Speeches
English Language: KS3, topic 5.1.1
Speeches
Speeches are formal talks that can be used to entertain, persuade, inspire, and motivate people to take action.
Historical significance
- Speeches have been used for thousands of years to express people’s opinions and perspectives on different topics.
- For example:
- A historical speech by Winston Churchill in 1940 in the Houses of Parliament.
- A historical speech by Martin Luther King ‘I have a dream’.
- Modern speeches of Emma Watson and Greta Thunberg.
Winston Churchill's speech
- Churchill's 1940 speech was given to motivate members of Parliament and the public to not give up hope during World War Two.
- A well-known phrase from the speech was: "We shall fight on the beaches".
- This phrase inspired listeners to believe in Britain’s ability to defend themselves from any invasion.
‘I have a dream’ speech
- A historical speech was Martin Luther King’s 'I have a dream’ speech delivered in 1963.
- M. L. King repeated "I have a dream" eight times, detailing his hopes for a united America without racial segregation.
- The speech was delivered to over 250,000 people.
- The speech is the best-known civil rights movement speech of its time.
Modern speeches
- Speeches are still used often today to inspire change.
- For example: Emma Watson’s ‘HeForShe’ speech was given in 2014 to the United Nations.
- In her speech, Watson emphasised the need for both men and women to unite against sexism and gender inequality.
Greta Thunberg’s speech
- Greta Thunberg’s speech at the 2019 United Nations climate change summit is also well known.
- Greta Thunberg angrily blamed politicians for the current climate emergency.
- Thunberg repeatedly stated ‘How dare you!’ to accuse politicians of ignoring climate issues.
Test yourself on Speeches
What was a famous phrase of Churchill's 1940 speech?
Who made a famous speech in 2019 during the United Nations climate change summit?