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| The King's Speech (img via:http://www.standard.net.au/story/788063/review-the-kings-speech/) |
Mckay (2008) listed the 35 greatest speeches of all time based on a three pronged rating; style, substance and impact. After reading through the speeches listed, although I knew far fewer than I would like to admit, it was easy to note that McKay's belief that all historically great speeches have several things in common is correct. More often than not they have been delivered by a person in a position of power/influence, they were skillfully and passionately delivered, they were delivered in an attempt to unite people for a cause and they were delivered in trying times or times of change. Martin Luther King delivered his infamous 'I Have a Dream Speech' in a time of civil unrest, Ghandi called for the people of India to unite in a non-violent battle for freedom and a great number of American presidents are noted for their inauguration speeches. It is also important to note that delivering great speeches is a talent most often attributed to men. Or as Beard (2011) puts it, it is not that women cannot deliver great speeches it is that great oratory is often defined to exclude them.
Holding a position of power and being able to speak well publicly is very important. However being able to give great speeches is not a skill all powerful people are born with. The critically acclaimed film 'The King's Speech' details the struggles King George VI faced as he struggled to overcome his stammer and take up the position of King after his brother abdicated his throne. King George VI goes on to overcome his speech impediment to deliver a national broadcast. The story of King George VI works to prove that speech impediments can be over come or that "the techniques of oratory were teachable" (Beard 2011).
What makes great speeches effective appears to be a mixture of power, influence and timeliness, however the effectiveness of their message also relies on the delivery. Clarity when speaking, simplicity in your message as well as pausing and intonation are all important aspects of great speeches.
From studying and reflecting on the variety of speeches mentioned in this weeks lesson, it is clear that all great speeches have common ground and the art of speech giving is a skill that can be learnt and mastered.
References
McKay B & K, 2008, 'The 35 greatest speeches of all time', The Art of Manliness, viewed 15th March 2016, http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/08/01/the-35-greatest-speeches-in-history/4/
Beard M, 2011, 'What makes a great speech?', viewed 15th March 2016, http://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/feb/26/kings-speech-oscars-mary-beard
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