Why should your speech focus on ideals?
Don’t just speak – say something. When Michelangelo was tasked with painting the Sistine Chapel, he considered it a thankless job. He would have much rather spent his time sculpting than painting. But he used the occasion to paint perhaps the most revered fresco in history. So, the next time you’re asked to speak, don’t just write a speech, write a great one. A speech’s greatness has as much to do with its values as anything else. No one remembers the speeches of segregationists, though there were no doubt eloquent preachers spewing hate in the days of Jim Crow. No one remembers Hitler’s speeches, though few would dispute his oratorical prowess. Of course, Hitler, like the segregationists, lost. But it’s also because hope will always be more compelling than hate. It’s no accident that the best-known, best-loved speech in history – the Sermon on the Mount – is an articulation of humanity’s highest ideals. Tip: Before sitting down to write, get inspired by reading great speeches from collections like William Safire’s “Lend Me Your Ears.”
Your speech should focus on ideals because ideals are an essential aspect of effective communication. Speaking and writing have the power to inspire, motivate, and bring about positive change. By centering your speech on ideals, you can tap into the deeper emotions and aspirations of your audience, creating a stronger connection with them.
Ideals represent the values, principles, and beliefs that guide our actions and shape our society. When you speak about ideals, you are addressing the fundamental issues that matter to people, such as justice, equality, freedom, and compassion. These are the concepts that resonate with individuals and communities, and they have the power to influence hearts and minds.
A speech that focuses on ideals has the ability to challenge the status quo, provoke critical thinking, and ignite a desire for positive change. It provides a vision of a better future, beyond the limitations and injustices of the present. By articulating high ideals, you offer hope and inspiration to your audience, empowering them to take action.
Furthermore, speaking about ideals is a way to differentiate yourself from those who use their rhetoric to spread hate, division, and negativity. History has shown that speeches promoting hate and discrimination are often forgotten, while speeches that promote unity, tolerance, and progress endure.
By studying and drawing inspiration from great speeches that embody ideals, you can learn how to craft your own messages in a compelling and impactful way. These speeches provide valuable insights into the power of language, persuasion, and storytelling. They can guide you in articulating your thoughts and ideas in a way that resonates with your audience, making your speech more memorable and influential.
In conclusion, by focusing your speech on ideals, you tap into the power of values, aspirations, and hope. You connect with your audience on a deeper level, inspire them to action, and create a lasting impact. So, the next time you're asked to speak, don't just speak – say something that truly matters.