another.

After reading that talk, I got to thinking… what other great talks and speeches are out there that I’ve never heard?

I’ve been slowly searching for answers to that question and the result is this list of my favorite interesting and insightful talks that are not widely known. You may see a few famous speeches on this list, but my guess is that most people are not aware of many of them—just as I wasn’t when I first started looking around.

As far as I know this is the only place where you can read transcripts of these speeches in one place.

Famous Speeches and Great Talks

This list is organized by presenter name and then speech topic. Click the links below to jump to a specific speech. On each page, you’ll find a full transcript of the speech as well as some additional background information.

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, “The Danger of a Single Story”
• Jeff Bezos, “Statement by Jeff Bezos to the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary”
• Jeff Bezos, “What Matters More Than Your Talents”
• John C. Bogle, “Enough”
• Brené Brown, “ The Anatomy of Trust “
• John Cleese, “Creativity in Management”
• William Deresiewicz, “Solitude and Leadership”
• Richard Feynman, “Seeking New Laws”
• Neil Gaiman, “Make Good Art”
• John W. Gardner, “Personal Renewal”
• Elizabeth Gilbert, “Your Elusive Creative Genius”
• Albert E. N. Gray,  “The Common Denominator of Success”
• Bill Gurley, “Runnin Down a Dream”
• Richard Hamming, “Learning to Learn”
• Richard Hamming, “You and Your Research”
• Steve Jobs, “2005 Stanford Commencement Address”
• Peter Kaufman,  “The Multidisciplinary Approach to Thinking”
• C.S. Lewis, “The Inner Ring”
• Admiral William H. McRaven, “Make Your Bed”
• Arno Rafael Minkkinen, “Finding Your Own Vision”
• Charlie Munger, “2007 USC Law School Commencement Address”
• Charlie Munger, “A Lesson on Elementary, Worldly Wisdom”
• Charlie Munger, “How to Guarantee a Life of Misery”
• Charlie Munger, “The Psychology of Human Misjudgment”
• Nathan Myhrvold, “ Roadkill on the Information Highway “
• Randy Pausch, “Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”
• Randy Pausch, “Time Management”
• Anna Quindlen,  “1999 Mount Holyoke Commencement Speech”
• John Roberts, “I Wish You Bad Luck”
• Sir Ken Robinson, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?”
• J.K. Rowling, “The Fringe Benefits of Failure”
• George Saunders, “Failures of Kindness”
• Claude Shannon, “Creative Thinking”
• BF Skinner, “How to Discover What You Have to Say”
• Jim Valvano, “Don’t Give Up”
• Bret Victor, “Inventing on Principle”
• David Foster Wallace, “This is Water”
• Art Williams, “Just Do It”
• Evan Williams,  “A Journey on the Information Highway”

This is an on-going project. If you know of another great talk, please contact me .

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10 Great American Speeches for the 7-12 Classroom

Readability and Rhetoric Ratings of Literary and Informational Texts

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Speeches can inspire students. Teachers in every subject area can use the texts of inspirational speeches to increase their students' background knowledge about a variety of topics. Speeches also address the  Common Core Literacy Standards for Science, History, Social Studies, and Technical Subject Areas as well as the  Standards for English Language Arts . They also guide teachers to ensure that their students understand word meanings, appreciate the nuances of words, and steadily expand their range of vocabulary and phrases.

Here are 10 great American speeches that helped define America during its first two centuries with a link to word count, readability level, and an example of a prominent rhetorical device that is contained within each text. 

The Gettysburg Address

traveler1116  / Getty Images

Abraham Lincoln gave this speech , which began with the famous line, "Fourscore and seven years ago . . .," at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery near the battlefield in Gettysburg. The address occurred four and a half months after the  Battle of Gettysburg .

Delivered by : Abraham Lincoln Date : November 19, 1863 Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Word Count: 269 words Readability score :  Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease  64.4 Grade Level : 10.9 Rhetorical device used : Anaphora : Repetition of words at the start of clauses or verses.

"But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground."

Abraham Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

Alexander Gardner / Stringer / Getty Images

The dome of the United States Capitol was unfinished when Lincoln delivered this Inaugural Address beginning his second term. It is notable for its theological argument. The following month, Lincoln was assassinated.

Delivered by : Abraham Lincoln Date : March 4, 1865 Location: Washington, D.C. Word Count: 706 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 58.1 Grade Level : 12.1 Rhetorical device used :   Allusion : A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. 

"It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged." 

Keynote Address at the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention

PhotoQuest / Getty Images

The  Seneca Falls Convention  was the first women's rights convention organized to "discuss the social, civil, and religious condition and rights of woman."

Delivered by :  Elizabeth Cady Stanton Date : July 19, 1848 Location: Seneca Falls, New York Word Count:  1427 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 64.4 Grade Level : 12.3 Rhetorical device used :  Asyndeton (" unconnected" in Greek): A stylistic device used in literature to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in the sentence, yet maintain grammatical accuracy. 

"The right is ours. Have it we must. Use it we will."

George Washington's Response to the Newburgh Conspiracy

Print Collector / Contributor / Getty Images

When the officers of the Continental Army threatened to march on the Capitol to demand back pay, George Washington stopped them with this short speech. At the conclusion, he took out his glasses and said, “Gentlemen, you must pardon me. I have grown old in the service of my country and now find that I am growing blind.” Within minutes, the officers-eyes filled with tears-voted unanimously to express confidence in Congress and their country.

Delivered by : General George Washington Date : March 15, 1783 Location: Newburgh, New York Word Count:  1,134 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 32.6 Grade Level : 13.5 Rhetorical device used :   Rhetorical Questions : Asked for effect or to lay emphasis on some point discussed when no real answer is expected. 

"My God! what can this writer have in view, by recommending such measures? Can he be a friend to the Army? Can he be a friend to this Country? Rather, is he not an insidious Foe?"

Patrick Henry 'Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death'

 benoitb / Getty Images

Patrick Henry's speech was an attempt to persuade the Virginia House of Burgesses, meeting at St. John's Church in Richmond, to pass resolutions favoring Virginia joining the American Revolutionary War.

Delivered by : Patrick Henry Date : March 23, 1775 Location: Richmond, Virginia Word Count:  1215 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 74 Grade Level : 8.1 Rhetorical device used : Hypophora:  Asking a question and immediately answering it.

"Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other."

Sojourner Truth 'Ain't I A Woman?'

National Archives / Getty Images

This speech was delivered extemporaneously by Sojourner Truth , who was enslaved from the time of her birth in New York State. She spoke at the Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio, 1851.  Frances Gage , the president of the convention, recorded the speech 12 years later.

Delivered by : Sojourner Truth Date : May 1851 Location: Akron, Ohio Word Count: 383   words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 89.4 Grade Level : 4.7 Rhetorical device used : Metaphor:  To make an implicit, implied, or hidden comparison between two things or objects that are poles apart from each other but have some characteristics common between them. Metaphor of pints and quarts to discuss the rights held by Black women in comparison to others.

"If my cup won't hold but a pint, and  yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?"

Fredrick Douglass 'The Church and Prejudice'

Photos.com / Getty Images

Douglass was enslaved from the time of his birth on a Maryland plantation, but in 1838, at age 20, he self-liberated in New York. This lecture was one of his first major anti-enslavement oratories.

Delivered by : Fredrick Douglass Date : November 4, 1841 Location: Plymouth County Anti-Slavery Society in Massachusetts. Word Count:  1086 Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 74.1 Grade Level : 8.7 Rhetorical device used : Anecdote : A short and interesting story or an amusing event often proposed to support or demonstrate some point and make readers and listeners laugh. Douglass tells the story of a young lady recovered from a trance: 

"...she declared she had been to heaven. Her friends were all anxious to know what and whom she had seen there; so she told the whole story. But there was one good old lady whose curiosity went beyond that of all the others—and she inquired of the girl that had the vision, if she saw any Black folks in heaven? After some hesitation, the reply was, 'Oh! I didn't go into the kitchen!'"

Chief Joseph 'I Will Fight No More Forever'

Buyenlarge / Getty Images

Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, pursued 1500 miles through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana by the U.S. Army, spoke these words when he finally surrendered. This speech followed the final engagement of the Nez Perce War. The transcript of the speech was taken by Lieutenant C.E.S. Wood. 

Delivered by : Chief Joseph Date : October 5th, 1877 Location:   Bears Paw (Battle of the Bears Paw Mountains), Montana Word Count:  156 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 104.1 Grade Level : 2.9 Rhetorical device used : Direct Address : The use of a term or name for the person spoken to, as in securing the attention of that person; use of a vocative form.

"Hear me, my Chiefs!"

Susan B. Anthony and Women's Right to Vote

Underwood Archives / Getty Images

Susan B. Anthony gave this speech on multiple occasions after her arrest for casting an illegal vote in the presidential election of 1872. She was tried and then fined $100 but refused to pay.

Delivered by : Susan B. Anthony Date : 1872 - 1873 Location:  Stump Speech delivered in all 29 postal districts of Monroe County, New York Word Count: 451 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 45.1 Grade Level : 12.9 Rhetorical device used : Parallelism : The use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same; or similar in their construction, sound, meaning or meter.

"It is an odious aristocracy; a hateful oligarchy of sex; the most hateful aristocracy ever established on the face of the globe; an oligarchy of wealth, where the right govern the poor. An oligarchy of learning, where the educated govern the ignorant, or even an oligarchy of race, where the Saxon rules the African, might be endured; but this oligarchy of sex, which makes father, brothers, husband, sons, the oligarchs over the mother and sisters, the wife and daughters of every household..."

'Cross of Gold' Speech

This "Cross of Gold" speech thrust William Jennings Bryan into the national spotlight where his dramatic speaking style and rhetoric roused the crowd to a frenzy. Reports from those in the audience noted that at the conclusion of the speech, he thrust his arms wide, a visual representation of the speech's last line. The next day the convention nominated Bryan for President on the fifth ballot.

Delivered by : William Jennings Bryan Date : July 9, 1896 Location:  Democratic National Convention in Chicago Word Count:  3242 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 63 Grade Level : 10.4 Rhetorical device used : Analogy : A comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it.  Gold standard to a "crown of thorns" to "crucify mankind." 

"....we shall answer their demands for a gold standard by saying to them, you shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns. You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold ."

National Archives for Education

The National Archives for Education offers thousands of primary source documents—including speeches—which can be used as teaching tools to bring history to life.

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The Most Inspiring Speeches That Motivate Students

We thrive on motivation and inspiration as people. As students, we need as much inspiration as we can to get through some of the toughest years of our lives. Succeeding in life is a goal for many and success means different things for us all. The road to success comes with a lot of ups and downs and it is in the moments when things do not go so well, that we look for inspiration. Perhaps you cannot quite figure out your reflective essay format and spend hours researching how to write a reflective essay. You might be in finals week with a load of studying to do and feel like you are going to fail before you even started. There are many reasons we look for inspiration. If you need a little inspiration right now, here are some of the most inspiring speeches you have to listen to.

2005 Stanford Commencement Speech – Steve Jobs

This is probably the speech of all speeches for students looking for inspiration. Steve Jobs was one of the most successful people in the world and to have this speech available to us is a great gift he left behind for generations of students. Steve Jobs encouraged students to go for their dreams and to see opportunities in setbacks. We are afraid to follow our dreams these days because we always are told to rather choose a career that is stable and secure. Perhaps we should take some advice from this speech and just go for what we want.

2008 Harvard Commencement Speech – J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling has succeeded in the face of adversity. As a single mother living on welfare, she managed to become one of the best authors of all time. The success she has managed to achieve makes us not only admire her, but also pay close attention to what she has to say or teach. If she could do what she did, you can find those reflective essay tips that you’ve been searching for. She said that we need to both embrace and learn from our failures. By doing that we will truly get to know who we are and also what we want in life. That is the perfect speech to inspire students because we are still trying to figure out who we are and sometimes our failures can make us feel like we are not good enough. She embraced her own failures and never gave up. That is just as important to remember.

2008 Stanford Commencement Speech – Oprah Winfrey

This lady is one of the most powerful women in the world and she has become that by working hard and not giving up when everything seemed to be going against her. We admire her courage and her respect for all individuals, no matter what the situation may be. She spoke about the chance she took by leaving school to become a news anchor. The chance she took paid off well, I’d say. Oprah also mentioned that she finally completed her degree and how important education is. She opened a school in South-Africa, which shows how much she truly values education. The lessons we can learn from her life is immense and inspires students to this day.

2012 Strayer University – Martin Luther King III

The son of Martin Luther King Jr made an ever important speech to the class of 2012 at Strayer University. It was both inspiring and motivating. As a civil rights activist, he knows exactly what hard work is and what it means to stand for what you believe. He mentioned how important education is and how the students of this University is making his father’s dream of higher education for all, come true. He also said that the future belongs to the educated individuals and to those who are ready to meet both the opportunities and the challenges of tomorrow. That is some powerful stuff if you really think about it. We need to know that what we are doing is not in vain and that it sets us up for a better future. This speech gives you the will to continue and the inspiration to never quit.

Look within yourself and take from these speeches what works for you in this moment and going forward. How can the lessons they teach inspire you to do better and become more successful. Standing at this point in your life, you need to want to succeed in order to find inspiration. It may seem like the journey is taking forever, but anything that is great takes time to create. This is your story and you are in charge of how the story ends. What do you want to achieve? Is anything holding you back? Answer those questions, listen to these speeches and soon, you’ll be moving forward.

Comments (4)

• Pingback: Inspirational Speeches for College Students: Unlocking the Power of Motivation – Msn2U.com
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Fantastic examples and speeches of some of the greats. Everyone should look at these videos and find inspiration and ecnouragement. But, Oprah, wow! Also, there are useful things that can motivate you and show you how to get into an Ivy League School https://www.crimsoneducation.org/admission-support/ivy-league . Sometimes people need just a little bit of support.

I wish any of these people had spoken at my graduation. We had a guy who had worked for NASA & I thought, ‘Oh, he might be really interesting.’ Nope. He spoke in a monotone, had nothing to say about NASA or space or the future, & put everyone to sleep, lol.

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13 Speeches in English for Listening and Speaking Practice

Giving a speech in front of a whole room of people can be pretty scary. Especially if you are giving a speech in English as a non-native speaker.

But you can learn from the best.

You can watch videos of famous, effective speeches in English to learn how to do it the right way .

In this post we will share 13 amazing speeches in English that you can use to become a more confident speaker yourself.

1. Speech on Kindness by a 10-year-old Girl

2. “the effects of lying” by georgia haukom, 3. “education for all” by cameron allen, 4. gender equality speech by emma watson, 5. “rocky balboa speech” by sylvester stallone, 6. 2008 presidential acceptance speech by president barack obama, 7. “this is water” speech by david foster wallace, 8. “the great dictator speech” by charlie chaplin, 9. 2018 golden globe speech by oprah winfrey, 10. “i have a dream” speech by martin luther king jr., 11. “the gettysburg address” by abraham lincoln, 12. “britain does owe reparations” by shashi tharoor, 13. mark antony’s speech by william shakespeare, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Level: Beginner

Do you think people should be kind to one another? This speaker sure does. And she knows how to convince you of the same.

This is a perfect informative speech for beginner English learners . The speaker is a child who is able to speak fluently but with simple words . She also uses her gestures and facial expressions to communicate her emotions with the audience.

This speech is perfect for listening practice . However, learners should be aware that her pauses are not perfect. Learners should focus more on her words and the content of the speech than her intonation or pacing while practicing.

Even though the speaker is a student in the fourth grade, her speech is one of the most interactive speeches I have seen. She starts with a game and is able to make her main point through the game itself.

English learners will enjoy her speech especially because the vocabulary she uses is simple and can be easily learned. But it does not feel like a beginner wrote this speech because she uses her words so well.

If you want to learn the art of making basic arguments while speaking, you should watch this speech. She is able to convince her audience because she is able to connect with them through games and stories.

She also uses scientific studies to back up (support) her main points.

Level: Intermediate

This is a short and simple speech about why everyone in the world should get an education. Because the speaker is a child, the speech does not have complex words or sentence structures.

This is also a classic example of an informative speech. The speaker presents the main argument and the facts simply and clearly . She also gives the basic definitions of important terms in the speech itself.

This speech is perfect for English listening and speaking practice because it is so short but also full of useful information. It is also a good example of the standard American English accent .

Emma Watson is a famous English actress who is best known for her role in the “Harry Potter” movie series as Hermione. She is also a United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador .

In this speech, she is trying to both inform and convince the audience  of why men should support feminism. Feminism is a movement that asks for equal rights and opportunities for women.

She mixes her formal tone with personal stories to do this. The speech is also a good example of British English .

This is a speech taken from the movie “Rocky Balboa.”  In this scene, Rocky, played by Sylvester Stallone, is talking to his son.

His speech is a classic example of a motivational speech . In these kinds of speeches, a person tries to inspire someone else, especially when the listener feels hopeless or is full of shame.

The basic message of the speech is that no matter how strong a person is, he or she will always face difficulties. And even though the message does not sound positive, Stallone’s way of speaking still makes it inspiring.

Stallone is able to communicate his message with love, even though he is criticizing his son and telling him difficult facts about the world. Generally, this is called “tough love” in English.

Listeners should also notice how he uses gestures to make his point .

Compare this speech with the Oprah Winfrey and Martin Luther King speeches (later in this list). All of them inspire their audiences but have really different tones. Stallone’s speech is the most informal and personal while Martin Luther King’s speech is the most formal and written for a large audience. All these speeches are in American English.

Barack Obama was the first African American elected as president by U.S. citizens. He gave this speech after he won the election.

English learners can discover a lot from his speech. Obama talks about the most important issues Americans were facing back then and are still important to them. He also uses a kind of American English that is easy to understand . His speech is mainly about the values that he and Americans stand for.

Obama’s accent is a mixture of standard American English and the way of speaking commonly popular in African American communities. He is an expert in using pauses so that the audience can follow his words without breaking his rhythm.

As the speech is longer than most others on this list, you may want to listen to it in parts rather than beginning-to-end.

Level: Advanced

This speech is a perfect example of the mixture of casual and formal English . David Foster Wallace was an award-winning American writer who wrote about the culture of the U.S.

In this speech, he talks about the value of an education in liberal arts (general academic subjects, as opposed to technical/professional training). He believes that this kind of education teaches you how to think and think about others.

This is a good example of American English. Be aware that in some parts of the speech he also uses swear words (rude/offensive words) to create an emotional impact on the audience. This is very close to how people generally communicate with one another in daily life.

So, this speech is better for learning casual English even though it is a speech given at a university.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU_rn1xzItk

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Charlie Chaplin is generally known for his gestures and facial expressions. In this movie, he proves that he can use speech as well to inspire and entertain the viewers.

The movie “The Great Dictator” is a satire about the rise of authoritarian governments in Europe. The word “authoritarian” means a person or a government that believes in controlling others and does not believe in freedom.

In this speech, Charlie Chaplin copies Adolf Hitler , but his message is exactly the opposite of Hitler’s ideas.

The interesting thing about the speech is how Chaplin uses short sentences for the most impact . There is also a lot of repetition that makes it easy for the audience to follow the speech.

Chaplin uses the tone, rhythm and pitch of his voice to make the speech interesting instead of using varied words. Chaplin’s speech can be categorized as inspirational or motivational. It does not use formal words but neither is it casual or informal.

Oprah Winfrey is an American talk show host and actor who is known around the world for her interviews. In the 2018 Golden Globe Awards, she was awarded the Cecil B. deMille award .

Her speech at the award show is about many different topics related to American society. She is the first African American woman to be awarded the prize . She talks about how watching an African American celebrity get another big entertainment award many years ago changed her life.

She also talks about sexual assault and the search for justice in American society. The MeToo movement is the main subject of the speech.

Even though the speech is in formal English , Oprah is able to make it emotional and personal .

Learners should focus on how she uses chunking in her sentences . Chunking is the technique of grouping words (called chunks) in a sentence with a slight pause between every chunk. It also helps with intonation and the rhythm of speaking.

This is one of the most well-known speeches of the last century . Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader of the civil rights movement in the U.S. The movement demanded that people of different races should be treated equally. This speech summarized the main vision of the movement using metaphors and repetition .

The speech begins by referring to the “Emancipation Proclamation.”  The proclamation (official announcement) was an order by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 that freed many slaves in the U.S. Martin Luther King talks about this because most of the slaves were African Americans and it was their first step towards freedom.

Advanced learners can learn about the history and cultural conflicts of America through this speech. It is also a perfect example of the use of formal English to convince other people .

Some of the words used in this speech are no longer common in American English. “Negro” is often regarded as an insult and learners should use words like “African American” instead.

This speech, delivered by the 16th president of the U.S. (Abraham Lincoln, whom we just discussed above) is considered to be one of the best speeches in English .

Lincoln delivered this in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania where many soldiers had died fighting a civil war. It was fought between Americans who wanted to ban slavery and people who did not. Lincoln was there to dedicate a graveyard to the soldiers.

In this speech, Lincoln reminds the people why this was an important war. He mentions that the U.S. was created on the values of liberty and equality. And this civil war was a test of whether a nation based on these values can last for long or not.

He honors the soldiers by saying that they have already “consecrated” the land for the people of America. (“To consecrate” means to make something sacred or holy.) He reminds the audience that they have to make sure that the idea of America as a nation of freedom continues so that the efforts of these soldiers are not wasted.

This is a very short speech . Learners can easily listen to it multiple times in a practice session. But only advanced learners can understand it since it has several difficult words in it. For instance, “score” is an outdated term used for the number 20. And when he mentions the word “fathers” in the first line he is actually referring to the leaders who had founded the country of America.

Even though Shashi Tharoor is not a native English speaker, his English is so fluent that he sounds like one. Learners from India will instantly recognize him because he is famous there for his English skills.

In this video, he is giving a speech as a part of a debate at Oxford University . He lists out arguments that support the idea that the U.K. should give reparations to its colonies. “Reparations” are payments to a country or community for some harm done to them. A colony is a region or a country that is controlled by another country by force.

Britain had a large number of colonies throughout the world between the 16th and 20th centuries. In this speech, Tharoor tries to convince his audience that the U.K. should give something for the damage they did to the countries they had colonized.

This is one of the finest examples of a formal speech in today’s English . Learners who want to go into academics can learn how to organize their arguments with evidence.

The speech is also great for vocabulary practice . Plus, Tharoor has deep knowledge of both the national history of the U.K. and the colonial history of India. Apart from the content of the speech, his way of speaking is also impressive and is similar to formal British English .

This speech is part of a play called “Julius Caesar”  written by William Shakespeare. The play is based on the life and murder of Caesar who was a leader of the Roman Empire. The speech is considered to be one of the finest pieces of English literature .

It is also one of the best examples of the use of rhetoric (the art of speaking and persuasion).

Mark Antony makes this speech after Caesar is killed by other leaders of the Roman Empire. Antony was a close friend of Caesar’s and here he tries to remind the people of Rome that Caesar was actually a good man. He has to convince the people that his murderers like Brutus are actually criminals. But he has to do so without directly blaming the murderers.

Advanced learners should know this speech mainly because of its cultural value.

Many words in this speech have been replaced by other words in today’s English. “Hath” is the older form of “has” or “had.” “Thou” has also been replaced by the word “you.”

So rather than memorizing the vocabulary, learners should focus on how Damian Lewis delivers the speech instead. The intonation, tone, pitch and rhythm is similar to the formal English used today. He is also good at conveying emotions through pauses and expressions.

If you keep watching videos of native speakers talking, you’ll get used to hearing how different people talk in English. After watching these speeches, you could look for more speeches or interviews on YouTube. 

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

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The best way to learn the art of speaking is to first copy great speakers. Try to speak the same words in a style that is natural and comfortable to you. These speeches in English are the perfect material to master it!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

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• 5 Famous Speeches To Help you Learn English

• Posted on 16/06/2021
• Categories: Blog
• Tags: Famous Speeches , Listening , Listening Comprehension , Resources to learn English , Speaking

Everyone likes listening to inspiring speeches. Gifted speakers have a way of making people want to listen and take action to change their lives.

But speeches aren’t just interesting because of their content. They are also great tools to help you improve your English.

Listening to a speech and taking notes can help you develop your comprehension skills. Repeating the words of the speaker allows you to improve your pronunciation. And writing a summary can help you practise your spelling and grammar.

To help you get started, we’ve found 5 famous speeches to help you learn English.

1. Steve Jobs: Stanford Commencement Speech

Steve Jobs was no doubt a great speaker. Millions around the globe were enchanted by the presentations that he gave for Apple as the company’s CEO.

However, he wasn’t just known for speeches related to product launches , like the iconic 2007 speech where he introduced the iPhone . He’s also known for inspirational speeches, like the one he gave in 2005 at a Stanford Commencement ceremony.

In this speech, he addresses the graduating students of Stanford University. He starts by saying that he never actually graduated from college. This makes for an honest and heart-warming speech . For nearly 15 minutes, he talks about his life, telling stories that are funny, relatable, and emotional. He also offers tips for students to apply to their own lives.

Why is it good for learning English?

Jobs uses simple language and speaks in short sentences. He clearly pronounces every word so it’s easy to understand and mimic. Also, this video comes with big subtitles that make the speech even easier to follow.

2. Greta Thunberg: 2019 UN Climate Action Summit Speech

At just 18 years old, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is one of the most well-known speakers of our time. Some of her speeches have even gone viral on social media. And her powerful words have been repeated thousands of times on climate strike placards around the world.

In one of her most moving speeches, Greta Thunberg addresses world leaders at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit in New York. She challenges them for not taking action to fight global warming and ensure a future for the younger generations.

“How dare you? You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words,” she says.

Greta’s speech is a lesson in how to express yourself on a variety of environmental issues like climate change. It’s full of lots of useful vocabulary. Plus, the subtitles will help you to understand any complicated language!

3. Will Smith: Speech About Self Discipline

You probably know Will Smith as an actor. He’s played a wide variety of characters – from a police officer in Men in Black to a single father in The Pursuit of Happyness . But did you know that he’s also a great motivational speaker?

A few years ago, a video featuring Will Smith talking about the secret to success went viral on YouTube. In it, he talks about mastering self-discipline as a way to achieve your dreams.

“You cannot win the war against the world if you can’t win the war against your own mind,” he says.

As an actor, Will Smith has a clear and compelling voice, which is easy to follow. Some parts of this talk also sound improvised so it’s great for practising natural speech. It’s also excellent listening practice for understanding an American accent. And there’s lots of slang which you’ll have to guess from the context.

4. Emma Watson: Gender Equality Speech

You may associate Emma Watson’s name with Hermione Granger, the quirky and smart witch from the Harry Potter movies. When she’s not chasing evil wizards, Emma Watson campaigns for real-world issues such as gender equality.

In one of her most famous speeches, which she gave at a special event for the UN’s HeForShe campaign, Emma Watson talks about feminism and fighting for women’s rights. In particular, she explains why neither of these should be confused with ‘man-hating’.

While the actress’s voice is pleasant and calming, the issues she talks about are thought-provoking and will leave you thinking long after this short, 4-minute speech.

This talk is great for helping you get used to a southern English accent. It can also give you some essential vocabulary about a relevant topic. Look out for uses of the passive voice in her speech, and write down those sentences to practise this grammar structure.

5. Benjamin Zander: The Transformative Power of Classical Music

Benjamin Zander is the musical director of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also a well-known motivational speaker who loves to share his love for music.

In his 2008 TED talk, he found an engaging way to talk about classical music to people who know nothing about it. As you can see in the video below, he switches between speaking and playing the piano. And, he isn’t afraid to tell a joke or two.

This speech is a bit more of a challenge than the ones described above. Benjamin Zander speaks fast and in a conversational style, using many examples and short stories to tell his tale .

However, the pauses he takes to play the piano give you time to take some notes. Write down any unfamiliar words you heard him say so you can look them up later. If you’re having trouble understanding him, you can always turn on the subtitles.

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Gifted (adj): talented.

To enchant (v): to captivate.

Launch (n): a product release.

Heart-warming (adj): emotional.

To go viral (v): something spreads quickly on the internet.

Placards (n): cardboard signs.

Moving (adj): emotional.

Compelling (adj): captivating.

Quirky (adj): interesting and different.

Thought-provoking (adj): something interesting that makes you think a lot about the topic.

To switch (v): to change.

Tale (n): story.

To look something up (v): to search for a piece of information in a dictionary or online.

adj = adjective

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How To Write A B2 First Formal Email/Letter

• By: oxfordadmin
• Posted on 01/06/2021

8 Resources To Help Beginner English Learners

• Posted on 23/06/2021

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25 iconic speeches you'll want to watch on repeat

We've compiled a list of the most moving, inspirational and unforgettable public addresses. Be prepared to laugh, cry and gasp. Here are the most iconic speeches of all time.

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From Martin Luther King to Margaret Thatcher, prepare to be moved by the most iconic speeches of all time...

1. Martin Luther King, I Have A Dream , 1963

2. Margaret Thatcher, The Lady's Not For Turning, 1980

3. Angelina Jolie , World Refugee Day, 2009

4. Winston Churchill, We Shall Fight On The Beaches, 1940

5. Barack Obama, The Audacity Of Hope, 2004

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6. President Kennedy's Inaugural Address, 1961

7. Cuba Gooding Jr, Oscars Acceptance, 1997

8. Ronald Reagan, Brandenburg Gate, 1987

9. Elizabeth Gilbert, Your Creative Genius, 2009

10. Michelle Obama at Oxford University, 2011

The First Lady gave an inspirational speech telling a group of London schoolgirls they can achieve anything and when they do, to use that power to help others. *Melts*

11. Earl Spencer, Princess Diana 's Funeral, 1997

12. Nelson Mandela, Release From Prison, 1990

13. Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement Address, 2005

14. J. K. Rowling , Harvard Commencement Address, 2011

J. K. Rowling gave a speech entitled The Fringe Benefits Of Failure And The Importance Of Imagination

15. Hillary Clinton, Women In The World, 2012

16. Maya Angelou, On the Pulse of Morning, 1993

17. Malala Yousafzai, Worldwide Access To Education, 2013

Her bravery stunned the world, and this speech marked her 16th birthday. Malala urged all assembled to 'fund new teachers, schools, books and recommit to getting every girl and boy in school by December 2015'.

18. Sir Ken Robinson, Do Schools Kill Creativity?, 2006

19. Stephen Hawking, Questioning The Universe, 2008

20. Oprah Winfrey , Stanford Address, 2008

21. The Queen's Speech, 1957

Although the footage seems quaint now, at the time, it was groundbreaking. She said: 'I very much hope that this new medium will make my Christmas message more personal and direct'. Her speech included the historic quote: 'I cannot lead you into battle, I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else, I can give you my heart and my devotion to these old islands.'

22. Sheryl Sandberg, Why We have Too Many Female Leaders, 2010

COO of Facebook Sheryl looks at why a smaller percentage of women than men reach the top of their professions and advises women on how to get to the top.

23. Baz Luhrmann, Everybody's Free, 1999

Baz's speech is our only speech that's spoken over a score music. Narrated by the actor Lee Perry, the song reached number one in the UK and features witty advice like 'Be kind to your knees – you'll miss them when they're gone.' So true.

24. Scarlett Johansson, DNC Speech, 2012 

25. Sally Field, Oscars Acceptance, 1985

Famously gushing, and also misinterpreted, Sally Field's emotional speech saw her utter the lines 'I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!'. She was parodying a line from her role in Norma Rae for which she had one the Oscar, but it went over many people's heads and the line has been satirised in many speeches since.

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Angelina Jolie is being honoured with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Oscar for her incredible charity work. This 2009 speech she gave on World Refugee Day shows exactly why she deserves the award. And a dozen more.

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The 26 Best Historic Speeches For Homeschool Memory Work

Here are the best historic speeches to include in your homeschool memory work for kids to teens! From Pericles to Churchill, Cicero to Ghandi, Anthony to Earhart, this collection of some of the greatest and most influential speeches of history from around the world are sure to bring more depth and adventure to your homeschool studies.

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The Value Of Memory Work In Your Homeschool 

When we include memory work that is beautiful, historically significant, or filled with rhetorical value in our homeschool, we are filling our children’s hearts and minds with things of significance.

We are training their ears to recognize beautiful language. We are training their minds to discern truth from error. And we are nurturing their hearts to love what is good.

We are also teaching them to listen in humility to their neighbor, to seek to deeply understand the perspective of other people whether they agree or disagree with them.

That is why choosing the best memory work for our homeschools is so important.

How We Incorporate Memory Work Into Our Learning

In my homeschool, we start the day with Morning Time, the part of the day where all ages gather together with Mom to read aloud, pray, sing, and recite whatever memory work we are learning that month.

I am in the habit of sharing our family’s Morning Time and memory work plans here on the blog each month if you’d like to see more details!

You can also watch this video to see an example of an In-Real-Life Homeschool Morning Time with my 5 kids from little to teen.

Teaching History In Your Homeschool

A tremendously valuable aspect of including memory work in your homeschool is that it brings history alive!

History is so much more than boring lists of dates and names and isolated events.

History is an adventure story about real people in all their complicated glory. Studying history in our homeschool helps us understand more about what it means to be human.

We also want our kids to understand a variety of perspectives, getting an inside glimpse into the beliefs and emotions of those of the past.

Including historic speeches in our homeschool memory work routine is a great way to accomplish these goals!

Here are a few of the most famous and important speeches your children should know.

If you want to include one of the longer speeches in your homeschool memory work, I would encourage you to choose an excerpt or to break it into smaller chunks to learn over a few months. Or, perhaps you just want to read it repeatedly for a month and have your students copy out key sentences in their reading journals !

Older students may even find it valuable to take a full year to read, recite, and reflect on the rhetorical skill involved in these speeches. Ask questions like Who is the audience? What is the primary goal of the speaker? How does the speaker grab attention in the beginning and confirm their argument in the conclusion? Can you detect a change in tone as the speech progresses?

Some of these speeches are short. Some are pretty long! Due to the length of many of the speeches, I have included below a key quote and excerpt in most cases rather than the full text. You can access a free pdf memory work printable with the full text of all 26 speeches here . I encourage you to read the full speeches and choose your own key quotes!

Some speeches are from antiquity, some from more recent events. I’ve arranged them in chronological order, but you can click through the Table of Contents below to go straight to a particular speech.

“Funeral Oration” by Pericles (c. 431 BC)

Key quote: “Thus choosing to die resisting, rather than to live submitting, they fled only from dishonour, but met danger face to face, and after one brief moment, while at the summit of their fortune, escaped, not from their fear, but from their glory.”

My task is now finished. I have performed it to the best of my ability, and in word, at least, the requirements of the law are now satisfied. If deeds be in question, those who are here interred have received part of their honours already, and for the rest, their children will be brought up till manhood at the public expense: the state thus offers a valuable prize, as the garland of victory in this race of valour, for the reward both of those who have fallen and their survivors. And where the rewards for merit are greatest, there are found the best citizens. “Funeral Oration” by Pericles. Access the full printable speech here .

“Apology” by Socrates (347 BC)

Key Quote: “Never mind the manner, which may or may not be good; but think only of the justice of my cause, and give heed to that: let the judge decide justly and the speaker speak truly.”

I will begin at the beginning, and ask what the accusation is which has given rise to this slander of me, and which has encouraged Meletus to proceed against me. What do the slanderers say? They shall be my prosecutors, and I will sum up their words in an affidavit. “Socrates is an evil-doer, and a curious person, who searches into things under the earth and in heaven, and he makes the worse appear the better cause; and he teaches the aforesaid doctrines to others.” That is the nature of the accusation, and that is what you have seen yourselves in the comedy of Aristophanes; who has introduced a man whom he calls Socrates, going about and saying that he can walk in the air, and talking a deal of nonsense concerning matters of which I do not pretend to know either much or little – not that I mean to say anything disparaging of anyone who is a student of natural philosophy. I should be very sorry if Meletus could lay that to my charge. But the simple truth is, O Athenians, that I have nothing to do with these studies. Very many of those here present are witnesses to the truth of this, and to them I appeal. Speak then, you who have heard me, and tell your neighbors whether any of you have ever known me hold forth in few words or in many upon matters of this sort. … You hear their answer. And from what they say of this you will be able to judge of the truth of the rest. “Apology” by Socrates. Access the full printable speech here .

“Speech of Alexander the Great” from the Campaigns of Alexander (c. 324 BC)

Key Quote: “I observe, gentlemen, that when I would lead you on a new venture you no longer follow me with your old spirit. I have asked you to meet me that we may come to a decision together: are we, upon my advice, to go forward, or, upon yours, to turn back?”

I could not have blamed you for being the first to lose heart if I, your commander, had not shared in your exhausting marches and your perilous campaigns; it would have been natural enough if you had done all the work merely for others to reap the reward. But it is not so. You and I, gentlemen, have shared the labour and shared the danger, and the rewards are for us all. The conquered territory belongs to you; from your ranks the governors of it are chosen; already the greater part of its treasure passes into your hands, and when all Asia is overrun, then indeed I will go further than the mere satisfaction of our ambitions: the utmost hopes of riches or power which each one of you cherishes will be far surpassed, and whoever wishes to return home will be allowed to go, either with me or without me. I will make those who stay the envy of those who return. “Speech of Alexander the Great” Access the full printable speech here .

“The First Oration Against Catiline” by Cicero (63 BC)

Key Quote: “I will put you to death, then, when there shall be not one person possible to be found so wicked, so abandoned, so like yourself, as not to allow that it has been rightly done. As long as one person exists who can dare to defend you, you shall live; but you shall live as you do now, surrounded by my many and trusty guards, so that you shall not be able to stir one finger against the republic; many eyes and ears shall still observe and watch you, as they have hitherto done, though you shall not perceive them.”

When,  O Catiline, do you mean to cease abusing our patience? How long is that madness of yours still to mock us? When is there to be an end of that unbridled audacity of yours, swaggering about as it does now? Do not the nightly guards placed on the Palatine Hill—do not the watches posted throughout the city—does not the alarm of the people, and the union of all good men—does not the precaution taken of assembling the senate in this most defensible place—do not the looks and countenances of this venerable body here present, have any effect upon you? Do you not feel that your plans are detected? Do you not see that your conspiracy is already arrested and rendered powerless by the knowledge which every one here possesses of it? What is there that you did last night, what the night before—where is it that you were—who was there that you summoned to meet you—what design was there which was adopted by you, with which you think that any one of us is unacquainted? “First Oration Against Catiline” by Cicero. Access the full printable speech here .

“Speech to the Troops at Tilbury” by Queen Elizabeth I (1588)

Key Quote: “I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king.”

My loving people, We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit our selves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear. I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects; and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust. I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm: to which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. I know already, for your forwardness you have deserved rewards and crowns; and We do assure you in the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you. In the mean time, my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over those enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people. “Speech to the Troops at Tilbury” by Queen Elizabeth I. Access the full printable speech here .

“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” by Patrick Henry (1775)

Key Quote: “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!”

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free– if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending–if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained–we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us! “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” by Patrick Henry. Access the full printable speech here .

“Abolition” by William Wilberforce (1789)

Key Quote: “What will the House think when, by the concurring testimony of other witnesses, the true history is laid open. The slaves who are sometimes described as rejoicing at their captivity, are so wrung with misery at leaving their country, that it is the constant practice to set sail at night, lest they should be sensible of their departure.”

When I consider the magnitude of the subject which I am to bring before the House-a subject, in which the interests, not of this country, nor of Europe alone, but of the whole world, and of posterity, are involved: and when I think, at the same time, on the weakness of the advocate who has undertaken this great cause-when these reflections press upon my mind, it is impossible for me not to feel both terrified and concerned at my own inadequacy to such a task. But when I reflect, however, on the encouragement which I have had, through the whole course of a long and laborious examination of this question, and how much candour I have experienced, and how conviction has increased within my own mind, in proportion as I have advanced in my labours;-when I reflect, especially, that however averse any gentleman may now be, yet we shall all be of one opinion in the end;-when I turn myself to these thoughts, I take courage-I determine to forget all my other fears, and I march forward with a firmer step in the full assurance that my cause will bear me out, and that I shall be able to justify upon the clearest principles, every resolution in my hand, the avowed end of which is, the total abolition of the slave trade. I wish exceedingly, in the outset, to guard both myself and the House from entering into the subject with any sort of passion. It is not their passions I shall appeal to-I ask only for their cool and impartial reason; and I wish not to take them by surprise, but to deliberate, point by point, upon every part of this question. I mean not to accuse any one, but to take the shame upon myself, in common, indeed, with the whole parliament of Great Britain, for having suffered this horrid trade to be carried on under their authority. We are all guilty-we ought all to plead guilty, and not to exculpate ourselves by throwing the blame on others; and I therefore deprecate every kind of reflection against the various descriptions of people who are more immediately involved in this wretched business. “Abolition” by William Wilberforce. Access the full printable speech here .

“Farewell Address” by George Washington (1796)

Key Quote: “Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally. This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.”

In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the career of my public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred upon me; still more for the steadfast confidence with which it has supported me; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals, that under circumstances in which the passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging, in situations in which not unfrequently want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free Constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it. “Farewell Address” by George Washington. Access the full printable speech here .

“Ain’t I a Woman” by Sojourner Truth (1851)

Key Quote: “If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.”

Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that ‘twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what’s all this here talking about? That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man – when I could get it – and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman? Then they talk about this thing in the head; what’s this they call it? [member of audience whispers, “intellect”] That’s it, honey. What’s that got to do with women’s rights or negroes’ rights? If my cup won’t hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn’t you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full? Then that little man in black there, he says women can’t have as much rights as men, ’cause Christ wasn’t a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him. If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them. Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain’t got nothing more to say.  Get Your Free Homeschool Planning Calendar Your printable calendar, planner pages, attendance record sheets, and more will be sent to your inbox. Yes! Send me the homeschool planning calendar! We never share your information with third parties and will protect it in accordance with our Privacy Policy BirdSend Email Marketing Tool _bswpForms.ics.push({"id":49475,"type":"in-content","design":1,"is_post_submit_message":false,"triggers":{"filters":{"hide":[{"match":"all","filters":[{"key":1,"active":true,"filter":{"name":"page-url","inputs":{"value":"humilityanddoxology.com\/subscriber-freebies\/","domain":null,"operator":"equals"}}}]},{"match":"all","filters":[{"key":2,"active":true,"filter":{"name":"page-url","inputs":{"value":"humilityanddoxology.com\/why-christian-classical-education-homeschool\/","domain":null,"operator":"equals"}}}]},{"match":"all","filters":[{"key":3,"active":true,"filter":{"name":"page-url","inputs":{"value":"humilityanddoxology.com\/thank-you-for-subscribing\/","domain":null,"operator":"equals"}}}]},{"match":"all","filters":[{"key":4,"active":true,"filter":{"name":"page-url","inputs":{"value":"product","domain":null,"operator":"contains"}}}]},{"match":"all","filters":[{"key":5,"active":true,"filter":{"name":"page-url","inputs":{"value":"humilityanddoxology.com\/advent\/","domain":null,"operator":"equals"}}}]},{"match":"all","filters":[{"key":6,"active":true,"filter":{"name":"page-url","inputs":{"value":"www.humilityanddoxology.com\/bible-memory-tips-homeschool-family","domain":null,"operator":"equals"}}}]},{"match":"all","filters":[{"key":7,"active":true,"filter":{"name":"page-url","inputs":{"value":"www.humilityanddoxology.com\/homeschool-conversations\/","domain":null,"operator":"equals"}}}]},{"match":"all","filters":[{"key":8,"active":true,"filter":{"name":"page-url","inputs":{"value":"www.humilityanddoxology.com\/winterwonderchallenge\/","domain":null,"operator":"equals"}}}]},{"match":"all","filters":[{"key":9,"active":true,"filter":{"name":"page-url","inputs":{"value":"wonderday","domain":null,"operator":"contains"}}}]},{"match":"all","filters":[{"key":10,"active":true,"filter":{"name":"page-url","inputs":{"value":"www.humilityanddoxology.com\/homeschool-planning-guide\/","domain":null,"operator":"equals"}}}]},{"match":"all","filters":[{"key":11,"active":true,"filter":{"name":"page-url","inputs":{"value":"www.humilityanddoxology.com\/storiesinthestars\/","domain":null,"operator":"equals"}}}]}],"show":[{"match":"all","filters":[{"key":1,"active":true,"filter":{"name":"page-url","inputs":{"value":null,"domain":"humilityanddoxology.com","operator":null}}}]}],"hide_more":{"match":"any","filters":[{"active":true,"filter":{"name":"submitted-in-days","inputs":{"value":30}}}]}},"placements":{"active":["placement-middle-of-post"],"inputs":{"placement-after-every-paragraph":{"value":5}}}},"ver":"f6762b96be15da779e7e6477e7c18a23"}); “Ain’t I a Woman” by Sojourner Truth. Access the full printable speech here .

“What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” by Frederick Douglass (1852)

Key Quote: “Fellow citizens; above your national, tumultuous joy, I hear the mournful wail of millions! whose chains, heavy and grievous yesterday, are, today, rendered more intolerable by the jubilee shouts that reach them. If I do forget, if I do not faithfully remember those bleeding children of sorrow this day, “may my right hand forget her cunning, and may my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth!” To forget them, to pass lightly over their wrongs, and to chime in with the popular theme, would be treason most scandalous and shocking, and would make me a reproach before God and the world.”

Fellow-citizens, pardon me, allow me to ask, why am I called upon to speak here today? What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence? Are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence, extended to us? and am I, therefore, called upon to bring our humble offering to the national altar, and to confess the benefits and express devout gratitude for the blessings resulting from your independence to us? Would to God, both for your sakes and ours, that an affirmative answer could be truthfully returned to these questions! Then would my task be light, and my burden easy and delightful. For  who  is there so cold, that a nation’s sympathy could not warm him? Who so obdurate and dead to the claims of gratitude, that would not thankfully acknowledge such priceless benefits? Who so stolid and selfish, that would not give his voice to swell the hallelujahs of a nation’s jubilee, when the chains of servitude had been torn from his limbs? I am not that man. In a case like that, the dumb might eloquently speak, and the “lame man leap as an hart.” But, such is not the state of the case. I say it with a sad sense of the disparity between us. I am not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common.-The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight that brought life and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth July is  yours,  not  mine. You  may rejoice, I must mourn. To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony. Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak today? If so, there is a parallel to your conduct. And let me warn you that it is dangerous to copy the example of a nation whose crimes, towering up to heaven, were thrown down by the breath of the Almighty, burying that nation in irrecoverable ruin! I can today take up the plaintive lament of a peeled and woe-smitten people! “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” by Frederick Douglass. Access the full printable speech here .

“The Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincoln (1863)

Key Quote: “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

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 battle-field 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. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. “Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincoln. Access the full printable speech here .

“Is it a Crime for a Citizen of the United States to Vote?” by Susan B Anthony (1872)

Key Quote: “Here is pronounced the right of all men, and “consequently,” as the Quaker preacher said, “of all women,” to a voice in the government. And here, in this very first paragraph of the declaration, is the assertion of the natural right of all to the ballot; for, how can “the consent of the governed” be given, if the right to vote be denied.”

The preamble of the federal constitution says: “We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and established this constitution for the United States of America.” It was we, the people, not we, the white male citizens, nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed this Union. And we formed it, not to give the blessings or liberty, but to secure them; not to the half of ourselves and the half of our posterity, but to the whole people-women as well as men. And it is downright mockery to talk to women of their enjoyment of the blessings of liberty while they are denied the use of the only means of securing them provided by this democratic-republican government-the ballot. “Is It a Crime for a Citizen of the United States to Vote” by Susan B. Anthony. Access the full printable speech here .

“I will Fight No More Forever” by Chief Joseph (1877)

Key Quote: “Hear me, my chiefs, I am tired. My heart is sad and sick. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever.”

I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. Looking Glass is dead. Toohulhulsote is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say no and yes. He who led the young men is dead. It is cold and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them, have run away to the hills and have no blankets, no food. No one know where they are–perhaps they are freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children and see how many of them I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs, I am tired. My heart is sad and sick. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever. “I Will Fight No More” by Chief Joseph. Access the full printable speech here .

“The Man in the Arena” by Theodore Roosevelt (1910)

Key Quote: “Let the man of learning, the man of lettered leisure, beware of that queer and cheap temptation to pose to himself and to others as a cynic, as the man who has outgrown emotions and beliefs, the man to whom good and evil are as one. The poorest way to face life is to face it with a sneer.”

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. Shame on the man of cultivated taste who permits refinement to develop into fastidiousness that unfits him for doing the rough work of a workaday world. Among the free peoples who govern themselves there is but a small field of usefulness open for the men of cloistered life who shrink from contact with their fellows. Still less room is there for those who deride or slight what is done by those who actually bear the brunt of the day; nor yet for those others who always profess that they would like to take action, if only the conditions of life were not exactly what they actually are. The man who does nothing cuts the same sordid figure in the pages of history, whether he be cynic, or fop, or voluptuary. There is little use for the being whose tepid soul knows nothing of the great and generous emotion, of the high pride, the stern belief, the lofty enthusiasm, of the men who quell the storm and ride the thunder. Well for these men if they succeed; well also, though not so well, if they fail, given only that they have nobly ventured, and have put forth all their heart and strength. It is war-worn Hotspur, spent with hard fighting, he of the many errors and the valiant end, over whose memory we love to linger, not over the memory of the young lord who “but for the vile guns would have been a valiant soldier.” “Citizenship in a Republic,” commonly known as “The Man in the Arena,” by Theodore Roosevelt. Access the full printable speech here .

“A Woman’s Place in Science” by Amelia Earhart (1935)

Key Quote: “When the history of our times is written, it must record as supremely significant the physical, psychic and social changes women have undergone in these exciting decades.”

This modern world of science and invention is of particular interest to women, for the lives of women have been more affected by its new horizons than those of any other group. Profound and stirring as have been accomplishments in the remoter fields of pure research, it is in the home that the applications of scientific achievement have perhaps been most far-reaching, and it is through changing conditions there that women have become the greatest beneficiaries in the modern scheme. “A Woman’s Place in Science” by Amelia Earhart. Access the full printable speech here .

“Farewell Speech” by Lou Gehrig (1939)

Key Quote: “I might have been given a bad break, but I’ve got an awful lot to live for.”

For the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans. When you look around, wouldn’t you consider it a privilege to associate yourself with such a fine looking men as they’re standing in uniform in this ballpark today? Sure, I’m lucky. Who wouldn’t consider it an honor to have known Jacob Ruppert? Also, the builder of baseball’s greatest empire, Ed Barrow? To have spent six years with that wonderful little fellow, Miller Huggins? Then to have spent the next nine years with that outstanding leader, that smart student of psychology, the best manager in baseball today, Joe McCarthy? Sure, I’m lucky. When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift – that’s something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies – that’s something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter – that’s something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so you can have an education and build your body – it’s a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed – that’s the finest I know. So I close in saying that I might have been given a bad break, but I’ve got an awful lot to live for. Thank you. “Farewell Speech” by Lou Gehrig. Access the full printable speech here .

“We Shall Fight on the Beaches” by Winston Churchill (1940)

Key Quote: “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.”

I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again 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. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty’s Government-every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation. The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength. Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. 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, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old. “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” by Winston Churchill. Access the full printable speech here .

“Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat” by Winston Churchill (1940)

Key Quote: “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, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is 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.”

To form an Administration of this scale and complexity is a serious undertaking in itself, but it must be remembered that we are in the preliminary stage of one of the greatest battles in history, that we are in action at many other points in Norway and in Holland, that we have to be prepared in the Mediterranean, that the air battle is continuous and that many preparations, such as have been indicated by my hon. Friend below the Gangway, have to be made here at home. In this crisis I hope I may be pardoned if I do not address the House at any length to-day. I hope that any of my friends and colleagues, or former colleagues, who are affected by the political reconstruction, will make allowance, all allowance, for any lack of ceremony with which it has been necessary to act. I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this 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, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is 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. Let that be realised; no survival for the British Empire, no survival for all that the British Empire has stood for, no survival for the urge and impulse of the ages, that mankind will move forward towards its goal. But I take up my task with buoyancy and hope. I feel sure that our cause will not be suffered to fail among men. At this time I feel entitled to claim the aid of all, and I say, “Come then, let us go forward together with our united strength.” “Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat” by Winston Churchill. Access the full printable speech here .

“Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation” by Franklin D. Roosevelt (1941)

Key Quote: “Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph — so help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire. “Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation” by FDR. Access the full printable speech here .

The “Quit India” Speech by Mahatma Gandhi (1942)

Key Quote: “At a time when I may have to launch the biggest struggle of my life, I may not harbour hatred against anybody.”

Ours is not a drive for power, but purely a nonviolent fight for India’s independence. In a violent struggle, a successful general has been often known to effect a military coup and to set up a dictatorship. But under the Congress scheme of things, essentially nonviolent as it is, there can be no room for dictatorship. A non-violent soldier of freedom will covet nothing for himself, he fights only for the freedom of his country. The Congress is unconcerned as to who will rule, when freedom is attained. The power, when it comes, will belong to the people of India, and it will be for them to decide to whom it placed in the entrusted. May be that the reins will be placed in the hands of the Parsis, for instance-as I would love to see happen-or they may be handed to some others whose names are not heard in the Congress today. It will not be for you then to object saying, “This community is microscopic. That party did not play its due part in the freedom’s struggle; why should it have all the power?” Ever since its inception the Congress has kept itself meticulously free of the communal taint. It has thought always in terms of the whole nation and has acted accordingly… I know how imperfect our Ahimsa is and how far away we are still from the ideal, but in Ahimsa there is no final failure or defeat. I have faith, therefore, that if, in spite of our shortcomings, the big thing does happen, it will be because God wanted to help us by crowning with success our silent, unremitting Sadhana1 for the last twenty-two years. “Quit India” speech by Mahatma Gandhi. Access the full printable speech here .

Inaugural Address by John F. Kennedy (1961)

Key Quote: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country.”

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that 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, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge–and more. Inaugural Address by JFK. Access the full printable speech here .

“Duty, Honor, Country” by General Douglas Macarthur (1962)

Key Quote: “Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.”

The unbelievers will say they are but words, but a slogan, but a flamboyant phrase. Every pedant, every demagogue, every cynic, every hypocrite, every troublemaker, and, I am sorry to say, some others of an entirely different character, will try to downgrade them even to the extent of mockery and ridicule. But these are some of the things they do. They build your basic character. They mold you for your future roles as the custodians of the Nation’s defense. They make you strong enough to know when you are weak, and brave enough to face yourself when you are afraid. They teach you to be proud and unbending in honest failure, but humble and gentle in success; not to substitute words for actions, not to seek the path of comfort, but to face the stress and spur of difficulty and challenge; to learn to stand up in the storm, but to have compassion on those who fall; to master yourself before you seek to master others; to have a heart that is clean, a goal that is high; to learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; to reach into the future, yet never neglect the past; to be serious, yet never to take yourself too seriously; to be modest so that you will remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength. They give you a temperate will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions, a freshness of the deep springs of life, a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity, of an appetite for adventure over love of ease. They create in your heart the sense of wonder, the unfailing hope of what next, and joy and inspiration of life. They teach you in this way to be an officer and a gentleman. “Duty, Honor, Country” by Douglass MacArthur. Access the full printable speech here .

“I have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr (1963)

Key Quote: “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. I have a dream today.”

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land. And so we’ve come here today to dramatize a shameful condition. In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men — yes, Black men as well as white men — would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked insufficient funds. But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so we’ve come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to his hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children. “I have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr. Access the full printable speech here .

“Address to the Nation on the Explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger” by Ronald Reagan (1986)

Key Quote: “The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and “slipped the surly bonds of earth” to “touch the face of God.””

For the families of the seven, we cannot bear, as you do, the full impact of this tragedy. But we feel the loss, and we’re thinking about you so very much. Your loved ones were daring and brave, and they had that special grace, that special spirit that says, “Give me a challenge, and I’ll meet it with joy.” They had a hunger to explore the universe and discover its truths. They wished to serve, and they did. They served all of us. We’ve grown used to wonders in this century. It’s hard to dazzle us. But for 25 years the United States space program has been doing just that. We’ve grown used to the idea of space, and perhaps we forget that we’ve only just begun. We’re still pioneers. They, the members of the Challenger crew, were pioneers. And I want to say something to the schoolchildren of America who were watching the live coverage of the shuttle’s takeoff. I know it is hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this happen. It’s all part of the process of exploration and discovery. It’s all part of taking a chance and expanding man’s horizons. The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave. The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we’ll continue to follow them. I’ve always had great faith in and respect for our space program, and what happened today does nothing to diminish it. We don’t hide our space program. We don’t keep secrets and cover things up. We do it all up front and in public. That’s the way freedom is, and we wouldn’t change it for a minute. We’ll continue our quest in space. There will be more shuttle flights and more shuttle crews and, yes, more volunteers, more civilians, more teachers in space. Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue. I want to add that I wish I could talk to every man and woman who works for NASA or who worked on this mission and tell them: “Your dedication and professionalism have moved and impressed us for decades. And we know of your anguish. We share it.” “Address to the Nation on the Explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger” by Ronald Reagan. Access the full printable speech here .

Inaugural Speech by Nelson Mandela (1994)

Key Quote: “Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.”

The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us. We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. We succeeded to take our last steps to freedom in conditions of relative peace. We commit ourselves to the construction of a complete, just and lasting peace. We have triumphed in the effort to implant hope in the breasts of the million of our people. We enter into a covenant that we shall build the society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world. Inaugural Speech by Nelson Mandela. Access the full printable speech here .

“Statement by the President in His Address to the Nation” by George W. Bush (2001)

Key Quote: “A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.”

The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America — with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could. … America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.” This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world. Thank you. Good night, and God bless America. “Address to the Nation” following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 by George W. Bush. Access the full printable speech here .

More Memory Work Resources For Your Family

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4 thoughts on “the 26 best historic speeches for homeschool memory work”.

please add audio of this for extra help on memorization

That’s definitely a great idea. I have a few of these included in my Year of Memory Work: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt7wgqzxNavmT_w0LunPfUG581qdiqamx

I’d love to record the rest in the future!

Hello, I love this. Thank you. I’ve entered my email to receive the printable, but I never received it. I did check my spam and it’s not there. I tried last night and again this morning and still nothing.

I’m so sorry! Just sent you an email from [email protected] … please let me know if you don’t see it in the next 20 minutes or so!

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16 Public Speaking Tips for Students

It's normal to be nervous—here's how to relax

• Use Relaxation Strategies

Maintain Perspective

Be confident when speaking.

Public speaking can *really* hard, especially if you struggle with social anxiety or if you don't have a lot of experience talking in front of groups. Research suggests that 61% of university students in the U.S. have a fear of public speaking. Fortunately, many strategies can help you build your confidence and strengthen your public speaking skills.

Public speaking tips for students aim to reduce anxiety that can interfere with giving presentations or speeches in class. These tips aren't just helpful for speaking in front of a big group. If you have social anxiety disorder (SAD) ,  these strategies can also help you feel more comfortable speaking in front of a group or telling a story among friends.

At a Glance

If you have social anxiety and need to give a speech  in elementary school, high school, college, or university, it helps to be as prepared as possible . Beyond preparation, however, there are strategies that you can use to reduce anxiety...without feeling like the urge to fake an illness so you can stay home and skip it.

Practice, preparation, and relaxation strategies are essential for students dealing with anxiety about public speaking. It's also important to maintain perspective; remember, other people get nervous, too! As you practice, you'll start to feel more confident about talking in front of groups, which will help you present your best self with a lot less anxiety.

Practice Your Public Speaking

Even great speakers practice their speeches beforehand. Practice out loud with a recording device or video camera, and then watch yourself to see how you can improve. If you are feeling brave, practice in front of a friend or family member and ask for feedback.

Research has even shown that imaginary practice can be an effective way to combat feelings of public speaking anxiety.

Talk About What You Know

If possible, choose a topic for your speech or presentation that you know a lot about and love. The audience will feel your passion for the topic, and you will feel less anxious knowing that you have a lot of experience to draw from when other students ask you questions.

Talking about things you are knowledgeable about can help you feel more confident and comfortable when you are speaking in public.

Concentrate on Your Message

When you focus on the task at hand, anxiety is less likely to get out of control. Concentrate on the main message of your speech or presentation and make it your goal to deliver that message to the other students in your class.

Grab the Audience's Attention

Most of your fellow classmates will pay attention for at least the first 20 seconds; grab their attention during those early moments. Start with an interesting fact or a story that relates to your topic. Other ways you can generate interest include:

• Asking rhetorical questions
• Inspiring emotion
• Generating curiosity
• Relating an interesting historical event

Have One Main Message

Focus on one central theme, and your classmates will learn more. Tie different parts of your talk to the main theme to support your overall message. Trying to cover too much ground can leave other students (and you) feeling overwhelmed.

Tell Stories

Stories catch the attention of other students and deliver a message in a more meaningful way than facts and figures. Whenever possible, use a story to illustrate a point in your talk.

Preparation Can Reduce Public Speaking Anxiety

Being prepared to speak in public can also be important if you have social anxiety disorder. Feeling confident and prepared to give your speech may help lessen your feelings of anxiety. Some of the things that you can do to prepare include:

Visit the Room

If you have access to the classroom where you will be speaking outside of class hours, take the time to visit in advance and get used to standing at the front of the room. Make arrangements for any audio-visual equipment and practice standing in the exact spot where you will deliver your speech.

Unfamiliarity can often make social anxiety worse. By making yourself more comfortable with the setting and room where you'll be delivering your speech, you'll feel much more at ease.

Rack Up Experience

Volunteer to speak in front of your class as often as possible. Be the first one to raise your hand when a question is asked. Your confidence will grow with every public speaking experience.

Researchers have found that practicing in a virtual format can also be helpful. You might try out virtual experiences that allow you to practice in front of a supportive audience or invite friends and family to watch you practice your presentation in person or through video conferencing.

Observe Other Speakers

Take the time to watch other speakers who are good at what they do. Practice imitating their style and confidence. Consider attending local events or presentations at your school. Watching TED Talks or speeches on YouTube can also be helpful.

Organize Your Talk

Every speech should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Structure your talk so that the other students know what to expect. Then write it down on notecards and spend time practicing what you will say.

Use Relaxation Strategies to Manage Anxiety

Taking steps to deal with your feelings of anxiety can also make public speaking easier. Fortunately, there are a lot of anxiety-fighting relaxation strategies that can help calm your mind and body.

It's a good idea to practice relaxation strategies before you give your speech. The more you practice them, the better you'll be able to use them when they are needed.

Some other things that you can do:

Tell Someone About Your Anxiety

If you are speaking in front of a high school or college class, meet with your teacher or professor and describe your public speaking fears . If you're in elementary or high school, share your fears with your parents, a teacher, or a guidance counselor.

Sometimes sharing how you feel can make it easier to overcome stage fright.

Visualize Confidence

Visualize yourself confidently delivering your speech, feeling free of anxiety, and engaging the students in your class. Although this may seem like a stretch for you now, visualization is a powerful tool for changing the way you feel.

Elite athletes use this strategy to improve their performance in competitions, and research has shown that it can be a helpful tool for combatting speech anxiety.

Proven Anxiety-Busters

Relaxation strategies can be super helpful for fighting speech anxiety. Some that you might try include:

• Deep breathing
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Guided imagery
• Positive self-talk
• Mindfulness

Find a Friendly Face

If you are feeling anxious, find one of your friends in class (or someone who seems friendly) and imagine that you are speaking only to that person.

Press Play for Advice on Finding Courage

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares a strategy to help you find courage when you need it the most.

Follow Now : Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts

Remember that other students are on your side. Think about a time when you have been an audience member and the student delivering the speech or presentation was noticeably nervous. Did you think less of that student? More likely, you felt sympathetic and wanted to make that person more comfortable by smiling or nodding.

Remember—other students generally want you to succeed and feel comfortable. If, for some reason, the audience is not on your side or you experience  bullying  or social exclusion, be sure to discuss this with a parent, teacher, or guidance counselor.

Sometimes just knowing what makes a good speech can help you feel more confident. Focus on some of the following elements and practice them before you have to speak in public.

Develop Your Own Style

In addition to imitating good speakers, work on developing your own personal style as a public speaker. Integrate your own personality into your speaking style and you will feel more comfortable in front of the class. Telling personal stories that tie into your theme are a great way to let other students get to know you better.

Avoid Filler Words

Words such as "basically," "well," and "um" don't add anything to your speech. Practice being silent when you feel the urge to use one of these words.

Vary Your Tone, Volume, and Speed

Interesting speakers vary the pitch (high versus low), volume (loud versus soft), and speed (fast versus slow) of their words. Doing so keeps your classmates interested and engaged in what you say.

Make the Audience Laugh

Laughter is a great way to relax both you and the other students in your class, and telling jokes can be a great icebreaker at the beginning of a speech. Practice the timing and delivery of your jokes beforehand and ask a friend for feedback. Be sure that they are appropriate for your class before you begin.

If all else fails, smile. Your fellow classmates will perceive you like a warm speaker and be more receptive to what you have to say.

Don't Apologize

If you make a mistake, don't offer apologies. Chances are that your classmates didn't notice anyway. Unless you need to correct a fact or figure, there is no point dwelling on errors that probably only you noticed.

If you make a mistake because your hands or shaking, or something similar, try to make light of the situation by saying something like, "I wasn't this nervous when I woke up this morning!" This can help to break the tension of the moment.

It's natural to feel frightened the first time you have to speak in front of your class. However, if you fear continues, interferes with your daily life and keeps you awake at night, it may be helpful to see someone about your anxiety.

Try talking to a parent, teacher, or counselor about how you have been feeling. If that doesn't get you anywhere, ask to make an appointment with your doctor. Severe public speaking anxiety is a true disorder that can improve with treatment .

Gallego A, McHugh L, Penttonen M, Lappalainen R. Measuring public speaking anxiety: Self-report, behavioral, and physiological .  Behav Modif . 2022;46(4):782-798. doi:10.1177/0145445521994308

Spence SH, Rapee RM. The etiology of social anxiety disorder: An evidence-based model . Behav Res Ther. 2016;86:50-67. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2016.06.007

García-Monge A, Guijarro-Romero S, Santamaría-Vázquez E, Martínez-Álvarez L, Bores-Calle N. Embodied strategies for public speaking anxiety: evaluation of the Corp-Oral program .  Front Hum Neurosci . 2023;17:1268798. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2023.1268798

Kroczek LOH, Mühlberger A. Public speaking training in front of a supportive audience in Virtual Reality improves performance in real-life .  Sci Rep . 2023;13(1):13968. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-41155-9

Banushi B, Brendle M, Ragnhildstveit A, et al. Breathwork interventions for adults with clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders: A scoping review .  Brain Sci . 2023;13(2):256. doi:10.3390/brainsci13020256

Vogel WH, Viale PH. Presenting with confidence .  J Adv Pract Oncol . 2018;9(5):545-548.

By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

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• World Students' Day 2024: Easy English Speech for School Students

World Students Day Speech in English

World Students Day, celebrated on October 15th, honours the contributions and legacy of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, an inspiring leader and former President of India. This day focuses on the importance of students as the foundation of tomorrow's world. Preparing a speech on this occasion allows students to reflect on their role in shaping the future.

From this guide, students will find helpful tips, key points, and examples to create a meaningful and engaging speech on World Students Day. Explore how to express thoughts confidently and create a lasting impact. Through this World Students Day Speech in English guide, students can discover how to structure their thoughts and include relevant themes like education, innovation, and leadership.

Introduction for World Students Day Speech

Good (morning/afternoon/evening) everyone,

Today, we gather to celebrate World Students Day, an occasion that honours the legacy of one of India’s most revered leaders, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Dr. Kalam, a brilliant scientist and the beloved former President of India, dedicated his life to inspiring and empowering students. On this special day, we reflect on his vision for a brighter future and recognise the invaluable role that students play in shaping our world.

World Students Day Speech - Historical Context

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was not just a scientist who played a key role in India’s space and missile programs; he was also an educator and a passionate advocate for the youth. His dedication to education and his belief in the potential of every student are what make World Students Day so significant. Celebrated on October 15th, this day is not just a tribute to Dr. Kalam’s achievements, but also a reminder of the impact that students can have on the world.

World Students Day Speech - Role of Students in Society

As students, you are at the heart of tomorrow's innovations and solutions. You are the future leaders, thinkers, and creators who will shape the direction of our world. Education is more than just attending classes and completing assignments; it is a journey of growth and self-discovery. The knowledge and skills you acquire today are the tools that will help you tackle future challenges and seize opportunities.

Dr. Kalam often spoke about the power of dreams and the importance of perseverance. He believed that with hard work and dedication, any dream could become a reality. This belief is not just inspirational but practical. By setting high goals and striving to achieve them, you contribute to your own growth and to the betterment of society.

World Students Day Speech - Inspirational Messages

Dr. Kalam once said, “You have to dream before your dreams can come true.” These words remind us that every great achievement begins with a dream. As students, you are encouraged to dream big and pursue your passions. Remember, challenges and setbacks are part of the journey. They teach resilience and build character.

Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives. It opens doors to new opportunities and helps you develop the skills needed to make a difference. Embrace your studies with enthusiasm and commitment, knowing that every effort you make contributes to your future success.

World Students Day Speech - Current Challenges and Opportunities

In today’s world, students face various challenges, from academic pressure to balancing extracurricular activities. It’s important to address these challenges with a positive mindset. Seek support when needed, and remember that persistence pays off.

At the same time, you have access to unprecedented opportunities. The digital age offers vast resources and platforms for learning and collaboration. Make the most of these opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills. Engage in activities that interest you, seek out mentors, and stay curious.

Conclusion for World Students Day Speech

World Students Day is a celebration of your potential and a tribute to the inspiring legacy of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. As you move forward in your educational journey, remember that you have the power to shape the future. Embrace your dreams, work diligently, and never underestimate the impact you can make.

Thank you, and let’s continue to honour Dr. Kalam’s vision by striving for excellence and contributing positively to our world.

10 Key Pointers for World Students Day Speech in English

Greeting : Start with a warm greeting to your audience to set a positive tone.

Introduction to World Students Day : Briefly explain the significance of World Students Day and its connection to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Legacy of Dr. Kalam : Highlight Dr. Kalam’s contributions to education and his belief in the power of students.

Role of Students : Emphasise the importance of students as future leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

Power of Education : Discuss how education empowers students to achieve their dreams and overcome challenges.

Inspirational Quotes : Share a motivational quote from Dr. Kalam or another inspiring figure related to education and dreams.

Encouragement : Encourage students to pursue their goals with dedication and resilience.

Reflection on Achievements : Acknowledge the achievements of students and their potential to make a positive impact.

Call to Action : Inspire students to take their education seriously and strive to make a difference in the world.

Closing : Conclude with a heartfelt message of celebration for World Students Day and best wishes for the student's future endeavours.

World Students Day is a special occasion to recognize the contributions and potential of students across the globe. This day is a reminder that students hold the key to the future and that their efforts, dreams, and aspirations shape the world. Celebrating World Students Day encourages students to continue their journey of learning and growth, pushing boundaries and achieving excellence. With Vedantu supporting students, they can access resources that make their learning journey easier and more effective, helping them excel in their academic and personal lives.

FAQs on World Students' Day 2024: Easy English Speech for School Students

1. What is World Students’ Day?

World Students’ Day, celebrated on October 15th, honours the legacy of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, focusing on the importance of students and education.

2. Why is October 15th significant for World Students’ Day?

October 15th is the birth anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a renowned scientist and former President of India who greatly valued education and students.

3. What should be the main focus of a Speech on World Students Day?

The speech should emphasise the importance of education, the legacy of Dr. Kalam, and the role of students in shaping the future.

4. How can I start my World Students Day Speech in English?

Begin with a warm greeting, introduce the significance of the day, and share a compelling anecdote or quote related to education and Dr. Kalam.

5. How long should a Speech on World Students Day be?

Aim for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the event’s schedule and audience. This length is usually enough to cover key points without losing attention.

6. What tone should I use for the World Students Day Speech in English?

Use an inspirational and motivational tone. The goal is to uplift and encourage students while honouring Dr. Kalam’s legacy.

7. How can I make my Speech on World Students Day engaging?

Include personal anecdotes, relevant quotes, and relatable examples. Engage the audience with questions or interactive elements if appropriate.

8. What are some key points to cover in the speech about World Students Day?

Discuss Dr. Kalam’s contributions, the importance of education, the role of students, and how students can make a difference in the world.

9. How can I incorporate Dr. Kalam’s legacy into my speech about World Students Day?

Highlight his achievements, share his inspirational quotes, and discuss how his vision for education and youth empowerment continues to inspire students today.

10. Should I include statistics or facts in my speech?

Including relevant statistics or facts can add credibility and context, but ensure they are presented in a way that supports your message and keeps the audience engaged.

11. How can I address common challenges faced by students in my speech about World Students Day?

Acknowledge challenges such as academic pressure or balancing responsibilities and provide encouragement and strategies for overcoming these obstacles.

12. What is the best way to end my speech?

Conclude with a strong, uplifting message that reinforces the importance of education and students' potential. Offer best wishes for the future and a heartfelt thank you.

13. How can I handle nervousness before delivering the speech about World Students Day?

Practice thoroughly, use deep breathing techniques, and visualise a successful delivery. Remember that confidence grows with preparation.

14. Is it necessary to use visual aids in my World Students Day Speech in English?

Visual aids are optional but can be helpful if they enhance your message. Use them sparingly and ensure they are relevant to your speech.

15. How should I adapt my Speech on World Students Day for different audiences?

Tailor your content to the age, interests, and cultural background of your audience. For younger students, use simpler language and more relatable examples. For older audiences, focus on deeper insights and broader implications.

• May 31, 2024

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