“I Have A Dream” – 7 Lessons from Dr. Martin Luther King
Irene wreaked havoc yesterday, leaving 21 dead, billions of dollars in damages and millions without power and water. The destruction caused by Irene also allowed us to see humanity at its best, with neighbors helping neighbors, strangers assisting strangers, and heroes saving lives.
Yesterday also happened to be the 48th anniversary of one of the greatest, and most powerful, speeches of all time. On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have a Dream” address from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The 17 minute address is an amazing oratorical display; here is a brief clip:
It is impossible to watch this clip without feeling an emotional rush. Dr. Martin Luther King doesn’t let you. Very few people will address an issue so important with the whole world watching, however everyone can learn valuable lessons about presenting from this speech. Here are a few:
1. Cadence – Dr. King control of cadence is simply amazing; no words are lost and key pauses exist throughout the entire address. Cadence is so important to every presenter- one technique to learn cadence that I employ often – read great speeches along with the soundtrack of the person delivering it.
2. Rhythm – Great speeches have great cadence, and great rhythm. This speech had both.
3. Inflection – There is no question at any point in this speech which words are stressed; there should be no confusion in the audience with regard to the point you are trying to make.
4. Eye Contact – Dr. King reads quite a bit of the speech, but when he reaches this crucial section, his eyes never wander – they look right at the 200,000 people watching him
5. Rhetorical Tools – Dr. King’s use of Anaphora – repeating of a sequence of words at the beginning of sentences, or clauses to add emphasis – “I have a dream…; I have a dream…”; another great example – Churchill’s “We Shall Fight” speech. Anaphora is one example of what are countless valuable rhetorical devices available to all presenters.
6. Passion – Is there any question Dr. King felt every single word as he delivered it? While your presentation may not be on a subject as important to you, there needs to be something that you feel strongly about in or around the subject matter – find it.
7. Practice – It is rumored that Dr. King went off script at the end of this address, however it is also rumored he practiced the vast majority of this address extensively prior to delivering it. Chances are, you are probably not as oratorically gifted as MLK; if he had to practice, you have to practice.
A speech is poetry: cadence, rhythm, imagery, sweep! A speech reminds us that words, like children, have the power to make dance the dullest beanbag of a heart. ~Peggy Noonan
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