History is full of examples of great orators and leaders whose speeches had evoked emotions and inspired millions of people all over the world. People in difficult times in life got encouragement and hope. Regimes were destroyed and remade; history itself was rewritten, all by the power of words spoken by great men. Heroes unsung during their life time were honored after their death and got their due recognition as a result of great speeches.
Nelson Mandela’s speech
In the contemporary world, there is perhaps no better example of a great leader than Nelson Mandela ofSouth Africa in the sense that he fought against apartheid and won equal rights for blacks in his country and became the first black President of South Africa. So motivated was he that even 30 years of imprisonment could not break his spirits. The highly inspirational speech that he gave in 1964 when he was being tried for sabotage by the Supreme Court of South Africa was perhaps the turning point in the history of his country.
Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi is revered all over the world. He was a peaceful freedom fighter of India who demonstrated to the world that war can be overcome by peace. He fought for liberating India which was under British rule for almost a century. Gandhi was a true representative of the average Indian people. He led a non violent movement which was aimed at the British to “Quit India” which demanded complete independence for India. His “Quit India” speech made on August 8th 1942 was so inspirational that it became a rallying point for the freedom fighters.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
He was among the greatest orators the world has ever seen. His famous speech “I have a dream…” still ring in the ears of citizens the world over. Fighting for the civil rights of Blacks in the USA which was plagued by racism his speech was so inspirational and emotional that it put to shame those who advocated for segregation and woke up the conscience of the entire nation. Though he had to sacrifice his life for this cause, the present generation of Blacks in his country owe it to him whatever they enjoy to-day.
John F Kennedy
He was America’s 35th President and was smart, young and charismatic. After swearing in he was assassinated within three years for which he is tragically remembered. John F Kennedy was the youngest president ever to have taken office and hence represented a new era. Though he came across few tough events in his short tenure he was the only president in history to have won a Pulitzer Prize. When the nation listened to his inaugural speech they felt a “new frontier” and a new era were being introduced.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of America and became famous for his part in leading and guiding his country through the most difficult times of Civil War. While making his famous speech “The Gettysburg Address” in 1863 he spoke these famous words “Four score and seven years ago…” These words have become familiar from TV Shows and numerous films where they have been spoken by young American children in a school play. The Gettysburg Address is known as among the most famous speeches about American freedom.
George Washington
In 1783, two days prior to Christmas, Washington made his resignation speech which became famous. The Revolutionary war had come to an end and everyone assumed that Washington, Commander-in-Chief and Major General would proceed for supreme power. Due to the inspirational leadership of Washington many hoped so. He shocked everybody by resigning and was very nervous while giving his final speech before the Continental Congress that his tremble was uncontrollable. For controlling himself he had to use both hands to hold the parchment for reading from it. His speech was very motivating.
Alexander the Great
For expanding his empire Alexander the great started his campaign in 335 B.C. for recapturing former Greek cities. After leading his army successfully through Egypt, Greece and the Persian Empire for 10 years undefeated, his men were moved on to India by him, where they became tired of fighting and lost the will to continue fighting. Alexander developed his talent of oration and motivation while he studied under Aristotle and used it to inculcate his men with the motivation needed to continue fighting and to win.
William Wilberforce
Wilberforce was a British Parliament member and a Christian reborn. After he had found God he had a belief that abolishing slavery was his duty. He made his first speech in 1789 to the House of Commons. The topic was of invalidating the slave trade but people turned a deaf ear to it. Wilberforce did not give up and continued presenting speeches every year until 1807 when he succeeded in convincing the members of Parliament. Finally the Slave Trade Act was passed and the duty of Wilberforce to God and his fellowmen completed.
Theodore Roosevelt
USA’s 26th President Roosevelt was a legendary orator. He was the first ‘modern’ President to use the power of his office to implement reforms in his country. A lot of renowned inspirational speeches were made by him during his term, but the speech particularly applicable to the present modern world also is targeted at men to show decency and strength. His belief was that men should honor their family and show responsibility for helping in inspiring the next generation.
Winston Churchill
Though born with a speech handicap Winston Churchill became one among 20th Century’s best orators and the most inspirational leaders ever. When Britain was going through its worst time in history, Churchill led Britain and made many famous speeches. On June 4, 1940 his speech “We shall fight on the beaches” given to the House of Commons was arguably his greatest speech. This speech was given during the Second World War. The technique of repetition was used for getting very good effect. The speech was about defending Britain against its enemies.
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