Communication Tip:
Inspiring Your Audience
A visitor to my site recently
asked me for tips on writing an inspirational speech. Here are the
suggestions that I passed along to her.
The key to writing an inspirational speech is to identify the feelings
that your audience has and express them so that they reaffirm those
beliefs and inspire the audience to act upon them. Here are some examples
from history's most inspirational speeches:
- President
Franklin Roosevelt gave his first inaugural address when our
nation was afraid because of the Depression and growing fascism
abroad. This is why he said, "The only thing we have to fear is
fear itself." He wanted to reassure the country and inspire
them to work together to overcome the Depression.
- President
John F. Kennedy's inaugural address tapped into America's post-war
confidence and fears from the Cold War. This is why he said,
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that
we will pay any price, bear any burden..." He ended with his
famous call to action, "Ask not what your country will do for
you..."
- Reverend
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" reassured
civil rights workers who faced brutality in their fight for freedom
and eloquently presented a vision of racial harmony for people to
work towards.
Once you understand your audience's feelings, you can then put them
into words and offer reassurance and a call to action. For example, if
people feel uncertain about their own future because of the post-September 11
economy, you can suggest that they can find solace in helping someone less
fortunate than they are. Related Topics
Speeches Communication Tips Technical
Writing Tips
Links
PBS Great Speeches
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