The Art of Motivation: 10 Speeches that Will Change the Way You Think
Top Ten Motivational Speeches in the Globe.
Motivational speeches are excellent tools for inspiring people to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. They can also help us learn from the experiences and wisdom of others who have faced similar situations. We will have some of the most motivational speeches that have moved millions of listeners and changed their lives.
1. Swami Vivekananda's Speech at the Chicago Parliament of World Religions (1893)
Swami Vivekananda was a spiritual leader and philosopher from India known for his inspiring speeches and teachings. In 1893, he delivered a speech at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago, which is one of the greatest speeches of the 19th century. In his speech, Swami Vivekananda emphasized the importance of unity, tolerance, and the universality of religions. He also spoke about India's spiritual heritage and the need for spiritual awakening in the world.
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Quote: "I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny."
2. "The Power of Belief" by Shiv Khera, an Indian author, motivational speaker, and business consultant, gave this powerful speech on the importance of self-belief and positive thinking in achieving success. He shares his personal story of overcoming obstacles and challenges and how he used the power of belief to turn his life around. He encourages his audience to cultivate a positive mindset and to believe in themselves and their abilities.
3. Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Address (2005)
Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple and Pixar, delivered one of the most memorable commencement speeches at Stanford University in 2005. He shared three stories from his life that shaped his vision and values: dropping out of college, getting fired from Apple, and being diagnosed with cancer. Steve Jobs urged the graduates to follow their passion, trust their intuition, and embrace their mortality. He ended his speech with these famous words: "Stay hungry. Stay foolish."
4. Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream Speech (1963)
Martin Luther King Jr., the leader of the civil rights movement in America, gave one of the most iconic speeches in history at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., in 1963. He expressed his vision of a nation where people of all races and backgrounds may live together in harmony and equality. Martin Luther repeated the famous phrase "I have a dream" several times to emphasize his hope and optimism for the future. He also quoted the Declaration of Independence, the Bible, and patriotic songs to appeal to his audience's values and emotions.
5. Malala Yousafzai's UN Speech (2013)
Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, spoke at the United Nations on her 16th birthday in 2013. She survived a Taliban attack that shot her in the head for advocating for girls' education in Pakistan. She recounted her story and called for global action to ensure every child's right to education. She also showed her courage and forgiveness by saying: "I am not against anyone, nor am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorist group. I am here to speak up for the right to education for every child."
6. J.K. Rowling's Harvard Commencement Address (2008)
J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, delivered a witty and inspiring speech at Harvard University in 2008. She talked about two topics considered crucial for success: failure and imagination. J.K. Rowling shared how her defeat and hardships helped her discover her true potential and passion for writing. She also emphasized how awareness can help us empathize with others and make a positive difference across the globe. She said: "We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better."
7. Nelson Mandela's Inaugural Address (1994)
Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa and a former political prisoner, gave a stirring speech at his inauguration in 1994. He celebrated the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of freedom and democracy for his country. Nelson Mandela also acknowledged the sacrifices and struggles of those who fought for justice and equality. He said: We still understand there is no easy road to freedom. We know well that none of us acting alone can achieve success. We must work and behave together as a united people for national reconciliation, nation-building, and the birth of a new world."
8. Do Schools Kill Creativity?" by Sir Ken Robinson. This speech is a hilarious and insightful critique of the education system and its impact on creativity. Robinson is an expert on creativity and education who argues that schools should nurture rather than stifle the creative potential of children. He uses anecdotes, examples, and jokes to illustrate his points and engage his audience.
For example, he says, "If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original." And then he adds, "By the time they get to be adults, most kids have lost that capacity. They have become frightened of being wrong. And we run our companies like this. We stigmatize mistakes. And we're now running national education systems where mistakes are the worst thing you can make." That's a funny way to challenge the status quo and advocate for change.
9. "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" by Simon Sinek This speech is a fascinating and humorous exploration of what makes some people and organizations more successful. Sinek is a leadership expert who proposes a simple but powerful model for inspiring action: start with why. He explains that people don't buy what you do; they purchase why you do it. He uses stories, examples, and jokes to demonstrate his ideas and persuade his audience. In an example, he says, "There's a pattern. All the great, inspiring leaders and organizations in the globe think, act, and communicate in the same way. And it's the complete opposite of everyone else." And then he adds, "All I did was codify it." That's a modest way to present his groundbreaking concept and spark curiosity.
10. The Man in the Arena" by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who served as the 11th President of India, delivered this inspiring speech at the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, in 2011. In this speech, he shares his views on the importance of perseverance, courage, and determination in achieving success. He emphasizes the need to stay focused on one's goals and to never give up in the face of challenges.