Explanation of the Reasons to Study Famous or Great Speeches. Also refer to history, historical significance, audience, speech writing, public speaking, imagery, emotional appeal, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Reasons to Study Famous or Great Speeches
by Ron Kurtus (24 October 2008)
You may have various reasons to study great speeches or those made by famous people. One reason is to investigate the historical significance of the speech and analyze the implications made by the speaker. You may want to examine the text of the speech to improve your own ability in writing a good speech. Another reason may be to improve your own speaking skills by practicing with an outstanding speech.
Questions you may have include:
- Why analyze the speech's historical significance?
- How can I use speeches to improve my writing skills?
- How can I use speeches to improve my speaking skills?
This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.
Analyzing the historical significance
Famous speeches are given for a specific reason and usually to a specific audience. It is worthwhile to know what was going on at the time of the speech and what caused the speaker to give the speech.
Knowing the historical background will also help to understand the meaning of what the speaker was saying. It is assumed that the audience knew what he or she was referring to, but a reader years later may not be too sure. This is the type of things that teachers like to test their students on.
Improving speech writing skills
You can improve you own speech writing skills by examining the text and flow of good speeches.
Things to note when studying the various speeches are:
- The length of the sentences and the number of commas. Short phrases make for effective delivery.
- The logical flow of the speech.
- The use of imagery and emotional appeal
Outline the various speeches to show where new ideas are presented and grouped. Point out where effective imagery, examples, or emotional appeal are used.
Improving public speaking skills
You can improve your public speaking skills by practicing, using some of the famous speeches. Usually, the material is written so that it can be easily verbalized.
Read the speech out loud—perhaps to a small audience or to yourself in a mirror. Pause at the commas and periods to allow for better understanding by the audience. Vary your pitch, rate and emotional level as you see fit.
Summary
The reasons to study great speeches or those made by famous people are to investigate the historical significance of the speech and analyze the implications made by the speaker, improve your own ability in writing a good speech and improve your own speaking skills by practicing with an outstanding speech.
Learn by studying the best
Resources
The following are resources on this subject.
Websites
Books
Top-rated
books on Famous Speeches
Top-rated
books on Oratory and Rhetoric
Mini-quiz to check your understanding
If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Great Speeches. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.
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Reasons to Study Famous or Great Speeches