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Tuesday, March 15, 2016

International Worldwide Speech Day

Speeches are often made on special occasions. Speeches have many purposes.

Think of famous speeches. In Shakespeare's plays about historical events, King Henry encourages his troops on the eve of battle. Napoleon went to speak to the fighters of the opposing army and persuaded them to change sides! (I wish I could find that speech and learn what he said.) Mark Anthony said, "Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him."

Churchill spoke to the public to encourage them during World War II, to announce that the country was going to war, and to explain why the country was going to war.

Churchill spoke on the radio. So did the King in the King's Speech. Every year people worldwide listen to the Queen's Speech on Christmas Day.

Political speeches are given to rally support, thank supporters and promise action. Martin Luther King gave a speech outdoors in the USA in front of a crowd of thousands who had travelled to hear him.

Religious speeches are given to promise hope of a life in the hereafter, or hope in sad times, to rally a team of people to help those in the community needing help, and encourage moral and responsible action, herald the seasons, thank for harvests, and to bless on the occasions of birth, marriage and death.

In retrospect we can learn about previous eras and admire the construction of the speeches and their delivery.

But what about speeches in daily life from our colleagues at work, friends and family? You can give people information, rally them to support a cause, reassure, call to action. You can drop to your knees in front of one person to propose marriage or ask a favour. You can stand up when somebody enters a room so that you are not sitting when they are standing.

Motivational speeches are given at the start of the school year or university year to congratulate the students, introduce the teachers, and encourage the students to work hard.

Speeches are given at weddings, to welcome guests, thank the organisers, praise the VIP bride and groom, thank the helpers, outline the procedure of the event.

You can hear speeches at Speaker's Corner in London. Singapore also has a speaker's area in the centre of the city.

If you want to hear speeches, you can go to meetings of Toastmasters International in countries around the world.

If you are in Singapore March 15 2016, a day of speeches from 9 am to 9 pm will be given at the YMCA near Dhoby Ghaut MRT.

Angela Lansbury, travel writer, author, speaker, CL, ACG.
Author of
Quick Quotations
Who Said What When

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