Famous U.s. speech event:
Speech must be memorized. Index cards, cue cards, or audience giving the speaker prompts are not allowed.
Scroll down to view the six following sections:
1) Video Examples
2) Evaluation/Judging
3) How to write the famous speech
4) List of famous speeches (Famous U.S. speeches, not listed, can be used. Unpatriotic speeches not allowed.)
5) Hand Gesture/Body Language Tips
6) Evaluation forms for the Famous Speech event:
These are the evaluation forms the judges will use. Be sure to examine all three because each judge will be evaluating a different aspect of the speech.
To view/print judge forms, go to the "DOWNLOAD FORMS" page.
Scroll down to view the six following sections:
1) Video Examples
2) Evaluation/Judging
3) How to write the famous speech
4) List of famous speeches (Famous U.S. speeches, not listed, can be used. Unpatriotic speeches not allowed.)
5) Hand Gesture/Body Language Tips
6) Evaluation forms for the Famous Speech event:
These are the evaluation forms the judges will use. Be sure to examine all three because each judge will be evaluating a different aspect of the speech.
To view/print judge forms, go to the "DOWNLOAD FORMS" page.
Evaluation/judging the famous speech:
Below indicates the weight of each judging criteria.
15% Each:
1)**Volume - Speakers should be heard by all audience members, especially those sitting in the back of the venue.
2)**Content - See below in red.
10% Each:
1) **Eye Contact - Throughout the entire speech, the speaker should maintain eye contact throughout the entire
speech. If speaker intentionally breaks eye contact for dramatic effect 2 or less times, that is o.k. (example is looking to the
heavens etc.) If the speaker's eyes leave the audience, the judge will write on tally mark indicating one eye contact
mistake. In other words, for every second of lost eye contact = 1 tally mark.
2) **Enunciation - Speaker should speak clearly and pronounce words correctly
3) **Length - (see judge form #3 in the DOWNLOAD FORMS page). Optimal time is 5-6 minutes. A white warning card will be waived at 5:50 and a red penalty card will be waived at 6:01. Speakers going over 6:20 or speakers having a speech shorter than
2:00 will be disqualified.
(2 - 2:59 = 5 points) (3 - 3:59 = 6 points) (4 - 4:59 = 8 points) (5 - 6:00 = 10 points, which is a perfect score)
4) **Inflection - Speaker's pitch should change throughout their speech and support the emotion in which the original speaker
was feeling. Original speaker's inflection should not be imitated. The student speaker should deliver the speech
in their own way, but holding true to the sentiments, passion, and tone of the original speaker.
5% Each:
1) **Personal Introduction/Personal Conclusion
Introduction - Actor provides first and last name, title of the story, and author of the story
Conclusion - Actor thanks audience
2) **Pace - Speaker should not speak too quickly. Intentional pauses are allowed for dramatic effect, but are to be used sparingly.
3) **Not Having Distracting Behaviors -
If speaker exhibits distracting behaviors 6 times = (1point) …........5 times = (2 points).......……4 times = (3 points)
2-3 times = (4 points)......…1 - 0 = (5 points & perfect score).
Distracting behaviors include, but are not limited to the following: space fillers like “um”, fixing clothes, fixing
hair, fidgeting, picking or scratching, laughing, pausing, hair covering eye/s, and repeating the same word one after the
next, swaying, nervous leg movement, distracting hand gestures (gestures that are too quick, slow, or exaggerated)
4) Hand Gestures - Hand gestures should emphasize what is being said. They should not distract from what the speaker is
saying. Hands should not placed in pockets, behind the back, or clasped. Scroll down to read more about hand gestures.
5) Attire - Attire should follow school district dress code guidelines (see below) Attire should be viewed as
appropriate to all age groups and categorized as dress/casual. T-shirts or shirts with no collar should not be worn unless it is a
school T-shirt worn by a number of students on the same team OR a plain T-shirt worn under a sweater (cardigan, argyle, v-
neck, vest sweater etc.). Clothes in disrepair will not be permitted. No sweat pants, no pajamas, or any attire resembling those
will be permitted. Leggings are only permitted if worn under a skirt or dress. If the speech meet dress code isn't followed it will
result in the student being disqualified from receiving an award.
2.5% Each
1) Stage Movement - Speakers should utilize the stage and should refrain from standing in one spot. Speech length and content
should be taken into consideration when planning the speaker's stage movement. The speaker's movement should naturally
flow across the stage. Speakers should NOT pace or prance, but their walk should be natural. In order to earn a top score in
this criterion, one must start at the center of the stage, then go the two sides of the stage within the time they deliver their
speech (right and left or left and right). For example: 1) begin at center, 2) go to one of the sides, 3) go to center, 4) go to
other side, and 5) conclude at center.
2) Pronunciation - speakers should pronounce words clearly in their speech.
Content Specifics:
(1% each # below)
Introductory Paragraph
1. Hook - Grab the attention of the audience with a clever opening sentence, humorous (if supports speech), shocking
2. Famous person, date, place of original speech
3. What caused famous person to write/recite speech.
Three Body Paragraphs:
1-3. Entire or Excerpt of famous speech
Conclusion Paragraph:
Analysis of speech
1. What was the famous speakers main point
2. Impact on yourself/society,
3. Memorable ending
15% Each:
1)**Volume - Speakers should be heard by all audience members, especially those sitting in the back of the venue.
2)**Content - See below in red.
10% Each:
1) **Eye Contact - Throughout the entire speech, the speaker should maintain eye contact throughout the entire
speech. If speaker intentionally breaks eye contact for dramatic effect 2 or less times, that is o.k. (example is looking to the
heavens etc.) If the speaker's eyes leave the audience, the judge will write on tally mark indicating one eye contact
mistake. In other words, for every second of lost eye contact = 1 tally mark.
2) **Enunciation - Speaker should speak clearly and pronounce words correctly
3) **Length - (see judge form #3 in the DOWNLOAD FORMS page). Optimal time is 5-6 minutes. A white warning card will be waived at 5:50 and a red penalty card will be waived at 6:01. Speakers going over 6:20 or speakers having a speech shorter than
2:00 will be disqualified.
(2 - 2:59 = 5 points) (3 - 3:59 = 6 points) (4 - 4:59 = 8 points) (5 - 6:00 = 10 points, which is a perfect score)
4) **Inflection - Speaker's pitch should change throughout their speech and support the emotion in which the original speaker
was feeling. Original speaker's inflection should not be imitated. The student speaker should deliver the speech
in their own way, but holding true to the sentiments, passion, and tone of the original speaker.
5% Each:
1) **Personal Introduction/Personal Conclusion
Introduction - Actor provides first and last name, title of the story, and author of the story
Conclusion - Actor thanks audience
2) **Pace - Speaker should not speak too quickly. Intentional pauses are allowed for dramatic effect, but are to be used sparingly.
3) **Not Having Distracting Behaviors -
If speaker exhibits distracting behaviors 6 times = (1point) …........5 times = (2 points).......……4 times = (3 points)
2-3 times = (4 points)......…1 - 0 = (5 points & perfect score).
Distracting behaviors include, but are not limited to the following: space fillers like “um”, fixing clothes, fixing
hair, fidgeting, picking or scratching, laughing, pausing, hair covering eye/s, and repeating the same word one after the
next, swaying, nervous leg movement, distracting hand gestures (gestures that are too quick, slow, or exaggerated)
4) Hand Gestures - Hand gestures should emphasize what is being said. They should not distract from what the speaker is
saying. Hands should not placed in pockets, behind the back, or clasped. Scroll down to read more about hand gestures.
5) Attire - Attire should follow school district dress code guidelines (see below) Attire should be viewed as
appropriate to all age groups and categorized as dress/casual. T-shirts or shirts with no collar should not be worn unless it is a
school T-shirt worn by a number of students on the same team OR a plain T-shirt worn under a sweater (cardigan, argyle, v-
neck, vest sweater etc.). Clothes in disrepair will not be permitted. No sweat pants, no pajamas, or any attire resembling those
will be permitted. Leggings are only permitted if worn under a skirt or dress. If the speech meet dress code isn't followed it will
result in the student being disqualified from receiving an award.
2.5% Each
1) Stage Movement - Speakers should utilize the stage and should refrain from standing in one spot. Speech length and content
should be taken into consideration when planning the speaker's stage movement. The speaker's movement should naturally
flow across the stage. Speakers should NOT pace or prance, but their walk should be natural. In order to earn a top score in
this criterion, one must start at the center of the stage, then go the two sides of the stage within the time they deliver their
speech (right and left or left and right). For example: 1) begin at center, 2) go to one of the sides, 3) go to center, 4) go to
other side, and 5) conclude at center.
2) Pronunciation - speakers should pronounce words clearly in their speech.
Content Specifics:
(1% each # below)
Introductory Paragraph
1. Hook - Grab the attention of the audience with a clever opening sentence, humorous (if supports speech), shocking
2. Famous person, date, place of original speech
3. What caused famous person to write/recite speech.
Three Body Paragraphs:
1-3. Entire or Excerpt of famous speech
Conclusion Paragraph:
Analysis of speech
1. What was the famous speakers main point
2. Impact on yourself/society,
3. Memorable ending
hOW TO WRITE YOUR FAMOUS SPEECH:
1) Obtain a copy of the famous speech and if it's long then decide which part of the speech will be recited (look for main idea/famous words). The famous speaker's contribution should be no longer than 400-450 words.
2) Analyze the speech. If speaker doesn't use their own analysis then they are expected to give credit to the author of the analysis.
The analysis should be at least 30 seconds long. The analysis must include: who gave the original speech (if not mentioned in the introductory paragraph), importance of the person, date, and setting (if not given in the introduction).
The analysis should also include at least three other points from the following:
a) What prompted the speech? or Why was the speech given?
b) What was the main point of the speech?
c) How was the speech significant?
d) How did the speech impact society & you after it was recited?
(This last one is highly recommended)
3) In the introduction provide the name of the speaker, school name, name/title of famous speech and date the original speech was given. Providing the setting or background might be wise as well.
2) Analyze the speech. If speaker doesn't use their own analysis then they are expected to give credit to the author of the analysis.
The analysis should be at least 30 seconds long. The analysis must include: who gave the original speech (if not mentioned in the introductory paragraph), importance of the person, date, and setting (if not given in the introduction).
The analysis should also include at least three other points from the following:
a) What prompted the speech? or Why was the speech given?
b) What was the main point of the speech?
c) How was the speech significant?
d) How did the speech impact society & you after it was recited?
(This last one is highly recommended)
3) In the introduction provide the name of the speaker, school name, name/title of famous speech and date the original speech was given. Providing the setting or background might be wise as well.
famous speeches by famous speakers:
BELOW ARE SIX SPEECHES TO CHOOSE FROM, BUT MORE CAN BE FOUND IF THE LINK BELOW IS USED (copy/paste in browser). STUDENTS CAN CHOOSE ANY U.S. FAMOUS SPEECH OR EXCERPT THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL AND HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO OUR COUNTRY.
http://www.famous-speeches-and-speech-topics.info/famous-short-speeches/
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The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln (November 19th, 1863 - 267 words)
"Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot 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 honoured 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 freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."
2) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abraham Lincoln Speech - Second Inaugural Address
Saturday, March 4, 1865 in Washington DC
(699 words)
Fellow-Countrymen:
At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. Theprogress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.
On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it, all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war--seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came.
One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while the Government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. 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. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh." If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now
wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.
3)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franklin D. Roosevelt - Pearl Harbor Speech to the Congress of the United States
December 8, 1941 (487 Words)
Yesterday, Dec. 7, 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.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United Stateshave
already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we 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 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 very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
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 byJapan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.
Franklin Roosevelt
4) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Suggestion: Take the below excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speach. Connect the last part of his speech by saying, "He went on to say,...." or "He later concluded by saying..."
Copy/paste the following link in your browser to hear his speech:
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm
"I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1, 676 Words)
Delivered August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
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 one hundred 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 an 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 this 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 quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.
We cannot walk alone.
And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.
We cannot turn back.
There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: "For Whites Only." We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."¹
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest -- quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.
Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.
And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."2
This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.
With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:
My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!
And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.
And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.
But not only that:
Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.
From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:
Free at last! Free at last!
Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!3
5) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address to the Nation 9/11 speech by President George W Bush
September 11, 2001 (586 Words)
Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, militaryand federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbours. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.
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 neighbours who came to give blood and help in any way they could.
Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C. to help with local rescue efforts.
Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks.
The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight, and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business, as well.
The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbour them.
I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance.
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.
President George W Bush - 9/11 speech - Address to the Nation September 11th 2001
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9/11 National Day of Prayer and Remembrance speech by George W. Bush - September 13th 2001
(484 Words)
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked America in a series of despicable acts of war. They hijacked four passenger jets, crashed two of them into the World Trade Centre's twin towers and a third into the Headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defence at the Pentagon, causing great loss of life and tremendous damage. The fourth plane crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside, killing all on board but falling well short of its intended target apparently because of the heroicefforts of passengers on board. This carnage, which caused the collapse of both Trade Centre towers and the destruction of part of the Pentagon, killed more than 250 airplane passengers and thousands more on the ground.
Civilized people around the world denounce the evildoers who devised and executed these terrible attacks. Justice demands that those who helped or harboured the terrorists be punished -- and punished severely. The enormity of their evil demands it. We will use all the resources of the United States and our cooperating friends and allies to pursue those responsible for this evil, until justice is done.
We mourn with those who have suffered great and disastrous loss. All our hearts have been seared by the sudden and sense-less taking of innocent lives. We pray for healing and for the strength to serve and encourage one another in hope and faith.
Scripture says: "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." I call on every American family and the family of America to observe a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance, honouring the memory of the thousands of victims of these brutal attacks and comforting those who lost loved ones. We will persevere through this national tragedy and personal loss. In time, we will find healing and recovery; and, in the face of all this evil, we remain strong and united, "one Nation under God."
Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001. I ask that the people of the United States and places of worship mark this National Day of Prayer and Remembrance with noontime memorial services, the ringing of bells at that hour, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils. I encourage employers to permit their workers time off during the lunch hour to attend the noontime services to pray for our land. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in these solemn observances.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth
http://www.famous-speeches-and-speech-topics.info/famous-short-speeches/
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The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln (November 19th, 1863 - 267 words)
"Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot 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 honoured 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 freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."
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Abraham Lincoln Speech - Second Inaugural Address
Saturday, March 4, 1865 in Washington DC
(699 words)
Fellow-Countrymen:
At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. Theprogress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.
On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it, all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war--seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came.
One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while the Government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. 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. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh." If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now
wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.
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Franklin D. Roosevelt - Pearl Harbor Speech to the Congress of the United States
December 8, 1941 (487 Words)
Yesterday, Dec. 7, 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.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United Stateshave
already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we 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 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 very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
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 byJapan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.
Franklin Roosevelt
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(Suggestion: Take the below excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speach. Connect the last part of his speech by saying, "He went on to say,...." or "He later concluded by saying..."
Copy/paste the following link in your browser to hear his speech:
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm
"I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1, 676 Words)
Delivered August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.
I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
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 one hundred 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 an 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 this 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 quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.
We cannot walk alone.
And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.
We cannot turn back.
There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: "For Whites Only." We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."¹
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest -- quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.
Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.
And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."2
This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.
With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:
My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!
And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.
And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.
But not only that:
Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.
From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:
Free at last! Free at last!
Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!3
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Address to the Nation 9/11 speech by President George W Bush
September 11, 2001 (586 Words)
Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries, businessmen and women, militaryand federal workers; moms and dads, friends and neighbours. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.
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 neighbours who came to give blood and help in any way they could.
Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C. to help with local rescue efforts.
Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks.
The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight, and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business, as well.
The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbour them.
I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance.
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.
President George W Bush - 9/11 speech - Address to the Nation September 11th 2001
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9/11 National Day of Prayer and Remembrance speech by George W. Bush - September 13th 2001
(484 Words)
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked America in a series of despicable acts of war. They hijacked four passenger jets, crashed two of them into the World Trade Centre's twin towers and a third into the Headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defence at the Pentagon, causing great loss of life and tremendous damage. The fourth plane crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside, killing all on board but falling well short of its intended target apparently because of the heroicefforts of passengers on board. This carnage, which caused the collapse of both Trade Centre towers and the destruction of part of the Pentagon, killed more than 250 airplane passengers and thousands more on the ground.
Civilized people around the world denounce the evildoers who devised and executed these terrible attacks. Justice demands that those who helped or harboured the terrorists be punished -- and punished severely. The enormity of their evil demands it. We will use all the resources of the United States and our cooperating friends and allies to pursue those responsible for this evil, until justice is done.
We mourn with those who have suffered great and disastrous loss. All our hearts have been seared by the sudden and sense-less taking of innocent lives. We pray for healing and for the strength to serve and encourage one another in hope and faith.
Scripture says: "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." I call on every American family and the family of America to observe a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance, honouring the memory of the thousands of victims of these brutal attacks and comforting those who lost loved ones. We will persevere through this national tragedy and personal loss. In time, we will find healing and recovery; and, in the face of all this evil, we remain strong and united, "one Nation under God."
Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001. I ask that the people of the United States and places of worship mark this National Day of Prayer and Remembrance with noontime memorial services, the ringing of bells at that hour, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils. I encourage employers to permit their workers time off during the lunch hour to attend the noontime services to pray for our land. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in these solemn observances.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth
hand Gesture/body language tips:
(If links don't work then copy/paste in your browser)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooOQQOQdhH8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_UfPtnQStM&feature=related (What four mistakes did this speaker make?)
When presenting a speech one must use their hands to enhance the content of their speech. One’s hand gestures shouldn't be distracting. During a speech one should AVOID the following: 1) putting them in pockets, 2) standing at parade rest, 3) playing with clothing/sleeves, 4) itching or scratching or rubbing, 5) cracking of the knuckles, 6) tapping, 7) fidgeting, or 8) fixing one’s hair. The speaker should wear a hair style that does not hide nor get in the way of the eyes. If a speaker cannot refrain from doing the distracting hand gestures above then the fig leaf hand position should be used or having the hands behind the back, despite it not being the optimal position either. The fig leaf position is where the speaker clasps their hands in front of their body below their belly button with arms relaxed. This position isn't optimal, but it's far better than distracting the audience with the above gestures. The reason why it's not encouraged is because it communicates a defensive position and subtly shows fear or hesitancy. It's desirable to not have the hands in front of the body or arms folded in front of the body.
Head position:
During a speech, one should not tilt the head like a dog hearing a high pitch noise nor should one’s head twitch or swing to get one’s hair out of their eyes. Prepare your hair so it doesn’t cover your eyes when you speak. One's head should be kept level and should face the audience straight on.
Stance (How should a speaker stand?):
A speaker should keep both feet flat on the ground and apart. An adult who is 5'10" should keep their feet about 12 inches apart and a child should be less. The distance (in.) between a speaker's feet should be about 17% of their height (in.). Speaker should face forward with knees not locked. People presenting a speech shouldn't rest their weight on one hip nor should they sway back and forth.
Source for the below:
http://samconnerspeaks.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/shaping-your-speech-hand-gestures/
[First printed in the Burke Conservator in July 2000]
Next, consider the text you have prepared. Tailor your gestures to match your remarks. If you mention digging, then pretend to dig. If you mention someone running, you might pump your arms to illustrate the point. Mention carrying-well, you get the idea. Use your imagination to create a useful gesture or act to enhance your comments. Be sure the gesture not only matches what you are saying, but the circumstances. Tone and movement appropriate to a pep rally might not go over well in a sales presentation.
Consider also the size of audience you will be speaking to. A small group will better receive less expansive gestures. On the other hand, if you will be in front of a large group you should increase the breadth of a gesture. A perfect example is seen in the first filmed political speeches. The stemwinding political speech of yesteryear always included big, wide gestures. See on film today, they sometimes seem ludicrous. But remember these speeches were given pre-television, and were given in front of crowds of hundreds and thousands of people who did not have the luxury of in-house screens to better see the speaker. The speaker had to use “large” gestures so that the people at the far reaches of the audience could tell what he was doing.
Be aware also of the smaller gestures, and be sure they make the impression you intend. A perfect example is President Bill Clinton. Watch him speak. When he wants to emphasize a point, or to make a combative declaration, he points his index finger at the audience. A strong, powerful, forceful gesture making a point without reservation. When he is making a point in a less aggressive manner, he will gesture toward the audience by holding his hand as most do to push their ATM card into the machine. Here he is able to make some emphasis, but without confronting or seeming to order the audience.The smaller gesture also gives a visual flow to the speech. Work through your text and look for opportunities to add small gestures to help add flow to your presentation. An example: you mention a negotiation, a process of give an take. At the same time, you alternatively gesture to the left with your left hand, and to the right with your right hand to illustrate the back and forth between sides. While not a huge gesture, it illustrates the process you are describing and allows you to keep your hands in motion. Another factor is whether or not there is a lectern. If there is no lectern, you should always have some type of gesture in play, otherwise your hands are just at your side. The presence of a lectern gives you a place where you can rest a hand on occasion and simply use one hand to make a point.
Hand gestures are not the most important part of a speech. They may not be the second or third most important part of a speech. Gestures comprise a tool that if used correctly will add a sizeable boost to your presentations. Gestures add emphasis, flow, and visual impact to the spoken word. The next time you hear a speaker, watch how the hands are used. If he is sticking his hands in his pockets or crossing his arms, just think about how much better he would be if the speaker added some action to his speech and used his hands to illustrate and emphasize his point.
FOR THE INTRODUCTION USE STAR:
S - Startle with an attention grabbing statement (misleading or false statements are not suggested)
T - Tell a story
A - Ask a question. (This is the weakest of the 4 choices, unless question is humorous or unique.)
R - Recite a quote, proverb, or saying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2oZRNl0Zk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooOQQOQdhH8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_UfPtnQStM&feature=related (What four mistakes did this speaker make?)
When presenting a speech one must use their hands to enhance the content of their speech. One’s hand gestures shouldn't be distracting. During a speech one should AVOID the following: 1) putting them in pockets, 2) standing at parade rest, 3) playing with clothing/sleeves, 4) itching or scratching or rubbing, 5) cracking of the knuckles, 6) tapping, 7) fidgeting, or 8) fixing one’s hair. The speaker should wear a hair style that does not hide nor get in the way of the eyes. If a speaker cannot refrain from doing the distracting hand gestures above then the fig leaf hand position should be used or having the hands behind the back, despite it not being the optimal position either. The fig leaf position is where the speaker clasps their hands in front of their body below their belly button with arms relaxed. This position isn't optimal, but it's far better than distracting the audience with the above gestures. The reason why it's not encouraged is because it communicates a defensive position and subtly shows fear or hesitancy. It's desirable to not have the hands in front of the body or arms folded in front of the body.
Head position:
During a speech, one should not tilt the head like a dog hearing a high pitch noise nor should one’s head twitch or swing to get one’s hair out of their eyes. Prepare your hair so it doesn’t cover your eyes when you speak. One's head should be kept level and should face the audience straight on.
Stance (How should a speaker stand?):
A speaker should keep both feet flat on the ground and apart. An adult who is 5'10" should keep their feet about 12 inches apart and a child should be less. The distance (in.) between a speaker's feet should be about 17% of their height (in.). Speaker should face forward with knees not locked. People presenting a speech shouldn't rest their weight on one hip nor should they sway back and forth.
Source for the below:
http://samconnerspeaks.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/shaping-your-speech-hand-gestures/
[First printed in the Burke Conservator in July 2000]
Next, consider the text you have prepared. Tailor your gestures to match your remarks. If you mention digging, then pretend to dig. If you mention someone running, you might pump your arms to illustrate the point. Mention carrying-well, you get the idea. Use your imagination to create a useful gesture or act to enhance your comments. Be sure the gesture not only matches what you are saying, but the circumstances. Tone and movement appropriate to a pep rally might not go over well in a sales presentation.
Consider also the size of audience you will be speaking to. A small group will better receive less expansive gestures. On the other hand, if you will be in front of a large group you should increase the breadth of a gesture. A perfect example is seen in the first filmed political speeches. The stemwinding political speech of yesteryear always included big, wide gestures. See on film today, they sometimes seem ludicrous. But remember these speeches were given pre-television, and were given in front of crowds of hundreds and thousands of people who did not have the luxury of in-house screens to better see the speaker. The speaker had to use “large” gestures so that the people at the far reaches of the audience could tell what he was doing.
Be aware also of the smaller gestures, and be sure they make the impression you intend. A perfect example is President Bill Clinton. Watch him speak. When he wants to emphasize a point, or to make a combative declaration, he points his index finger at the audience. A strong, powerful, forceful gesture making a point without reservation. When he is making a point in a less aggressive manner, he will gesture toward the audience by holding his hand as most do to push their ATM card into the machine. Here he is able to make some emphasis, but without confronting or seeming to order the audience.The smaller gesture also gives a visual flow to the speech. Work through your text and look for opportunities to add small gestures to help add flow to your presentation. An example: you mention a negotiation, a process of give an take. At the same time, you alternatively gesture to the left with your left hand, and to the right with your right hand to illustrate the back and forth between sides. While not a huge gesture, it illustrates the process you are describing and allows you to keep your hands in motion. Another factor is whether or not there is a lectern. If there is no lectern, you should always have some type of gesture in play, otherwise your hands are just at your side. The presence of a lectern gives you a place where you can rest a hand on occasion and simply use one hand to make a point.
Hand gestures are not the most important part of a speech. They may not be the second or third most important part of a speech. Gestures comprise a tool that if used correctly will add a sizeable boost to your presentations. Gestures add emphasis, flow, and visual impact to the spoken word. The next time you hear a speaker, watch how the hands are used. If he is sticking his hands in his pockets or crossing his arms, just think about how much better he would be if the speaker added some action to his speech and used his hands to illustrate and emphasize his point.
FOR THE INTRODUCTION USE STAR:
S - Startle with an attention grabbing statement (misleading or false statements are not suggested)
T - Tell a story
A - Ask a question. (This is the weakest of the 4 choices, unless question is humorous or unique.)
R - Recite a quote, proverb, or saying.
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