Oratory Ingredients Flashcards
Learn the essentials of what makes inspiring, rousing speakers.
Vision and Hope
Inspire with a clear vision for a brighter future.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
Moral Appeal
Speak to core values like liberty, justice, and equality.
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt
Call to Action
Motivate listeners to get involved and make a difference.
“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” - John F. Kennedy
Powerful Rhetoric
Use vivid language, metaphors, and historical allusions.
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
Personal Connection
Share personal anecdotes that resonate on a human level.
“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” - John F. Kennedy (highlighting the shared experience of being American)
Voice and Delivery
Captivate with a charismatic voice and compelling style.
“Yes we can.” - Barack Obama
Emotional Intelligence
Evoke emotions strategically to inspire and outrage.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - Paul the Apostle (evoking a sense of perseverance and faith)
Repetition and Rhythm
Create unity and emphasis with repeated key phrases.
“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” - Winston Churchill
Audience Awareness
Tailor speeches to the specific concerns of the audience.
“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.” - Winston Churchill
Authenticity and Conviction
Let passion and belief in your message shine through.
“I am prepared to die, but there is no cause for which I am prepared to kill.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Simplicity and Clarity
Use simple and clear language to ensure your message is understood.
“Give me liberty, or give me death!” - Patrick Henry
Storytelling
Engage the audience with compelling stories.
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” - Abraham Lincoln
Credibility and Trust
Establish trust by demonstrating credibility and reliability.
“I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.” - Winston Churchill
Humor
Use humor to engage and connect with the audience.
“My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes.” - Ronald Reagan (humor in a serious context)
Visual Imagery
Paint vivid pictures with words to engage the imagination.
“The Berlin Wall is the most obvious and vivid demonstration of the failures of communism.” - Ronald Reagan
