Using famous inspirational speeches to teach the power of the spoken word
Declamation speech resources: how to choose a speech, how to rehearse and where to find good speeches to use
One of the most powerful ways I know to demonstrate the impact of the spoken word is to have students work with speeches that have made a significant positive difference. They’ve changed lives and in doing so have changed the world for the better. One good word. One good sentence at a time.
For instance, Maya Angelou’s poem “On the Pulse of The Morning” given as part of her speech at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration ceremony in 1993, spoke about inclusion, and the responsibility of every citizen to work for change.
The eloquent simplicity of its words speak directly to those listening. Pared down to the essentials, they ask us to find it in ourselves to see and recognize each other’s humanity.
“Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister’s eyes, into
Your brother’s face, your country
And say simply
Very simply
With hope
Good morning.”
Through delivering her speech themselves, students learn about and experience the potential of masterfully crafted language to influence and persuade.
This method of teaching the power of oratory has been around for centuries. It’s called ‘declamation’ and is defined as “the action or art of declaiming; the repeating or uttering of a speech, etc. with studied intonation and gesture.”
For more about declamation speeches, including links to sources of speeches worthy of being studied and committed to memory, see Declamation speech resources.
Good morning, good evening, whoever and wherever you are.
Happy teaching,
Susan
As I’ve said before, if you have ideas for topics you’d like to see covered in this newsletter, or if you’d like to share an article on some aspect of public speaking, or a speech of your own, please get in touch. Either reply to this email or contact me through the form on my ‘about me’ page on my website.
I’d love to hear from you!