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16 Short Speeches About Life

At first, I set out to craft a speech about life . But as I delved deeper into the topic, I realized that summing up the vast tapestry of life in a single speech is a tall order. Life is not just one color or a single note; it’s a vibrant spectrum, a rainbow of experiences, moments, highs, lows, lessons, and memories. Each hue represents a different chapter, emotion, or milestone that contributes to our unique stories.

I also recognize that high school students might come across these words. I fondly recall my own school days when teachers would challenge us to pen down our thoughts on life. Such assignments, seemingly simple on the surface, often pushed us to self-reflection and growth.

With these memories and audiences in mind, I present to you not just one, but multiple speeches on life. Through these, I aim to touch upon the myriad facets of our existence, hoping that each reader, regardless of their age or journey, finds a sliver of resonance, a hint of inspiration, or a moment of reflection.

Speeches About Life

Speeches about life resonate with all of us because life, in its vastness and complexity, is the shared journey we all navigate. It’s filled with rainbows of experiences, highs and lows, and tales of courage, fear, triumphs, and setbacks.

Through these speeches, we get a window into the varied perspectives, learnings, and stories of others. They offer a mirror to our own experiences, sometimes teaching us, sometimes validating our feelings, and often inspiring us to see our path in a new light.

Moreover, life speeches bridge the gap between generations.

From a teenager in high school to a professional in their prime, everyone can find a piece of wisdom or an echo of their own story in these words.

By discussing life, we unite in our shared human experience, finding solace in the thought that we’re not alone in our struggles or joys. This universality, this binding thread, is what makes speeches about life timeless and impactful.

I have delivered these speeches in Toastmasters . I share these speeches when I teach about life and leadership. I have written them in the hope that you too will be inspired to write your speech about life and be an inspiration to others.

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A speech about life aims to provide insights, share personal experiences, motivate the audience, or encourage introspection about the various aspects of human existence.

They can be both. Some speakers draw from their personal journeys and lessons learned, while others tap into universal truths and shared human experiences.

No, everyday experiences can provide profound insights. It’s about the message and the perspective, not necessarily the drama of the events.

Using storytelling, anecdotes, humor, and asking thought-provoking questions can make your speech more engaging. Ensure that the content resonates with the audience’s experiences and emotions.

Focus on authenticity, clarity of message, and audience engagement. Also, incorporating relatable stories or analogies can make the content memorable.

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Jef Menguin

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16 Most Life-Changing Motivational Speeches & What You’ll Gain from Them

It’s all very well reading about ways to get ahead in life, but no account will ever reach you in quite the same way as hearing someone speak about their own experiences. While these people may be household names now, it wasn’t always that way, and this collection of some of the best motivational speeches will move you and inspire you to make your own dreams come true.

From Arnold Schwarzenneger talking about how he filled every moment of every day with steps to fulfil his ambition of becoming Mr. Universe, to J.K. Rowling’s life as an impoverished single mother, these speeches will fill you with the drive and determination to reach your full potential, and not let anything stand in your way.

Some are long, and some last just a few minutes, but each one will make you want to grab life with both hands and go for what you want, whatever it is.

“Most people have done all that they’re ever going to do – they raise a family, they earn a living, and then they die.”

That’s what we’re supposed to do, right? Wrong! Life is made for greater things, and you are meant for greater things.

When Les Brown was a child, he was labeled ‘educable mentally retarded’, and until a chance encounter with another teacher, he believed that he would amount to nothing. But this one teacher planted the seeds in Les’ head which would blossom and grow, and eventually make him one of the best motivational speakers of all time.

This speech will give you permission to rise above other people’s opinions, to break free of their prejudices, and make a success of whatever you do. Watch ‘It’s Not Over Until You Win! Your Dream is Possible’ and take those first steps towards following your passion and making your dream come true.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f0nIhDpXuU

“Stress doesn’t come from the facts, stress comes from the meaning that we give the facts.”

Life is about choices. Every day we’re faced with hundreds of choices, and this speech by Tony Robbins will help you see that it’s the choices, not the conditions, which shape our lives.

Take a moment during this speech to pause and reflect on some choices you have made in the past, and really think about the direction your life took because of them, both good and bad. Tony Robbins explains in his inimitable way that we have the choice to focus on what we want, and that when we focus, we can achieve whatever we want.

Part of Tony’s speech explains how, when the economy is down, some people thrive and some people crash and burn, and the COVID 19 pandemic is the perfect example. Small businesses took a huge hit, and while some of them threw up their hands in despair and said ‘that’s it, it’s over for us’, others adapted, and saw it as an opportunity to expand, diversify, and turn the situation to their advantage.

And that’s the cornerstone of this video – how we react, how we adapt, and how we choose is the difference between success and failure.

“So every rep that I do gets me closer to accomplishing the goal to make this goal – this vision – into reality.”

Be inspired by Arnold Schwarzenneger as he talks about his goal of becoming Mr. Universe. Never wasting a second of his day, Arnie worked in construction, spent 5 hours in the gym, and went to acting classes, all of which took him further along his journey to making his dream come true.

We all have a propensity to waste time, but if you have a goal, if you have a passion that smolders away, take a leaf out of Arnie’s book and make sure that everything you do propels you forward.

And don’t be afraid to fail.

“Your conviction and your convenience don’t live on the same block.”

If you are a fan of The Secret, you will be familiar with Lisa Nicholls. In this video, Lisa tells Tom Bilyeu how she was willing to leave everything and everyone behind in order to grow into the version of herself that she knew she wanted.

Lisa explains how, as a young mother, she was forced to wrap her baby in a towel for two days because she had no money for diapers, and how it was at that moment that she vowed never to be that broke or that broken again.

Change, success, drive…they’re all inconvenient and disruptive, and Lisa Nicholls demonstrates that wonderfully in this emotional and highly motivating interview in which she declares “your story is not meant to be your fortress, your story is meant to be your fuel.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toQmqLwNtho

Eric Thomas had a dream, a goal, and that goal was to be the best motivational speaker in the world. He didn’t achieve this by giving 70%, or 80%…he didn’t achieve it by staying in bed late in the mornings. He achieved it by giving 100% every minute of every day.

Listen to Eric’s words, hear the passion in his voice, and feel the lessons he is giving to you if you want to be the best at whatever you do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtuHZC-ObA8

“If we don’t take control of our environment, it takes control of us.”

This short piece by Tony Robbins has been designed to show you that you are in control of your own environment. Whether you realize it or not, what goes on around you has a massive influence on the way you feel and the way you act.

By taking leadership of your own life, you can defy outside influences and set your own tone for the day ahead, regardless of whatever or whoever is exerting pressure from the outside.

Follow Tony’s example of taking 10 minutes for yourself at the start of every day – for gratitude, prayer or wishes for family and friends, and a recap of what you want to accomplish that day, and your day will continue on that same path of thankfulness, hope, and goals.

“Your mind doesn’t know the difference between something you vividly imagined and something that’s real, literally!”

If you want to emulate the way successful people behave, take these 10 billionaires’ habits and adopt them yourself for 21 days.

Billed by Jim Kwik as being ‘like a magic pill’, these habits will rewire your brain into thinking and behaving like some of the world’s most successful people.

In this 8 minute clip, Jim shares how, for instance, your brain reacts the same way when you imagine your dog walking in as it does when your dog actually walks in, and this can apply to anything. What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

As much as this applies to positive things, it also can be applied to negative things, so if you imagine failure, that’s what you will get. Fill your mind with thoughts of success and that’s what will happen.

None of these habits are difficult to accomplish, but in doing so you will change your entire mindset into one of a hugely successful person, no matter what you want to achieve in life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fzGPwY40Cw

“Don’t leave crumbs.”

If this sounds more like a housekeeping hint and less like a motivational affirmation, you’re 50% right. Our lives do need housekeeping, and not leaving crumbs – i.e. regrets – which will come back and rob your tomorrow of joy, is one of the chores you need to do on a daily basis.

Matthew McConaughey delivers a powerful speech in a gentle way at the University of Houston Commencement Address.

Discussing the five rules he lives by, he will show you how to avoid falling into a trap of entitlement, and why ‘Unbelievable’ is the stupidest word in the dictionary.

With some invaluable life lessons contained inside a highly watchable speech, Matthew McConaughey is an unlikely but very inspiring speaker who has stayed humble despite all his successes.

“There are a lot of sharks in the world; if you hope to complete the swim, you will have to deal with them. So if you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks.”

Spoken with eloquence and quiet assuredness, this six-minute speech draws on US Navy Admiral William McRaven’s experience of survival in the Navy Seals.

He explains how making your bed, while seemingly insignificant and even pointless, will set a series of tasks in motion which will ensure that at best, the first job of the day is done, and at worst, you have a neat, tidy bed to fall into at the end of a trying day.

The world is full of people who want to bring you down (the sharks) but if you stand your ground, they will eventually swim away, leaving you to go on to bigger and better things.

“Sometimes life’s gonna hit you in the face with a brick…don’t lose faith.”

Steve Jobs, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Apple Inc. was hit in the face with more than one brick during his 56 years on earth. From being given up for adoption as a baby, to being fired from the very company which he founded, he never let anything get in his way.

In this commencement speech at Stamford University in 2005, Steve explained how his love for what he did spurred him on to rebuild his life in spectacular fashion.

Life dealt a further blow when, in 2003, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

This speech focuses on three stories which, when combined, show how life offers opportunities for change and growth, no matter how dire the circumstances.

Steve Jobs never graduated college, but when he died in 2011, aged just 56, he had a net worth of US$7 billion. He achieved this by doing what he loved, and in this speech he will inspire you to do the same.

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously than you might as well not have lived at all. In which case, you fail by default.”

Let J. K. Rowling inspire you with this 2008 commencement speech at Harvard University. Extolling the virtues of failure and imagination, she tells the graduates how being at rock bottom set her free to pursue her dreams of being an author.

As poor as it is possible to be without being homeless, she created the world of Harry Potter and went on to amass a fortune of £795 million, but that without her failures in life, she would never have had the opportunity to do so.

Let her words become your own mantra, and view every failure in your life as a future success.

“We shine, because baby you just can’t dim the sun.”

A beautiful antidote for anyone who has ever felt or been told that they are ‘too much’, Gina Hatzis’ winning Speaker Slam speech of 2018 will give you permission to be unashamedly you.

Although written by a woman for women, this powerful and sometimes humorous speech about being your own authentic self will inspire anyone – man or woman – to shine and never dim their own light to suit other people.

“The first step you need to take is just that…step.”

If you are in need of a short, sharp burst of motivation, listen to this speech by ex Navy Seal, Jocko Willink.

Running for less than three minutes, this recording will inspire you to take a step into whatever you want to achieve. Awarded both the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for service, Jocko Willink is no stranger to taking those brave steps, having come face to face with Iraqu insurgents in Ramadi. He will spur you on to put one metaphorical foot in front of the other, and will leave you in no doubt as to what you need to do to achieve your goals.

“On the other side of your maximum fear are all of the best things in life.”

If you like your motivation with a side order of laughter, watch Will Smith as he talks about fear. Agreeing to skydive on a night out with friends, Will realizes that he actually has to go through with it.

Discussing how fear ruins things (he couldn’t sleep or eat before the jump), Will also discloses that beyond fear was the most blissful experience of his life, and how that principle can be applied to anything in life.

“Only those that can see the invisible, can do the impossible.”

Tyrese Gibson knows success, and in this speech he talks about how it can be achieved, by anyone who wants it.

Actor, singer, author, model…Tyrese seems to have the Midas touch, but he didn’t get it by luck. Follow his words as he gently but passionately guides you along the path you need to take if you have goals and dreams in life.

“I refuse to be another man who lived and died, and wasn’t significant’”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzl3CQXMRVo

“If it is written, so shall it be.”

When Steve Harvey’s teacher crushed his dreams of being on TV, the one person who believed in him was his father. He told him to put a piece of paper with his dreams on in his drawer, and to read it every morning and every night.

His dreams came true.

It didn’t always come easy for Steve Harvey though – he spent years living in his car when he had nowhere else to go, but the one thing he never lost was his ambition and determination to see his dreams through to fruition.

A firm believer in the Law of Attraction, Steve still has vision boards and still commits his dreams to writing, and encourages you to do the same in this speech that made Obama cry.

These motivational speeches, and many more like them, show how having guts, determination, and a vision will get you anywhere you want to go, no matter your beginnings in life. These inspirational speakers have suffered loss, sickness, and unbelievable hardships, but the one thing that got them through was their desire to win and their belief that they could.

Immerse yourself in their words of wisdom, and take that next step into your best life.

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• Speech about Life for Students and Children

Speech about Life

Good morning one and all present here. I am standing before you all to share my thoughts through my speech about life. Life is a continuous ongoing process that has to end someday. Life is all about adoring yourself, creating yourself. A quote for you that life can be only understood backward but it must be lived forwards. Life itself is a golden opportunity to live a meaningful life and support others to do so. It doesn’t matter how many years you live. But it matters how well you live a quality life.

Source: pixabay.com

The fear of death always threatens our lives. Every person has to face death sooner or later, but that doesn’t mean that it should discourage us from living life to the fullest or achieving our goals. A person is wise only when he/she is ready to meet destiny when it comes, but until that time enjoys every bit of it. It is a sense of readiness. It is a journey in everyone’s life wherein we have to cross the bridge of death to be able to wake up to a life eternal.

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Human life – A very Precious Gift

Human life is truly a very precious gift. Each moment of human life carries us an opportunity, to act to develop and express our virtues. Every moment unlocks the path to us to receive blessings. This is the truth that life gives us both positive and negative situations. What is really important is how we react.

Life is the gift of God in the form of trust that we will make it meaningful in whatever we can. We are all unique individuals. No one is born like you and no one will ever be, so cherish your individuality. Many times, I come across people accusing God of things that they don’t have. They always cursing their lives. But, do they realize that this life itself is precious? If we make it worth living and work hard towards positivity.

Life is a Journey, not a Destination

Life is nothing but a journey with lessons, hardships, heartache and special moments. It will ultimately lead us to our destination, our purpose in life. The road will not always be a plane; in fact, throughout our travels, we will face many challenges.

These challenges will always test our courage, strengths, weaknesses, and faith. Along our way, we may encounter obstacles that will come between the paths and we are destined to take.

In order to be on the right path, we must overcome these obstacles. Sometimes these obstacles are really blessings in disguise, only we don’t understand that at the time. The secret of life is best known to those who are not attached to anything deeply so much.

Therefore, they remain out of touch with worries and shifting fortunes of their lives. They are the people who do not measure their lives in terms of materialistic possessions, but by measuring their lives in terms of people they cannot live without.

Lastly, I will conclude that we should make life worthwhile. It should be with the love of our family and friends that life can be made beautiful. Life can be more beautiful and purposeful by discharging our duties in our family, at work, society and the world at large.

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The Power of Words: Inspiring Speeches for Personal Growth

by admin | Nov 4, 2023

Discover the transformative power of inspiring speeches for personal growth. Unleash your full potential, cultivate resilience, and embrace self-discovery with the power of words.

Have you ever been moved to take action or make positive changes in your life simply by listening to a powerful speech? The Power of Words: Inspiring Speeches for Personal Growth is a collection of captivating and thought-provoking speeches that have the ability to ignite a spark within you. Each speech is carefully crafted to inspire, motivate, and empower individuals to reach their full potential. Whether you’re seeking inspiration in your career, relationships, or personal development, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impact on your life. Get ready to be inspired, uplifted, and motivated like never before as you delve into the power of words.

Importance of Inspirational Speeches

Inspirational speeches play a crucial role in personal growth. They have the power to ignite a spark within us, motivating us to overcome obstacles, pursue our passions, and cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves. These speeches can act as a guiding light, providing us with the necessary inspiration and guidance to embark on a journey of self-improvement and transformation. Words have the ability to uplift our spirits, instill positivity, and spark a sense of determination within us. By listening to inspirational speeches, we can tap into our true potential and unleash a world of possibilities.

Understanding Personal Growth

Before delving into the impact of inspiring speeches on personal growth, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what personal growth entails. Personal growth refers to the continuous process of self-improvement, wherein individuals strive to become the best version of themselves. It involves developing new skills, expanding knowledge, and embracing personal and professional challenges. Personal growth is a lifelong journey that requires self-reflection, commitment, and the willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone. It encompasses various aspects of our lives, including physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.

The Role of Words in Personal Growth

Words are not merely a combination of letters; they possess the power to influence and inspire. In the realm of personal growth, words act as catalysts for change. They have the ability to shape our beliefs, drive our actions, and impact our mindset. Inspiring speeches are a powerful tool in personal growth as they provide encouragement, guidance, and motivation. They have the potential to awaken our innermost desires, instill confidence, and foster a sense of resilience within us. By internalizing the words spoken in these speeches, we can harness their transformative power and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal development.

Speeches That Ignite Personal Growth

1. overcoming obstacles.

One of the most common themes in inspiring speeches is overcoming obstacles. Life is full of challenges, and these speeches help us develop the mindset and resilience required to overcome them. They teach us that setbacks and failures are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth. Through these speeches, we learn the importance of perseverance, determination, and staying committed to our goals, even in the face of adversity. By internalizing the message conveyed in these speeches, we can develop a mindset that empowers us to turn obstacles into stepping stones on our path to personal growth.

2. Pursuing Passion and Purpose

Inspiring speeches focused on pursuing passion and purpose remind us of the significance of aligning our actions with our innermost desires. These speeches encourage us to identify our passions, explore our interests, and pursue a path that brings us fulfillment and joy. They emphasize the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks in order to pursue our dreams. By listening to these speeches, we are inspired to embrace our passions wholeheartedly, follow our dreams, and create a life that is aligned with our true purpose.

3. Building Self-Confidence

Self-confidence is a crucial attribute required for personal growth, and inspiring speeches can be instrumental in building it. These speeches remind us of our inherent worth and potential, encouraging us to believe in ourselves and our abilities. They instill confidence by emphasizing the importance of embracing our strengths and celebrating our achievements. By internalizing the messages delivered in these speeches, we can develop a strong sense of self-confidence that empowers us to take on new challenges, overcome self-doubt, and seize opportunities for personal growth.

4. Embracing Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges, and it is an essential quality for personal growth. Inspiring speeches focused on resilience remind us that failure is not the end but a stepping stone towards success. They highlight the importance of embracing failure as a valuable learning experience and bouncing back stronger than ever. By listening to these speeches, we gain the strength and determination to face adversity head-on, learn from our mistakes, and continue moving forward on our personal growth journey.

5. Cultivating a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Inspiring speeches centered around cultivating a growth mindset encourage us to embrace challenges, view setbacks as opportunities for growth, and persist in the face of obstacles. They remind us that intelligence, talent, and success are not fixed traits but can be nurtured and developed. By internalizing the teachings of these speeches, we can foster a growth mindset that propels us towards personal growth and achievement.

6. Fostering Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence involves the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as empathize with the emotions of others. Inspiring speeches focused on emotional intelligence guide us towards nurturing this essential skill. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. By listening to these speeches, we are inspired to develop a deeper understanding of our emotions, cultivate empathy towards others, and build meaningful connections that contribute to our personal growth.

7. Cultivating Positive Relationships

Relationships have a significant impact on our personal growth, and inspiring speeches on cultivating positive relationships highlight this fact. They emphasize the importance of surrounding ourselves with supportive and uplifting individuals who encourage our growth and inspire us to be our best selves. These speeches emphasize the power of collaboration, effective communication, and building authentic connections. By internalizing the wisdom shared in these speeches, we can cultivate positive relationships that foster personal growth and create a supportive network of individuals who uplift and inspire us.

8. Enhancing Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one’s own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Inspiring speeches centered around enhancing self-awareness guide us towards introspection and self-reflection. They encourage us to embark on a journey of self-discovery, identify our strengths and weaknesses, and embrace our authentic selves. By listening to these speeches, we gain insight into our own thoughts and behaviors, which in turn allows us to make more informed choices, set meaningful goals, and continually strive for personal growth.

9. Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks

Fear often holds us back from reaching our full potential, and inspiring speeches on overcoming fear and taking risks address this common obstacle to personal growth. These speeches encourage us to step out of our comfort zones, embrace uncertainty, and confront our fears head-on. They remind us that growth and transformation occur outside of our comfort zones and that taking calculated risks is essential for personal growth. By internalizing the messages of these speeches, we can break free from the grip of fear, embrace new opportunities, and propel ourselves towards personal growth and success.

10. Finding Balance and Inner Peace

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding balance and inner peace is crucial for personal growth. Inspiring speeches on finding balance and inner peace emphasize the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and living in the present moment. They encourage us to prioritize our well-being, create space for self-reflection, and cultivate a sense of inner calm. By listening to these speeches, we are reminded to slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and foster a balanced and peaceful lifestyle that facilitates personal growth.

Analyzing Iconic Speeches

1. martin luther king jr.’s ‘i have a dream’.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech is one of the most iconic and influential speeches in history. In this powerful speech, King delivers a message of hope, equality, and social justice. His words inspire individuals to believe in the possibility of a better future and encourage them to take action towards achieving racial equality. King’s speech is a testament to the power of words in mobilizing individuals and igniting social change. By analyzing this speech, we gain insight into the impact that a well-crafted and passionate message can have on personal growth and societal transformation.

2. Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Speech

Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Speech is a memorable and thought-provoking speech that encourages individuals to follow their passions and embrace the uncertainties of life. He shares personal anecdotes and life lessons, urging graduates to pursue their dreams and have the courage to make unconventional choices. Jobs’ speech highlights the importance of staying true to oneself, embracing failure, and finding purpose in our work. By examining this speech, we can learn valuable lessons about personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of our dreams.

3. J.K. Rowling’s Harvard Commencement Speech

J.K. Rowling’s Harvard Commencement Speech is a testament to the power of resilience and failure in personal growth. She speaks candidly about her own experiences with failure and the lessons she learned along the way. Rowling’s speech reinforces the idea that failure is not something to be feared but a necessary stepping stone towards success. She inspires individuals to embrace their failures, learn from them, and persevere in the pursuit of their dreams. By analyzing this speech, we gain valuable insights into the role of resilience, determination, and embracing failure in personal growth.

4. Oprah Winfrey’s Harvard Commencement Speech

Oprah Winfrey’s Harvard Commencement Speech is a powerful and inspiring speech that encourages individuals to live a life of purpose and meaning. She shares personal anecdotes and reflections, detailing the transformative power of embracing one’s true self and following one’s passions. Winfrey’s speech highlights the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and service in personal growth. By examining this speech, we can gain valuable insights into the power of self-discovery, embracing our authentic selves, and making a positive impact on the world.

5. Ellen DeGeneres’ Tulane University Commencement Speech

Ellen DeGeneres’ Tulane University Commencement Speech is a heartfelt and humorous speech that encourages individuals to embrace kindness, compassion, and authenticity. She shares personal stories and anecdotes, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself and spreading positivity in the world. DeGeneres’ speech reinforces the value of embracing diversity, celebrating individuality, and finding joy in everyday moments. By analyzing this speech, we can gain valuable insights into the power of kindness, authenticity, and embracing our unique selves in personal growth.

Strategies to Apply the Power of Words

1. practicing self-affirmation.

Self-affirmation involves consciously and positively reaffirming our own worth and abilities. By practicing self-affirmation, we can counter negative self-talk and cultivate a positive mindset. This strategy involves repeating positive affirmations, such as “I am capable and deserving of success,” to ourselves regularly. By incorporating self-affirmation into our daily routine, we can harness the power of words to boost our self-confidence and drive personal growth.

2. Visualization and Manifestation Techniques

Visualization and manifestation techniques involve creating vivid mental images of our desired outcomes and beliefs. By visualizing ourselves achieving our goals and embodying the qualities we aspire to possess, we can program our minds for success. This strategy involves creating vision boards, meditating on our goals, and visualizing ourselves in the future we desire. By utilizing visualization and manifestation techniques, we can align our thoughts and actions with our aspirations, paving the way for personal growth.

3. Writing and Reflecting on Personal Mantras

Personal mantras are short, powerful statements or affirmations that reflect our values and aspirations. By writing and reflecting on personal mantras, we can remind ourselves of what is truly important to us and anchor ourselves in our values. This strategy involves identifying key principles or beliefs that resonate with us and crafting affirmations around them, such as “I am resilient, adaptable, and capable of overcoming any challenge.” By incorporating personal mantras into our daily practice, we can reinforce positive beliefs and foster personal growth.

4. Daily Affirmations and Positive Self-Talk

Daily affirmations and positive self-talk involve consciously choosing to speak to ourselves in a supportive and uplifting manner. By replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations, we can reframe our mindset and cultivate a greater sense of self-belief. This strategy involves incorporating positive statements, such as “I am confident and capable,” into our daily routines. By consistently practicing daily affirmations and positive self-talk, we can reshape our self-perception and unlock our full potential for personal growth.

5. Seeking Motivational and Educational Resources

Motivational and educational resources, such as books, podcasts, and videos, can provide valuable guidance and inspiration on our journey of personal growth. By seeking out these resources, we expose ourselves to new ideas, perspectives, and insights. This strategy involves actively seeking out motivational speeches, self-help books, and educational content that resonate with our interests and goals. By immersing ourselves in these resources, we can infuse our lives with fresh perspectives and knowledge, fueling our personal growth.

6. Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences

The people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our personal growth. By intentionally cultivating relationships with positive and supportive individuals, we create an environment that nurtures our growth. This strategy involves identifying individuals who inspire us, motivate us, and uplift us, and actively seeking to spend time with them. By surrounding ourselves with positive influences, we create a support system that encourages our personal growth and provides us with the necessary motivation and guidance.

7. Participating in Public Speaking and Toastmasters

Public speaking and Toastmasters provide opportunities to practice and refine our communication skills, boost our self-confidence, and inspire others through our words. By participating in public speaking events and joining Toastmasters clubs, we can develop our ability to deliver impactful speeches and connect with an audience. This strategy involves seeking out public speaking opportunities, enrolling in Toastmasters clubs, and actively participating in speaking engagements. By honing our public speaking skills, we can harness the power of words to inspire personal growth in ourselves and others.

8. Joining Supportive Communities

Joining supportive communities can provide a sense of belonging, encouragement, and accountability on our personal growth journey. By connecting with like-minded individuals who are also striving for personal development, we create a network of support that empowers us. This strategy involves seeking out communities, such as mastermind groups or online forums, where individuals come together to support and motivate each other. By joining these communities, we can share our experiences, gain valuable insights, and receive the encouragement we need to continue growing.

9. Reading and Sharing Inspirational Stories

Reading and sharing inspirational stories can have a profound impact on personal growth. By immersing ourselves in stories of triumph, resilience, and personal transformation, we gain valuable insights and inspiration. This strategy involves seeking out biographies, memoirs, or personal development books that resonate with our interests. By reading and sharing these stories, we can tap into the power of words to ignite personal growth and motivate others on their own journeys.

10. Incorporating Inspirational Quotes into Daily Life

Inspirational quotes serve as powerful reminders of our capabilities and aspirations. By incorporating inspirational quotes into our daily lives, we can infuse our days with positivity and motivation. This strategy involves selecting meaningful quotes that resonate with us and displaying them in places where we will see them frequently, such as on our desks or as phone wallpapers. By immersing ourselves in these quotes, we create a constant reminder of our potential and the path of personal growth that lies ahead.

The Impact of Words on Personal Growth

1. shaping beliefs and mindset.

Words have the power to shape our beliefs and mindset. By internalizing positive and empowering messages, we can cultivate a growth-oriented mindset that propels us towards personal growth. The words we speak and listen to can reshape our perception, challenge limiting beliefs, and open up new possibilities.

2. Encouraging Action and Motivation

Inspiring speeches and words have the ability to spark action and motivation within us. They awaken our inner drive, fuel our ambitions, and propel us towards taking positive steps on our personal growth journey. By hearing the right words at the right time, we can find the courage and motivation to pursue our dreams and overcome obstacles.

3. Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem

The power of positive words is undeniable when it comes to boosting confidence and self-esteem. Inspirational speeches and affirmations have the ability to remind us of our inherent worth and potential, instilling a sense of belief in ourselves and our abilities. By internalizing empowering words, we can cultivate a strong sense of self-confidence and self-love that serves as a foundation for personal growth.

4. Cultivating Optimism and Resilience

Optimism and resilience are essential qualities for personal growth, and words can play a crucial role in cultivating these attributes. Inspirational speeches and positive self-talk help us reframe challenges, see setbacks as opportunities for growth, and foster a mindset of perseverance. By embracing the power of positive words, we can build resilience, bounce back from adversity, and maintain an optimistic outlook on our personal growth journey.

5. Fostering Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Words have the power to foster empathy and emotional intelligence within us. Inspiring speeches and stories of human experiences help us connect with the emotions and experiences of others, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy. By internalizing the words spoken in these speeches, we can develop our emotional intelligence, strengthen our interpersonal relationships, and cultivate a greater sense of compassion on our personal growth journey.

6. Strengthening Relationships and Connections

The words we use in our interactions with others can strengthen relationships and connections. By speaking uplifting and supportive words to our loved ones, we can build trust, understanding, and a sense of connection. By actively listening to others’ words, we show empathy and create a space for meaningful connections that contribute to our personal growth.

7. Expanding Knowledge and Perspective

Words are the vehicle for knowledge and perspective. By listening to inspiring speeches, reading books, and engaging in thought-provoking conversations, we expand our knowledge, broaden our perspective, and gain valuable insights that contribute to our personal growth. By embracing the power of words, we can continuously grow intellectually and cultivate a thirst for knowledge.

8. Overcoming Fear and Limiting Beliefs

Fear and limiting beliefs often hinder personal growth, but the right words can help us overcome them. Inspirational speeches and positive self-talk offer a new perspective, challenging the fear and self-doubt that hold us back. By internalizing empowering words, we can break free from the grip of fear, challenge our limiting beliefs, and step into our full potential for personal growth.

9. Nurturing Personal Development and Transformation

Personal growth is a continuous process of development and transformation. Words can serve as guideposts along this journey, offering wisdom, guidance, and motivation to keep progressing. By immersing ourselves in inspiring speeches and transformative words, we create an environment that nurtures personal development and supports our ongoing transformation.

10. Inspiring Others and Creating a Ripple Effect

Finally, the power of words extends beyond ourselves. When we share our own experiences, deliver inspiring speeches, or simply speak words of encouragement and support to others, we have the ability to inspire and catalyze personal growth in those around us. By harnessing the power of our own words, we create a ripple effect, making a positive impact on the lives of others and collectively fostering a culture of personal growth.

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Read Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech in its entirety

Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. addresses the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., where he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech on Aug. 28, 1963, as part of the March on Washington. AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. addresses the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., where he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech on Aug. 28, 1963, as part of the March on Washington.

Monday marks Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Below is a transcript of his celebrated "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered on Aug. 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. NPR's Talk of the Nation aired the speech in 2010 — listen to that broadcast at the audio link above.

Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders gather before a rally at the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28, 1963, in Washington. National Archives/Hulton Archive via Getty Images hide caption

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition. In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check.

Code Switch

The power of martin luther king jr.'s anger.

When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men — yes, Black men as well as white men — would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked insufficient funds.

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.

Martin Luther King is not your mascot

We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism.

Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

Civil rights protesters march from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963. Kurt Severin/Three Lions/Hulton Archive/Getty Images hide caption

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. 1963 is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual.

There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

Throughline

Bayard rustin: the man behind the march on washington (2021).

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny.

And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.

There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, when will you be satisfied? We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities.

We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: for whites only.

We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote.

No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

How The Voting Rights Act Came To Be And How It's Changed

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our Northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

People clap and sing along to a freedom song between speeches at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. Express Newspapers via Getty Images hide caption

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day down in Alabama with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, one day right down in Alabama little Black boys and Black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

Nikole Hannah-Jones on the power of collective memory

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This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning: My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims' pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that, let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, Black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last. Free at last. Thank God almighty, we are free at last.

Correction Jan. 15, 2024

A previous version of this transcript included the line, "We have also come to his hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now." The correct wording is "We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now."

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16 Inspirational Speeches for Career and Life Lessons (+ Speaker Traits)

Erika Giles | July 9, 2020 | Inspiration | 11 min read

The Most Inspirational Speeches of All Time

• 1.  J.K. Rowling – Harvard University
• 2.  Jim Carrey – Maharishi University
• 3.  Steve Jobs – Stanford University
• 4.  Al Pacino – Any Given Sunday
• 5.  Tony Robbins – TED Talk
• 6.  Will Smith – The Pursuit of Happiness
• 7.  Matthew McConaughey – University of Houston
• 8.  Sylvester Stallone – Rocky Balboa
• 9.  Denzel Washington – University of Pennsylvania
• 10.  Yoda – The Empire Strikes Back
• 11.   Elizabeth Gilbert – TED Talk, 2009
• 12.   Michelle Obama – Eastern Kentucky University
• 13.   David Goggins – Driven
• 14.   Peter Dinklage – Bennington College
• 15.   John Roberts – Cardigan Mountain School
• 16.  Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson - LA Lakers

Being motivated at work and in life is crucial for your performance. This is true when you have an approaching deadline, an important meeting, or customers depending on you.

The power of words can physically and emotionally rejuvenate you. Inspirational speeches can guide you to keep performing at your best and drive your team to achieve their goals . The right words at the right time can change you and challenge you.

No matter what is thrown at you in life, you can use these speeches to stay motivated. 

How Inspiration Impacts People

Inspiration helps propel people forward. It pushes apathy away and awakens people to new and exciting possibilities. They're able to transcend their limitations and mundane lives. 

It can help all people to become more creative and help them to progress toward their goals if they are open to it. 

Although inspiration impacts people in several meaningful and often magical ways, it is not something as elusive as it seems. Inspiration is everywhere, and it can be captured, activated, and manipulated. 

Most often, inspiration is found in others who say something or do something thought provoking and meaningful. 

What Makes a Speech Inspirational?

Great inspirational speeches all include one key thing – emotions . Emotions motivate actions and beliefs in any given aspect of life. Inspirational speeches are often loaded with tales of struggle, resilience, trials, endurance, and breakthroughs. All things that most people can relate to.

The philosopher, Aristotle, once said that people tend to believe in people who can be perceived as trustworthy or in those who have proper values and morals. This means that speakers who understand the concerns their audience has and empathizes with them are more likely to connect with their audience and gain their trust. 

Speakers who select emotional themes and talking points that people can relate to are more likely to inspire those in the audience with their stories. 

The key to this is making others feel as though they aren’t alone, and that they too can overcome the roadblocks in their way because someone else has. Hope is one of the most powerful emotions that sparks inspiration. 

Next, comes an excellent oral delivery. Facial expressions, tone of voice, and appropriate pausing all help to make a speech that much more effective and inspirational. 

7 Qualities of the Best Motivational Speakers

Here are seven traits, qualities, and characteristics that some of the best motivational speakers have.

1. They Tell Great Stories.

The ability to tell a great story is one of the core qualities that a motivational speaker needs to help add value to the lives of listeners. Motivational speakers tell original stories to provide the audience with fresh and relevant information. 

More importantly, the best motivational speakers paint a picture that lets the audience put themselves into the story so they can feel the emotions to understand the lesson better. 

2. They Are Passionate About What They Do.

Great speakers are often passionate about wanting to change others for the better, and the amount of passion a speaker has translates into their presentation. The audience can tell when a speaker is passionate about their subject matter because it will reflect in the speaker’s enthusiasm and excitement when they perform. 

Passion is infectious, and when a great speaker is passionate, it inspires the audience to cultivate passion as well. 

3. They Are Confident.

It is essential that motivational speakers have confidence in themselves and in their message.

Audience members can tell when speakers are nervous or unsure about what they are doing or saying. This automatically causes the audience to doubt the speaker, and it may invalidate the message. 

Great speakers have confidence that reflects in their speech and gestures while they are on stage, which in turn inspires confidence in the audience. It helps to engage them and makes them believe in what the speaker is saying. 

4. They Are Self-Aware.

A great motivational speaker understands who they are and knows exactly what they stand for. They are also aware of their strengths and weaknesses.

They use their strengths to make a speech more effective, and they work on improving their weaknesses.

5. They Show Empathy.

A defining mark of a great motivational speaker is their ability to put themselves in the shoes of those in their audience. They do their best to understand their audience’s motivation, fears, hopes, challenges, and worries. 

This helps them tailor their speech to appeal to and inspire their audience. Empathetic speakers are also individuals who have gone through what they talk about. 

They have been where the audience is, and they understand what that is like, which helps make a pure connection with them.

6. They Possess Knowledge.

Any motivational speaker must remain up to date and knowledgeable in their area of expertise. Motivational speakers aren’t born; they are made.

This means that they must grow and learn to become an expert with great knowledge and insight to share with others. 

7. They Have a Sense of Humor.

Motivational speeches tend to discuss serious topics, and great speakers know how to add fun anecdotes or jokes when it is appropriate to do so. 

Humor often makes a speech more memorable. Plus, it enthralls listeners, and everyone likes someone with a good sense of humor. 

16 of the Best Inspirational Speeches of All Time

We all need some inspiration from time to time. If you are in need of inspiration, look no further than these 16 best inspirational speeches of all time. 

1. J.K. Rowling – Harvard University

It's well known that J.K. Rowling's famous Harry Potter series was turned down by several publishers before it was finally accepted. But before her success, she was in a dire situation and was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Despite constant rejection, she kept trying and finally her efforts paid off. Her Harvard speech delivered some valuable life lessons about not fearing failure and persevering no matter how bad things get.

2. Jim Carrey – Maharishi University 

Actor/comedian Jim Carrey gave one of the most unique and emotional commencement speeches ever at Maharishi University in Iowa.

In his speech , he offered the students powerful and inspiring words about life, the future, and urged them never to settle for anything less than what they want. His message: Never give up and follow your dreams!

3. Steve Jobs – Stanford University 

This is one of the greatest inspirational speeches! In his commencement speech , Jobs discussed how he dropped out of college after six months, then took another 18 months to figure out what his life's work would be.

He quit college because his parents were struggling financially, and he couldn't see the value in an education that was draining his parents life savings.

His speech talked of the setbacks in life, including death, and how being aware of death can help you make better choices in life. At the time, Jobs was dying of pancreatic cancer, and his inspirational words on the importance of acquiring knowledge and following your dreams was the best life lesson he could bestow upon the graduates.

4. Al Pacino – Any Given Sunday

This movie features an inspirational speech about how even the simplest things can inch you closer to your dream.

Pacino's speech motivated the players on his football team to do whatever it takes to win. The takeaway? The little things you do every day will lead you to success.

5. Tony Robbins – TED Talk

Tony Robbins is one of the most famous motivational speakers around. This TED talk is particularly inspirational. It's topic, “Why We Do What We Do,” asks two key questions: What drives you? What motivates you to do your daily tasks?

By asking these questions, we're able to explore ourselves and appreciate others. The takeaway? We are our own path to success!

6. Will Smith – The Pursuit of Happiness

Considered one of the best motivational speeches in film, this scene starts with Smith and his son playing basketball. When his son shouts “I'm going pro,” Smith decides to try and temper his son's expectations, telling him he never excelled at basketball, so he shouldn't expect to.

His son is visibly disappointed, and Smith launches into his speech proclaiming, “Don't ever let somebody tell you that you can't do something, not even me.” He tells his son, “You got a dream, you gotta protect it. You want something, go get it. Period.”

The takeaway? Only you can decide to chase a dream. No one can stop you besides yourself. 

7. Matthew McConaughey – University of Houston

McConaughey delivered some pertinent points in his speech to the graduating class, but the one that really stuck out was "joy being a constant approach." He said, ”Joy is always in process; it's always under construction."

He spoke of how he takes everything one step at a time when he's making a film, and how when he truly enjoys his craft, things just fall into place. The takeaway? “Define success for yourself.” Figure out what you want to achieve and enjoy the entire journey.

8. Sylvester Stallone – Rocky Balboa

In the sixth film in the Rocky franchise, Stallone gives one of the most inspirational speeches of all time. He starts with, “The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows,” and goes on to talk about the value of hard work and commitment.

“It ain't about how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” The takeaway? Even when your back is up against the wall, winners never give up!

9. Denzel Washington – University of Pennsylvania

In this commencement speech, Denzel Washington speaks about how nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks, adding that when you fall in life, fall forward . He speaks of embracing failure and using it as a chance to learn.

This is especially true when it comes to being an entrepreneur. The most important thing isn't winning or losing, it's getting out there and giving it everything you've got!

10. Yoda – The Empire Strikes Back

Ok, you can't have a list of inspirational speeches without at least one offering from Yoda!

In this speech from Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back , Yoda is teaching Luke about the ways of the force. The key teaching? Whether or not something can or can't be done is all in your head and your heart. If you believe in yourself, anything is possible!

The takeaway? In the words of Yoda, “Do or do not. There is no try.”

11. Elizabeth Gilbert – Ted Talk

Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the bestselling book Eat, Pray, Love , gave an inspiring Ted Talk about the "genius" in all of us.

In her speech, she mentions that everyone can be a creative genius in their work and that the best years of our work and creativity are never behind us if we think of creative genius as something we borrow. 

The key takeaways from Gilbert's speech are to not be daunted or afraid of success. Just keep showing up and doing the work that you love without the anguish of what it will turn into. 

12. Michelle Obama – Eastern Kentucky University

In 2013, Michelle Obama addressed the graduating class of Eastern Kentucky University. She encouraged them to continue learning to challenge their perspectives, and she told them to find a way to turn their weaknesses into strengths. 

The key takeaway from her speech is that the defining moments in your life will not be the moment you get the promotion or breakthrough to a classroom. They will be the days that you have to claw through to keep going.

As long as you keep working and pick yourself up when you fall down, then you will develop skills to apply to anything you do in life. And your resilience can be used in service to others. 

13. David Goggins – Driven

David Goggins is a former Navy Seal and Army Ranger who participates in ultra-marathons. In his talk, he discusses suffering and how you can turn hurt into strength. He talks about how you can still be successful and happy without guidance if you just stay true to who you are because you define greatness. 

The takeaway from Goggins' talk is that we all have greatness no matter what. You just have to find the courage through hard work and discipline. 

14. Peter Dinklage – Bennington College

Peter Dinklage is an actor who is known for his role as Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones . He gave the 2012 commencement address at Bennington College.

In his address to the graduates, he discusses persistence and doing whatever it takes to get to where you want to be. He also mentions that you shouldn't wait until you are ready to do what you love. 

The key lesson from his speech was to give yourself permission to fail early instead of waiting for permission. Show the world you're ready by doing it. 

15. John Roberts – Cardigan Mountain School

John Roberts, Chief Justice of the United States, gave the commencement address at his son's high school in 2017. In his speech, he wishes the graduates bad luck instead of good luck.

He tells them that he hopes they will be lonely, fail, and lose from time to time. He says all of this to say that these things are the greatest teachers of compassion, true friendship, and sportsmanship. 

The key takeaway from Roberts' speech is that there is always a message in your misfortunes, and you should not be afraid to fail. If you fail, you should get up and try again. 

16. Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson - LA Lakers

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, tenured WWE superstar & mega Hollywood performer, gave an incredible speech to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019.

He speaks from the heart, about remembering where you came from, and letting that fuel the hard work you will put in to become successful. 

Per usual, pure gold from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

These 16 inspirational speeches touch on three main themes. It's important to love what you're doing. Failure is only bad if you don't learn and continue to move forward. And finally, you need to want it!

Life is hard. If you want something bad enough, whether it's a job, a relationship, or a successful business, you need to prove it!

General FAQ

An inspirational speech will create a positive emotional experience for the audience that will resonate with them. Similarly, a motivational speech can inspire an audience by motivating them to take action on something.

What Are the Qualities of an Inspirational Speaker?

To be a great inspirational speaker, you should have:

• A strong speaking voice
• A good story to tell

How Do You Write an Inspirational Speech?

It's important to know who your audience is and what your message is going to be when writing an inspirational speech. Use should also employ storytelling techniques to evoke emotion into your speech.

Who Is the Most Motivational Speaker in the World?

It is often said that Tony Robbins is the most motivational speaker. Tony Robbins is known best for his TED talks and self-help books.

Erika Giles

Erika is a Marketing Copywriter at Bluleadz. She is a huge fan of houseplants and podcasts about conspiracy theories. She spends most of her free time reading, writing, and enjoying the outdoors.

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• Speech on Life

Speech on Life for Students in English

Life is a precious gift. It is the sum of one's work, journey, dreams, joys, sorrows, successes, and battles for change. Life is more of a journey than a destination. It must be lived peacefully and happily. Seeking the meaning and purpose of life is the biggest search in the life of a man, and the questions about the meaning of human life are age-old. Life, however, still has some attractive elements, offering one a ray of hope and positivity, each passing day.

We have individuals, families, relatives, and friends who make our lives unique, worth living, and make us feel that our lives are special. Our lives are challenging, but those challenges are what make it worth living.

Short One Minute Speech On Life Is A Gift

God has given us the most precious gift; it is life. It is up to us how to use it. It depends on us, or it depends on our behavior. Therefore, this is a very relevant topic to be discussed in schools, universities, workplaces or public places. We are of course worried that our young people are now wasting their lives and time-consuming reckless behavior. Every day, we should thank God for giving us this life and another day to achieve our goals. No one is like you and will never be there, so cherish your uniqueness.

What surprises me is that I often hear people blaming God for what they don’t have and cursing their liveliness, but they do not know that their lives are valuable if they work hard to make it worthwhile. The value of life comes from such thinking. Only through the love of family and friends can life become better. We also make our lives more beautiful and fulfilling by completing our responsibilities in our family, work, community and the whole world.

Long and Short English Speech About Life for Students and Children

Long speech on life in english for students.

Good morning to all of you present here. Today, I am here to share my views on Life. Life is a continuous phase that will have to stop someday. It is all about building yourself and encouraging yourself. It is only possible to grasp life backward, so it must be lived forward. Life itself is a golden chance to inspire others while you live and also get inspired by others too. It is not the number of years you live but how well you live that matters. Our lives are still threatened by the fear of death. Sooner or later, every person has to face death, but that doesn't mean it should stop us from living life to the fullest or achieving our goals. An individual is only wise when he/she is ready to meet destiny when it comes, but he/she enjoys every little bit before that moment. Human life is an incredibly precious gift.

Every snapshot of human life provides us with an opportunity to act to build and connect. Every second opens the way for us to receive presents. The truth is that life presents us with both positive and negative situations. What is extremely important is the way we respond to it. No one, like you, is born into the universe, and no one will ever be, so honor your freedom. With lessons, struggles, heartache, and special moments, life is nothing but a journey. In the end, it will get us to our destination, our meaning in life. The road isn't always going to be a plane; in fact, we're going to face many challenges along our journeys.

Our bravery, talents, vulnerabilities, and confidence will always be checked by these challenges. We may meet obstacles along our way that will come between the paths, and we are doomed to take them. We must overcome these barriers to be on the right path. Perhaps these barriers are simply gifts in disguise, but at the moment we don't understand that. The secret of life is better understood by those who are not so intensely attached to something. The best way to cherish life is with our family and friends. Our family was the first set of people who were present since the beginning of our journey and nourished us.

Our friends are the people who chose us, out of several others, to care for and enjoy moments with. It is ultimately the affection we give and the affection we receive from our loved ones that makes life beautiful and joyous. I'll say, eventually, that we can make life worthwhile. That life can be made beautiful with the help of our family and friends. By discharging our duties in our families, at work, community and the world at large, life can be more beautiful and purposeful.

Short Speech About Life for Children 

Good morning to all of you present here. Today I am here to deliver a Speech on Life. Life is valuable. It is a gift to you from God. It's so special that there's no one else like you on Earth.   Existence, again, is a chance. It is a chance for good to be achieved. Therefore, it does not matter how long you live; how well you live is all that counts. And how many lives you, with love and encouragement, will affect.

Another idea is that death still shadows life. Everybody has to face it. He or she is a wise man or woman who, when it comes, is prepared to meet death. The secret of life is, surprisingly, best revealed to those who are not bound by their possessions. They are unaffected by worry and life's changing fortunes. They are individuals who do not live by adding things to life, but by weighing their lives by things they can do without.

Life is stewardship above all. It is a belief that is entrusted to you. Such an understanding of life makes you keenly aware that for all the time, talent, treasure, and opportunity you are blessed with. It is this hope which makes living life worth it. And it's family and friendships nurtured in loving relationships that make life beautiful. By understanding one's role in one's family, or one's place of work, or society at large; and playing that role well, life is also made purposeful.

Life is a journey, not a destination

Life is not a destination, but it is a journey that involves lessons, hardships, and some special moments. It will take us to our final destination, our life's purpose. The road will not always be a plane; we will face numerous challenges throughout our journey.

These difficulties will always put our bravery, strengths, flaws, and faith to the test. Along the way, we may come across obstacles that stand in the way of the path we are meant to follow.

We must overcome these challenges to stay on the right path. Sometimes these roadblocks are blessings in disguise, but we do not realize it at the time. The secret of life is best understood by people who are not extremely connected to anything.

As a result, people are clueless about their worries and changing fortunes in life. They are those who do not measure their lives in terms of materialistic stuff, but rather in terms of the people they cannot live without.

10 Lines for English Speech About Life

Life is a very precious gift granted to us by God, and we must be grateful to him for giving us such a precious gift.

Challenges are part of life, and our lives will become dull and uneasy without them.

God has given us plenty of positive things in our lives, including the beauty of nature.

We are granted positivity and satisfaction in life by trees, animals, plants, sunshine, etc.

Nature tells us that, against all the odds, we can be happy and hopeful.

We need to set certain targets and try hard and faithfully to accomplish them to make our lives valuable.

To earn blessings and good wishes from our elders and mates, we must do something good very often.

Family is an integral part of our lives, and we need to take care of them and always respect them.

Secondly, our friends are an important part of our lives, apart from family, as they support us without any conditions.

We must always acknowledge the positive things in our lives that are happening.

FAQs on Speech on Life

1. How to feel satisfied with your Life?

When one knows the meaning of life, that is, that life is not about winning or losing, but rather about living one's life to the fullest, one can be satisfied.

2. What do you mean by a decent life?

A decent life is when you see life as a gift rather than a burden, and you have more good days than bad days. 

3. Why is meaningful life important?

A meaningful life ties people to a greater sense of purpose and value, allowing them to contribute positively not only to their own personal and spiritual development but also to society and human civilization as a whole. As a result, a meaningful life inspires wise choices and provides a sense of purpose.

The 24 Best Motivational Speeches Our Employees Have Ever Heard

Published: July 19, 2023

It was halftime during one of my 7th-grade football games. And we were losing 14 - 0. With our knees planted in the grass, my team was quietly huddled, drenched in sweat and defeat. Suddenly, it was game over.

That's when our assistant coach burst into our circle and shattered our pity party, delivering one of the best motivational speeches I've heard to this day.

I can't directly quote him because he said some inappropriate things for a blog post (and, in hindsight, probably for a bunch of 13-year-olds too).

The point is he harnessed the power of words to rejuvenate a physically and emotionally drained team. And we came back clawing to win the game.

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Motivational Speech

A motivational speech can come from anywhere or anyone, but it usually has a specific audience in mind.

Whether it's a graduation speech, an all-company meeting, a championship sporting event, or a conference keynote, these speeches are designed to change how their listeners see the challenges facing them in the future.

Like in sports, being motivated at work is crucial for your performance. This rings especially true when you have a looming deadline, an important meeting, or colleagues or customers depending on your performance.

Think about the last time you felt generally unmotivated. What brought you out of that feeling? Sometimes all it takes to get you going is a good night's sleep or witnessing the benefits of your labor.

Still, other times, you might listen to someone say something that resonates with you — that alters how you've been looking at a particular task or problem.

Motivational speeches and speakers can come in all different forms, but this is the one thing they have in common — resonance. They resonate with the right listener at the right time and in the right way.

Who knows, this article is doing some for you right now. (I can dream, can't I?)

We selected 24 of the best motivational speeches from business, sports, entertainment, and other fields to help you stay motivated no matter what your work throws at you. Watch these videos if you want to feel inspired by a project.

Trust me, I was wiping my eyes after I saw them. And while the messages vary from speech to speech, they can put you in the optimal frame of mind for tackling and crushing your next big challenge.

(Disclaimer: Some speeches may contain NSFW language.)

Elon Musk: "The Importance of Never Giving Up" (2020)

Angela Ahrendts: "Leading with Empathy" (2023)

Arianna Huffington: "The Power of Sleep" (2023)

Tim Cook: "Inclusion and Diversity" (2023)

J.K. Rowling: “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination” (2008)

Sheryl Sandberg: "Lean In" (2021)

Jim Carrey: Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management (2014)

Steve Jobs: "How to Live Before You Die" (2005)

Matthew McConaughey: "The Pursuit of Happiness" (2022)

Denzel Washington: "Fall Forward" (2011)

Vera Jones: “But the Blind Can Lead the Blind…” (2016)

Oprah Winfrey: "The Power of Self-Belief" (2020)

Charlie Day: Merrimack College Commencement Speech (2014)

Brené Brown: "The Power of Vulnerability" (2013)

Kobe Bryant: “The Path to Greatness" (2020)

David Foster Wallace: "This Is Water" (2005)

Carol Dweck: "The Growth Mindset" (2020)

Al Pacino: "Inch by Inch" (1999)

Satya Nadella: "Empowering Others" (2023)

Sylvester Stallone: Speech from Rocky Balboa (2006)

Will Smith: Speech from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Mel Robbins: "The 5 Second Rule" (2020)

Angela Duckworth: "The Power of Grit" (2020)

Kurt Russell: “This is Your Time” (2004)

The Best Motivational Speeches of All Time

1. elon musk: "the importance of never giving up" (2020), theme of speech: perseverance and resilience.

Elon Musk's "The Importance of Never Giving Up" speech about perseverance and determination is decisive.

In this speech, Musk emphasizes failing and learning from failures as keys to success. He recounts his life and career, demonstrating how he overcame challenges.

One key takeaway from Musk's speech is his advice to adopt a growth mindset.

Musk encourages listeners to view setbacks as learning experiences. He also highlights the value of perseverance, persistence, and taking risks.

Elon Musk's word serves as an upbeat reminder that perseverance, patience, and the desire to attempt things repeatedly in the face of difficulty are essential for success.

"If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it."

2. Angela Ahrendts: "Leading with Empathy" (2023)

Theme of the speech: empathetic leadership....

The "Leading with Empathy" talk by Angela Ahrendts emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and compassion in leadership.

According to Ahrendts, leaders must view their employees as whole people with lives outside of work. Leaders can instill trust, respect, and mutual support in their employees and organizations.

Ahrendts emphasizes the importance of team mission as well. Leaders can inspire their teams by connecting them to a greater goal.

She believes that working together fosters creativity, innovation, and growth.

"Leading with Empathy" is a powerful reminder that leadership requires more than technical knowledge. To truly inspire and motivate their employees, leaders must understand their emotional needs and create a supportive, inclusive environment.

"Empathy is the glue that holds relationships together, whether they are personal or professional."

3. Arianna Huffington: "The Power of Sleep" (2023)

Theme of the speech: sleep and productivity.

The Huffington Post's founder, Arianna Huffington, emphasized the importance of sleep to overall health. In her 2023 speech, "The Power of Sleep," she discusses how sleep deprivation affects our health, productivity, and happiness.

Huffington observes that we have been taught to sacrifice sleep for success. She also mentions that well-rested employees are more creative, efficient, and effective.

To address these issues, Huffington proposes a cultural shift that recognizes sleep as essential to health and wellness.

She advises individuals and organizations to prioritize sleep, avoid technology before bedtime, and create a restful sleep environment. Sleep, according to Huffington, is a necessity, not a luxury.

By recognizing the importance of sleep, people and businesses can enhance their health, productivity, and general well-being.

Arianna Huffington's "The Power of Sleep" speech in 2023 emphasizes the importance of sleep and the dangers of sleep deprivation.

It promotes a culture where getting enough sleep is essential for health and well-being.

"Sleep is the Swiss Army knife of health, it does everything."

4. Tim Cook: "Inclusion and Diversity" (2023)

Theme of the speech: inclusion and diversity.

Apple CEO Tim Cook advocates for inclusion and diversity. He has been instrumental in the company's initiatives to advance fairness and equality inside its ranks and across the technology sector.

Cook has prioritized diversity and inclusion at Apple because he believes it is proper and necessary for innovation and business success.

Unconscious bias training, diverse recruitment, and employee resource groups contributed to his success.

Outside of Apple, Cook has advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and immigration reform. He has raised awareness of these issues and advocated for social change as a business leader.

Tech leaders and others have lauded Cook's commitment to diversity and inclusion. He has raised awareness of these issues, leading to significant change at Apple and elsewhere.

"Inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords, they are fundamental values that drive innovation and creativity."

5. J.K. Rowling: “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination” (2008)

Theme of speech: failure.

In J.K. Rowling's 2008 Harvard commencement speech, the Harry Potter author explored how two phenomena -- failure and imagination -- can be crucial to success.

While failure can help you understand where your true passion lies, and where you should focus your energy moving forward, imagination is what will allow you to empathize with other people so you can use your influence to do good.

“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.”

"You have to understand your own personal DNA. Don't do things because I do them or Steve Jobs or Mark Cuban tried it. You need to know your personal brand and stay true to it."

6. Sheryl Sandberg: "Lean In" (2021)

Theme of the speech: gender equality and leadership.

Sheryl Sandberg's 2021 talk, "Lean In," encourages women to lean into their careers and leadership roles. She urges women to stand up for one another and themselves to overcome societal and cultural hurdles.

Sandberg highlights the need to have distinct objectives and goals and be prepared to take calculated risks to achieve them.

She also underlines how crucial it is for more female leaders to advance diversity and gender equality across all industries.

Sandberg's speech also emphasizes collaboration. She urges women to mentor other women and look for sponsors and mentors themselves.

The "Lean In" talk by Sheryl Sandberg emphasizes women's voices and perspectives in all aspects of society.

To remove barriers and foster more inclusive and varied workplaces and communities, Sandberg urges women to pursue their professional ambitions with confidence and with the help of their communities.

"We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women's voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored."

7. Jim Carrey: Commencement Speech at Maharishi University of Management (2014)

Theme of speech: taking risks.

Jim Carrey might make a living as the goofiest comedian around, but in 2014, he combined classic Carrey humor with unforgettable insight at Maharishi University of Management's graduation ceremony.

Jim Carrey opened his speech dishing punchlines, but he eventually opened up about his upbringing and the role fear plays in our lives. You can actually hear the amazement in the students' reactions in the video above.

“I learned many great lessons from my father -- not the least of which is that you can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.”

8. Steve Jobs: "How to Live Before You Die" (2005)

Theme of speech: life and career.

Considering the YouTube video of Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford commencement speech has 24 million views, it's likely that you've seen this one already.

In the speech, Jobs plays on two themes: connecting the dots (anecdote: how taking a calligraphy class helped inspire the design of the Mac) and love & loss (anecdote: how getting fired from Apple helped inspire his greatest innovations).

Perhaps the most memorable part his speech comes at the end, when he quotes the (now-famous) lines from the final issue of his favorite publication, The Whole Earth Catalog:

“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”

9. Matthew McConaughey: "The Pursuit of Happiness" (2022)

Theme of the speech: discovering true happiness and fulfillment in life..

In "The Pursuit of Happiness," famed actor and motivational speaker Matthew McConaughey provides his enlightened viewpoint on obtaining true happiness and fulfillment.

McConaughey presents a genuine and approachable study of what it means to live a fulfilling life through sincere storytelling and personal anecdotes.

The speech discusses the significance of authenticity and remaining true to oneself. McConaughey encourages people to define their success rather than succumb to social pressures or external expectations.

He stresses aligning our behaviors and decisions with our fundamental values and passions.

McConaughey expresses his conviction in the power of thankfulness and the importance of living in the present moment. He encourages people to create a grateful mindset, recognizing the blessings and possibilities surrounding them.

By appreciating the present and finding joy in the journey, individuals can experience more profound happiness and fulfillment.

"Happiness is not a destination. It's a state of mind, a journey, and a choice we make every day."

10. Denzel Washington: "Fall Forward" (2011)

In his 2011 UPenn commencement speech, Denzel Washington highlighted three reasons why we need to embrace failure in order to be successful. First, everybody will fail at something at some point, so you better get used to it.

Second, if you never fail, take that as a sign that you're not really trying. And third, at the end of the day, failure will help you figure out what path you want to be on.

“Fall forward. Here's what I mean: Reggie Jackson struck out twenty-six-hundred times in his career — the most in the history of baseball. But you don't hear about the strikeouts. People remember the home runs.

Fall forward.

Thomas Edison conducted 1,000 failed experiments. Did you know that? I didn't know that—because #1,001 was the light bulb. Fall forward. Every failed experiment is one step closer to success.”

11. Vera Jones: “But the Blind Can Lead the Blind…” (2016)

Theme of speech: perseverance.

Last year at INBOUND, Vera Jones told a moving story about the life lessons she's learned from raising her blind son.

She explains how having faith in your future and letting it lead you toward your true purpose will help you overcome blinding obstacles.

She also discusses how following your passion and trusting your vision develops empathy, which is a critical leadership skill.

“Passionately play your position no matter how bad things get. You are significant. Why we are here is not for our own glory. Ultimately, we're here to lead and serve everybody else. By doing that, we encourage others to do the same.”

12. Oprah Winfrey: "The Power of Self-Belief" (2020)

Theme of Speech: Self-Belief and Confidence

Oprah Winfrey's 2020 speech "The Power of Self-Belief" emphasized the importance of self-assurance. She attributed her success to her unwavering self-assurance.

According to Oprah, self-belief is not about being arrogant or overconfident. She stresses the significance of overcoming self-doubt and fear, which can prevent people from reaching their goals.

Oprah used personal stories to demonstrate how self-confidence has aided her in life and work. She encouraged her audience to believe in themselves and to embrace their inner strength.

The Power of Self-Belief" reminded us how important it is to have faith in ourselves and our ability to succeed.

"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams."

13. Charlie Day: Merrimack College Commencement Speech (2014)

Best known for his role in the sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, actor Charlie Day had lots of wisdom to share during the 2014 commencement speech at his alma mater, Merrimack College.

Day explained to the audience how college degrees are inherently valueless, since you can't trade them in for cash. Instead, it's you, your hard work, and the risks you take that provide real value in life.

“You cannot let a fear of failure or a fear of comparison or a fear of judgment stop you from doing the things that will make you great. You cannot succeed without the risk of failure.

You cannot have a voice without the risk of criticism. You cannot love without the risk of loss. You must take these risks.”

14. Brené Brown: "The Power of Vulnerability" (2013)

The video above is an animated excerpt from researcher Brené Brown's speech, " The Power of Vulnerability ." In the speech, Brown explores how our fear of not being good enough (among other fears) drives us to shield ourselves from our own vulnerabilities.

The alternative to wearing this emotional suit of armor: Embrace vulnerability through empathizing with others.

"Empathy is a choice, and it's a vulnerable choice. Because in order to connect with you, I have to connect with something in myself that knows that feeling."

15. Kobe Bryant: “The Path to Greatness" (2020)

Theme of the speech: embracing dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of greatness..

Bryant emphasizes setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. Through captivating storytelling and personal anecdotes, he reveals the sacrifices and relentless effort required to excel at the highest level.

Bryant's speech is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, and a growth mindset in attaining greatness.

The speech also explores embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Bryant shares how setbacks and challenges can fuel personal growth and resilience.

He encourages individuals to embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as motivation to push beyond their limits.

Bryant's speech goes beyond the realm of sports, offering valuable insights and life lessons applicable to all areas of life.

His relentless pursuit of greatness and unwavering commitment to excellence inspires individuals striving to achieve their goals and dreams.

"I have self-doubt. I have insecurity. I have fear of failure. I have nights when I show up at the arena and I'm like, 'My back hurts, my feet hurt, my knees hurt. I don't have it. I just want to chill.'

We all have self-doubt. You don't deny it, but you also don't capitulate to it. You embrace it."

16. David Foster Wallace: "This Is Water" (2005)

From the opening minutes of David Foster Wallace's 2005 Kenyon College commencement speech , in which he questions commencement speech conventions, it's clear that Wallace has some serious wisdom to share.

The crux of his speech: Many of us are oblivious to our own close-mindedness. We picture ourselves as the centers of our own, individual universes, instead of seeing the bigger, more interconnected picture.

“If you're automatically sure that you know what reality is and who and what is really important, if you want to operate on your default setting, then you, like me, probably won't consider possibilities that aren't annoying and miserable.

But if you've really learned how to think, how to pay attention, then you'll know you have other options.

It will actually be within your power to experience a crowded, hot, slow, consumer hell-type situation as not only meaningful, but sacred — on fire with the same force that lit the stars: love, fellowship, the mystical oneness of all things deep down.”

17. Carol Dweck: "The Growth Mindset" (2020)

Theme of the speech: cultivating a growth mindset for personal and professional development..

In "The Growth Mindset," Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, and author, delivers an enlightening speech on the power of adopting a growth mindset for personal and professional growth.

Dweck's extensive research on mindset and achievement provides the foundation for her impactful message.

Dweck explains the difference between a fixed mindset, where individuals believe their abilities are fixed traits, and a growth mindset, where individuals believe their abilities can be developed through effort and learning.

She demonstrates how a growth mindset fosters resilience, learning, and innovation through relatable stories and compelling examples.

Dweck's speech resonates with individuals seeking personal and professional development, as she provides insights into how adopting a growth mindset can positively impact all areas of life.

Her research-based approach and engaging speaking style make "The Growth Mindset" an inspiring resource for individuals striving for continuous growth and improvement.

"The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even when it's not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset."

Famous Short Speeches With Inspirational Takeaways

18. al pacino: "inch by inch" (1999), theme of speech: teamwork.

Yes, this speech is from a football movie (Any Given Sunday), but trust me: This isn't your stereotypical rah-rah-go-get-'em sports speech. It's deeper than that. It's about life, and loss, and ... gosh darn it just listen to Al Pacino.

He's pouring his soul out!

“Either we heal as a team or we're gonna crumble, inch by inch, play by play, till we're finished. We're in hell right now, gentlemen, believe me.

And we can stay here and get the $&#@ kicked out of us, or we can fight our way back into the light. We can climb out of hell, one inch at a time.”

19. Satya Nadella: "Empowering Others" (2023)

Theme of the Speech: Empowerment and Collaboration

Satya Nadella's 2023 lecture, "Empowering Others," emphasizes the importance of leadership that empowers others rather than focusing on personal success.

He emphasizes the importance of leaders cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging in which everyone feels respected and able to accomplish their best work.

Nadella also discusses the significance of technology in positive development. Some of society's most important issues may be resolved by technology, but proper development and application are required.

According to Nadella, empathy and emotional intelligence are essential for outstanding leadership. He suggests that Leaders listen to and understand. their team members' needs and motivations.

Leaders can develop a culture of trust and collaboration that will help the team flourish.

Satya Nadella's "Empowering Others" provides a special message about leadership in the current day. By emphasizing diversity, empathy, and responsible innovation, Nadella encourages audiences to strive for excellence while being mindful of their impact on others and the world.

"Success is not just about what we achieve individually, but what we enable others to achieve."

20. Sylvester Stallone: Speech from Rocky Balboa (2006)

Theme of speech: never give up.

I had to put this one next since it plays along the same themes as Denzel Washington's UPenn speech. In the scene above, from the 2006 film Rocky Balboa, the title character (played by Sylvester Stallone) is having a heart-to-heart with his son.

The advice he gives him: Don't let your failures or the adversity you face slow you down. Keep. Moving. Forward.

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.

You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!”

21. Will Smith: Speech from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Theme of speech: don’t let them bring you down.

Here's another speech from the big screen, this time from the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness.

In the scene above, Will Smith's character explains to his son why he shouldn't pursue basketball (because he'll end up being "below average") before having a major change of heart.

“Don't ever let somebody tell you ... you can't do something. Not even me. All right? You got a dream. You gotta protect it. People can't do something themselves, they want to tell you can't do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”

22. Mel Robbins: "The 5 Second Rule" (2020)

Theme of the Speech: Action and Overcoming Self-Doubt

The "The 5 Second Rule" speech by Mel Robbins promotes action to achieve goals and overcome concerns and doubts.

When confronted with a decision or action that needs to be completed but you are hesitating or procrastinating, countdown from 5, and then act. According to Robbins, this method breaks habit loops that keep us unhealthy.

Counting down and taking action may assist us in overcoming uncertainty and self-doubt and moving toward our objectives. For success, Robbins also promotes mentality and self-talk.

She believes that to realize our potential, we must consciously reframe negative thoughts and limiting beliefs.

Mel Robbins' presentation "The 5 Second Rule" is a practical and efficient technique to overcome procrastination and achieve goals.

Robbins inspires listeners to take command of their lives and achieve by emphasizing attitude, self-talk, and positive actions.

"You are never going to feel like doing the things that are tough, difficult, or uncertain, but you have a choice."

23. Angela Duckworth: "The Power of Grit" (2020)

Theme of the Speech: Spirit and Perseverance

Angela Duckworth examines the significance of perseverance and resilience in achievement in her book "The Power of Grit." According to Duckworth, grit—passion and determination—is essential for long-term success and overcoming obstacles.

Duckworth addresses grit and mentality, believing that people who view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than threats will develop resilience and determination over time.

She advocates for a growth mindset, which believes people can acquire intelligence and other qualities through hard work. Duckworth places a premium on rigorous practice to achieve skill and mastery.

She recommends soliciting feedback, setting challenging goals, and intentionally improving abilities and succeeding. Angela Duckworth's "The Power of Grit" illuminates long-term achievement.

Duckworth emphasizes attitude, focused practice, and resilience to urge listeners to acquire grit and pursue their passions with tenacity.

"Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality."

24. Kurt Russell: “This is Your Time” (2004)

Theme of speech: inspiring and believing in your team.

The Miracle on Ice is still considered the biggest upset in Olympic hockey history. And for good reason. The Soviet Union won six of the last seven Olympic gold medals, and the U.S. team consisted only of amateur players.

It was obvious the Soviets were better. But, in the movie Miracle, which told the incredible story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, Kurt Russell's character — Coach Herb Brooks — knew that this game was different.

The U.S. was better than the Soviets that day. And his speech conveyed such a strong belief in his team that they pulled off one of the greatest sports moments of the 20th century.

“If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game… Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!

Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players, every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time.”

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30 Famous and Short Inspirational Speeches (5 minutes or less)

• December 13, 2023

This post is all about the best short inspirational speeches.

If you are in need of a quick boost of inspiration and motivation, you will find that in this post. I am one of those people who loves to get motivated. That sounds weird, right?

Well, a lot of people these days tend to give motivation a hard time because they don’t believe that it has lasting effects. In other words, they believe that what’s most important is your own self-discipline, because that’s what you have to rely on when motivation isn’t there.

And while I do agree with that sentiment in general, I will never pass up a great motivational podcast or YouTube video! 😀 There’s just something about them that even if they might not have lasting effects, they do truly help pump me up in the moment to get work done. And that’s usually what matters to me the most when I am looking for them in the first place.

So, here are the very best short motivational speeches so you can get that quick fix of motivation that you’re looking for, and ultimately move closer to your goals and dreams.

Short Inspirational Speeches

Believe in yourself speeches.

If you lack confidence or you are doubting yourself, these short motivational speeches will help you to believe in yourself again.

1. Rocky’s Inspirational Speech to His Son | ROCKY BALBOA

In less than 5 minutes, you’ll watch Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) explain to his son that if he wants to have the life he desires, he needs to believe in himself. He needs to stop listening to the people that tell him who he is, and instead go be his own person, and stop looking for someone to blame when things aren’t working out for him because ultimately it’s on HIM. This is one of the greatest inspirational speeches of all time.

2. Find Your Purpose | David Goggins – Motivational Speech

David Goggins is truly incredible. A former Navy SEAL, he has broken records and ran more races than you’d imagine. But the one thing that really stands out about him is his mindset.

Listen to this video if you want to be great. He tells you exactly what you need to do to get there.

Also, if you’ve never read David Goggins’ book “Can’t Hurt Me” , I highly recommend it. He talks about his rough upbringing, and how he was able to essentially become an entirely new person to become a Navy SEAL.

3. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF – Motivational Video (ft. Jaret Grossman & Eric Thomas)

This video is all about how important it is to have the proper belief system. If you truly believe that you are one of the best, you will start acting that you are one of the best, and eventually you may just be one of the best.

4. DON’T LET YOUR DREAMS DIE – Motivational Speech

This YouTube short by Mel Robbins is so good, I had to share it. A light bulb went on in my head when I first watched this. If there is something that is always on your mind, don’t let it haunt you forever because you never put yourself out there to try it. Go and DO!

Motivational Speeches About Not Giving Up

The following short motivational speeches are all about not giving up on your dreams. If you are losing hope, these short motivational speeches will inspire you to keep going.

5. Brené Brown It’s Not The Critic Who Counts

This speech will give you chills, and it is packed with great lessons about life. Brené Brown is a researcher who went viral for a Ted Talk, and here she talks about how to overcome critics and to keep believing in yourself no matter what. If you are worried about what people think of you, you NEED to watch this.

6. Amazing Motivational Speech by Denzel Washington 

This is another video that gave me chills. The main theme of this famous speech is “ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship”. Stay consistent even when it’s hard. Easy task after easy task won’t get you to where you want to be.

7. Steve Harvey – Inspirational Speech | Motivational Short Video | Incredible You

This short motivational speech by Steve Harvey is short but impactful. If you are someone who stepped out of your comfort zone to pursue something really difficult, and you’re thinking about giving up, this speech may just prevent you from doing so.

8. Ed Mylett on The Power of One More

Ed Mylett shares the story of how his father stayed sober until his dying day, and how Ed himself uses that same philosophy to never give up. Personal stories like these are always the most inspiring.

By the way, if you REALLY want to push yourself and become the best, read Ed Mylett’s most recent book on this same topic, “The Power Of One More” .

Motivational Speeches If You’re Feeling Behind

Are you feeling behind in life? If so, let’s change that. Watch these videos to be reminded that you are on your own unique path. You have no competition other than your past self. These short motivational videos will help you believe that.

9. Before You Feel Pressure – WATCH THIS | by Jay Shetty

Jay Shetty talks to a school class about how there’s no one “perfect” life timeline to follow, and that we are all on our own clock. 

10. Kevin Hart Motivational Speech

If you’ve made mistakes in your life (haven’t we all) this is a great story from Kevin Hart (famous comedian and actor) that will remind you of the power of making mistakes and pushing through hard times.

11. Oprah Winfrey | 5 Minutes For The NEXT 50 Years of Your LIFE

In this video, Oprah talks about the importance of really knowing who you are and what you want in your life. She talks about surrounding yourself with great people, and how to have enormous success. “Let excellence be your brand.”

Listen To These If You Need Perspective

Sometimes in life, we get so caught up in the day to day that we forget what truly matters – the people we love. If you are having trouble with something in life, give these videos a listen, because they just might help you realize what is really important.

12. Arnold Schwarzenegger – Organize Your Day | 1 MINUTE MOTIVATIONAL VIDEO

Are you the kind of person who always complains that you don’t have enough time to do something? If so, you’re not alone. We are all busy humans, running around doing a million things. But if you aren’t prioritizing what you know you should be doing, listen to this video.

13. How to Judge Your Life Using 3 Simple Questions | Brendon Burchard Speech| Goalcast

Have you ever heard of Mortality Motivation? It’s essentially what it sounds like… being motivated by the impending reality of your death. It sounds a little morbid, but it’s actually quite beautiful and it can be really beneficial if you harness it for good.

In this video by motivational speaker Brendon Burchard, he shares how a car accident when he was 19 gave him mortality motivation and changed everything for him.

14. FALL, SUFFER AND LEARN | MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH BY OPRAH WINFREY

This speech by Oprah was given to Harvard graduates, and it’s a unique speech because she talks about failing, even after the major success of her television show for over 20 years.

It’s refreshing to hear that even the most successful people fail. What really matters, though, is what you do with your failure. Do you learn from it and move on? Or do you give up?

15. YOU VS YOU – Best Motivational Video

This is a pretty intense video about competition. If your #1 competition is someone else, you need to change your perspective. Your only competition is YOU. The only thing preventing you from moving forward is you.

16. The Speech That Brought This Entire School To Tears

This is a speech about a man who never really paid much attention to his mother, until she passed away. It’s an emotional reminder to cherish the time you have with your loved ones, because you never know if the next time you see them will be the last time.

In my opinion, this speaker embodies many qualities of the best motivational speakers because he really knows how to capture the audience’s attention and pull on their heart strings.

17. 5 Minutes to Start Your Day Right! – MORNING MOTIVATION

This motivational speech is by a Navy SEAL who will remind you to start each day with a task completed, respect everyone, take risks, step up during tough times, and never give up. If you do these things, the next generation, and the generations that follow, will live better lives than we live today.

18. The Real You – Jim Carrey

This video is one of the best motivational speech examples because it reminds you of something so important: sometimes we can be so focused on earning more money, gaining fame, and becoming admired that we lose ourselves or we lose sight of what’s really important to us in the process.

Jim Carrey talks about how he is a great example of that. He got all of the money, fame, and admiration, and admits that that wasn’t really who he was. Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that money and fame, or even getting to the top of the corporate ladder, while nice, aren’t going to be the thing that brings you fulfillment when it’s all said and done.

19. Ed Mylett Motivational Speech

I posted another motivational video by Ed Mylett above, but if you don’t know much about him, prepare to have your world rocked. He’s probably my absolute favorite motivational speaker because he is successful and he works hard, but he’s also (seemingly) a kind, family guy who’s been through a few things.

In this video, he talks about being “the one” that changed his family tree. Take a listen because I’m sure it’ll get you thinking on whether or not you can be “the one” in YOUR family.

P.S. If you love personal growth content, you should check out Ed Mylett’s podcast . I listen to it every week and it is one of my favorites.

20. If You Feel LOST, LAZY & UNMOTIVATED In Life, WATCH THIS! | Tony Robbins Motivation

If you are someone who is constantly blaming others or your circumstances for your unhappiness, you need to listen to this video by Tony Robbins . Bad things happen to us all, it’s up to you to focus on what you can control.

Great Inspirational Speeches About Hard Work

How hard do you think you work? Could you be doing more? If there’s a little voice inside of your heart that knows you could be doing more and better, these motivational videos about the value of hard work will help you push yourself.

And a side note: your chances of having good luck increase the harder and longer you work.

21. You’re Not Tired, You’re Just Weak – David Goggins Motivation

If you’re feeling lazy or like you don’t want to do something, watch this video til 2:25 . It will give you the push you need to put your head down and do the work. It’ll remind you to keep pursuing your goals and to keep challenging yourself. Key takeaway: push yourself beyond your perceived limits.

22. Hard Work & Patience – A Gary Vaynerchuk Original Film

If you want to be motivated to work hard, listen to Gary Vaynerchuk. Gary Vaynerchuk is a creative genius known for his marketing tactics. This famous motivational speech is all about playing “the long game”, as in, working for a long time and having patience instead of working hard for a short period of time and expecting to win quickly.

23. OBSESSION – Best Motivational Speech

This is one of my favorite short motivational speeches because it makes me feel a little more normal for being “weird”. I’m the kind of person who chooses to work on the weekends instead of hanging out with people. Crazy, right? But it’s because I’m working toward a dream of mine and it’s something that’s really important to me. The most important thing to remember: it’s okay to devote yourself to something. It’s the only way to get what you want in life.

24. WORK LIKE HELL – Best Motivational Video

This is a series of motivational speeches about doing a little bit more and outworking your competition. I’m not going to lie – I’m up late writing this post and listening to this very video is what’s motivating me to keep going.

25. The video EVERY woman should watch!

Whether or not you’re a Rachel Hollis fan may be up for debate (and that’s okay!) but I happen to think she’s a great motivational speaker. This entire speech will inspire you to work hard and take massive action – today.

26. NEVER SURRENDER – Powerful Motivational Speech (by Kobe Bryant)

This one minute video by the late Kobe Bryant is one of the most famous short speeches. I read a book recently by his former personal trainer and I learned that Kobe really outworked everyone. He talks about a quote in this video that really stuck with him, and I think it’s great advice if you’re the kind of person who needs motivation to keep working hard.

Motivational Speeches About Working Smart

Have you ever heard the saying “work smarter, not harder”? That saying is all about ensuring that the work you are doing is actually efficient. Are you getting to where you want to go with all of the work that you are putting in? Are you getting closer to your goals and your dreams? Or are you sprinting like a hamster on a wheel and just running in circles?

Here are great videos on the importance of working hard but also working intentionally.

27. SET SYSTEMS RATHER THAN GOALS – Motivational Speech – James Clear

A goal gives you a sense of direction, but if you don’t spell out precisely how you are going to get to a goal, it is useless. You must develop systems. Listen to this James Clear video to gain valuable life lessons.

By the way, James Clear is an author who wrote perhaps my favorite book of all time: “Atomic Habits” . It’s life-changing if you haven’t read it yet.

28. Matthew McConaughey | 5 Minutes for the NEXT 50 Years of Your LIFE

This is one of the best motivational speeches of all time about how to live a great life for YOU. It’s filled with little pieces of wisdom that’ll really get you thinking about how you live your life and in what direction you want to go.

29. Visualization is the key – Bob Proctor

Do you believe in the Law of Attraction? If not, I have to say I’m surprised! I’ve experienced it in my own life more than once, and it is incredibly powerful. Here’s a great video that sums up the power of visualization, and if you want to learn more about the Law of Attraction or manifestation in general, read this post .

This video shows the true power of words, thoughts, and feelings that you have.

30. How to Stay Motivated – Carla Harris

Here is a YouTube short with very practical advice from Carla Harris on HOW to stay motivated. It’s all about having a vision!

This post was all about short inspirational speeches. Which one was your favorite?

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About Taylor

A few years after graduating college, Taylor made it her mission to become debt free. After paying off all $60k of debt, she began to blog about what she's really passionate about: personal development. Nowadays, Taylor blogs about the topics of Mindset, Money, Health, and Career for women.

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4 Letter Words That Are Inspirational & Positive 

THEODORE ROOSEVELT, “THE STRENUOUS LIFE” (10 April 1899)

[1] In speaking to you, men of the greatest city of the West, men of the State which gave to the country Lincoln and Grant, men who pre-eminently and distinctly embody all that is most American in the American character, I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life, the life of toil and effort, of labor and strife; to preach that highest form of success which comes, not to the man who desires mere easy peace, but to the man who does not shrink from danger, from hardship, or from bitter toil, and who out of these wins the splendid ultimate triumph.

[2] A life of ignoble ease, a life of that peace which springs merely from lack either of desire or of power to strive after great things, is as little worthy of a nation as of an individual. I ask only that what every self-respecting American demands from himself and from his sons shall be demanded of the American nation as a whole. Who among you would teach your boys that ease, that peace, is to be the first consideration in their eyes-to be the ultimate goal after which they strive? You men of Chicago have made this city great, you men of Illinois have done your share, and more than your share, in making America great, because you neither preach nor practice such a doctrine. You work yourselves, and you bring up your sons to work. If you are rich and are worth your salt, you will teach your sons that though they may have leisure, it is not to be spent in idleness; for wisely used leisure merely means that those who possess it, being free from the necessity of working for their livelihood, are all the more bound to carry on some kind of non-remunerative work in science, in letters, in art, in exploration, in historical research-work of the type we most need in this country, the successful carrying out of which reflects most honor upon the nation.

[3] We do not admire the man of timid peace. We admire the man who embodies victorious effort; the man who never wrongs his neighbor, who is prompt to help a friend, but who has those virile qualities necessary to win in the stern strife of actual life. It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed. In this life we get nothing save by effort. Freedom from effort in the present merely means that there has been stored up effort in the past. A man can be freed from the necessity of work only by the fact that he or his fathers before him have worked to good purpose. If the freedom thus purchased is used aright, and the man still does actual work, though of a different kind, whether as a writer or a General, whether in the field of politics or in the field of exploration and adventure, he shows he deserves his good fortune. But if he treats this period of freedom from the need of actual labor as a period not of preparation, but of mere enjoyment, he shows that he is simply a cumberer of the earth’s surface, and he surely unfits himself to hold his own with his fellows if the need to do so should again arise. A mere life of ease is not in the end a very satisfactory life, and, above all, it is a life which ultimately unfits those who follow it for serious work in the world.

[4] As it is with the individual, so it is with the nation. It is a base untruth to say that happy is the nation that has no history. Thrice happy is the nation that has a glorious history. Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. If in 1861 the men who loved the Union had believed that peace was the end of all things, and war and strife the worst of all things, and had acted up to their belief, we would have saved hundreds of thousands of lives, we would have saved hundreds of millions of dollars. Moreover, besides saving all the blood and treasure we then lavished, we would have prevented the heartbreak of many women, the dissolution of many homes, and we would have spared the country those months of gloom and shame when it seemed as if our armies marched only to defeat. We could have avoided all this suffering simply by shrinking from strife. And if we had thus avoided it, we would have shown that we were weaklings, and that we were unfit to stand among the great nations of the earth. Thank God for the iron in the blood of our fathers, the men who upheld the wisdom of Lincoln, and bore sword or rifle in the armies of Grant! Let us, the children of the men who proved themselves equal to the mighty days-let us, the children of the men who carried the great Civil War to a triumphant conclusion, praise the God of our fathers that the ignoble counsels of peace were rejected; that the suffering and loss, the blackness of sorrow and despair, were unflinchingly faced, and the years of strife endured; for in the end the slave was freed, the Union restored, and the mighty American republic placed once more as a helmeted queen among nations.

[5] We of this generation do not have to face a task such as that our fathers faced, but we have our tasks, and woe to us if we fail to perform them! We cannot, if we would, play the part of China, and be content to rot by inches in ignoble ease within our borders, taking no interest in what goes on beyond them, sunk in a scrambling commercialism; heedless of the higher life, the life of aspiration, of toil and risk, busying ourselves only with the wants of our bodies for the day, until suddenly we should find, beyond a shadow of question, what China has already found, that in this world the nation that has trained itself to a career of unwarlike and isolated ease is bound, in the end, to go down before other nations which have not lost the manly and adventurous qualities. If we are to be a really great people, we must strive in good faith to play a great part in the world. We cannot avoid meeting great issues. All that we can determine for ourselves is whether we shall meet them well or ill. Last year we could not help being brought face to face with the problem of war with Spain. All we could decide was whether we should shrink like cowards from the contest, or enter into it as beseemed a brave and high-spirited people; and; once in, whether failure or success should crown our banners. So it is now. We cannot avoid the responsibilities that confront us in Hawaii, Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines. All we can decide is whether we shall meet them in a way that will redound to the national credit, or whether we shall make of our dealings with these new problems a dark and shameful page in our history. To refuse to deal with them at all merely amounts to dealing with them badly. We have a given problem to solve. If we undertake the solution, there is, of course, always danger that we may not solve it aright; but to refuse to undertake the solution simply renders it certain that we cannot possibly solve it aright.

[6] The timid man, the lazy man, the man who distrusts his country, the over-civilized man, who has lost the great fighting, masterful virtues, the ignorant man, and the man of dull mind, whose soul is incapable of feeling the mighty lift that thrills “stern men with empires in their brains”-all these, of course, shrink from seeing the nation undertake its new duties; shrink from seeing us build a navy and an army adequate to our needs; shrink from seeing us do our share of the world’s work, by bringing order out of chaos in the great, fair tropic islands from which the valor of our soldiers and sailors has driven the Spanish flag. These are the men who fear the strenuous life, who fear the only national life which is really worth leading. They believe in that cloistered life which saps the hardy virtues in a nation, as it saps them in the individual; or else they are wedded to that base spirit of gain and greed which recognizes in commercialism the be-all and end-all of national life, instead of realizing that, though an indispensable element, it is, after all, but one of the many elements that go to make up true national greatness. No country can long endure if its foundations are not laid deep in the material prosperity which comes from thrift, from business energy and enterprise, from hard, unsparing effort in the fields of industrial activity; but neither was any nation ever yet truly great if it relied upon material prosperity alone. All honor must be paid to the architects of our material prosperity, to the great captains of industry who have built our factories and our railroads, to the strong men who toil for wealth with brain or hand; for great is the debt of the nation to these and their kind. But our debt is yet greater to the men whose highest type is to be found in a statesman like Lincoln, a soldier like Grant. They showed by their lives that they recognized the law of work, the law of strife; they toiled to win a competence for themselves and those dependent upon them; but they recognized that there were yet other and even loftier duties – duties to the nation and duties to the race.

[7] We cannot sit huddled within our own borders and avow ourselves merely an assemblage of well-to-do hucksters who care nothing for what happens beyond. Such a policy would defeat even its own end; for as the nations grow to have ever wider and wider interests, and are brought into closer and closer contact, if we are to hold our own in the struggle for naval and commercial supremacy, we must build up our power without our own borders. We must build the isthmian canal, and we must grasp the points of vantage which will enable us to have our say in deciding the destiny of the oceans of the East and the West.

[8] So much for the commercial side. From the standpoint of international honor the argument is even stronger. The guns that thundered off Manila and Santiago, left us echoes of glory, but they also left us a legacy of duty. If we drove out a medieval tyranny only to make room for savage anarchy, we had better not have begun the task at all. It is worse than idle to say that we have no duty to perform, and can leave to their fates the islands we have conquered. Such a course would be the course of infamy. It would be followed at once by utter chaos in the wretched islands themselves. Some stronger, manlier power would have to step in and do the work, and we would have shown ourselves weaklings, unable to carry to successful completion the labors that great and high-spirited nations are eager to undertake.

[9] The work must be done; we cannot escape our responsibility; and if we are worth our salt, we shall be glad of the chance to do the work – glad of the chance to show ourselves equal to one of the great tasks set modern civilization. But let us not deceive ourselves as to the importance of the task. Let us not be misled by vainglory into underestimating the strain it will put on our powers. Above all, let us, as we value our own self-respect, face the responsibilities with proper seriousness, courage, and high resolve. We must demand the highest order of integrity and ability in our public men who are to grapple with these new problems. We must hold to a rigid accountability those public servants who show unfaithfulness to the interests of the nation or inability to rise to the high level of the new demands upon our strength and our resources.

[10] Of course we must remember not to judge any public servant by any one act, and especially should we beware of attacking the men who are merely the occasions and not the causes of disaster. Let me illustrate what I mean by the army and the navy. If twenty years ago we had gone to war, we should have found the navy as absolutely unprepared as the army. At that time our ships could not have encountered with success the fleets of Spain any more than nowadays we can put untrained soldiers, no matter how brave, who are armed with archaic black-powder weapons, against well-drilled regulars armed with the highest type of modern repeating rifle. But in the early eighties the attention of the nation became directed to our naval needs. Congress most wisely made a series of appropriations to build up a new navy, and under a succession of able and patriotic secretaries, of both political parties, the navy was gradually built up, until its material became equal to its splendid personnel, with the result that last summer it leaped to its proper place as one of the most brilliant and formidable fighting navies in the entire world. We rightly pay all honor to the men controlling the navy at the time it won these great deeds, honor to Secretary Long and Admiral Dewey, to the captains who handled the ships in action, to the daring lieutenants who braved death in the smaller craft, and to the heads of bureaus at Washington who saw that the ships were so commanded, so armed, so equipped, so well engined, as to insure the best results. But let us also keep ever in mind that all of this would not have availed if it had not been for the wisdom of the men who during the preceding fifteen years had built up the navy. Keep in mind the secretaries of the navy during those years; keep in mind the senators and congressmen who by their votes gave the money necessary to build and to armor the ships, to construct the great guns, and to train the crews; remember also those who actually did build the ships, the armor, and the guns; and remember the admirals and captains who handled battle-ship, cruiser, and torpedo-boat on the high seas, alone and in squadrons, developing the seamanship, the gunnery, and the power of acting together, which their successors utilized so gloriously at Manila and off Santiago.

[11] And, gentlemen, remember the converse, too. Remember that justice has two sides. Be just to those who built up the navy, and, for the sake of the future of the country, keep in mind those who opposed its building up. Read the Congressional Record. Find out the senators and congressmen who opposed the grants for building the new ships; who opposed the purchase of armor, without which the ships were worthless; who opposed any adequate maintenance for the Navy Department, and strove to cut down the number of men necessary to man our fleets. The men who did these things were one and all working to bring disaster on the country. They have no share in the glory of Manila, in the honor of Santiago. They have no cause to feel proud of the valor of our sea-captains, of the renown of our flag. Their motives may or may not have been good, but their acts were heavily fraught with evil. They did ill for the national honor, and we won in spite of their sinister opposition.

[12] Now, apply all this to our public men of to-day. Our army has never been built up as it should be built up. I shall not discuss with an audience like this the puerile suggestion that a nation of seventy millions of freemen is in danger of losing its liberties from the existence of an army of 100,000 men, three fourths of whom will be employed in certain foreign islands, in certain coast fortresses, and on Indian reservations. No man of good sense and stout heart can take such a proposition seriously. If we are such weaklings as the proposition implies, then we are unworthy of freedom in any event. To no body of men in the United States is the country so much indebted as to the splendid officers and enlisted men of the regular army and navy. There is no body from which the country has less to fear, and none of which it should be prouder, none which it should be more anxious to upbuild.

[13] Our army needs complete reorganization-not merely enlarging-and the reorganization can only come as the result of legislation. A proper general staff should be established, and the positions of ordnance, commissary, and quartermaster officers should be filled by detail from the line. Above all, the army must be given the chance to exercise in large bodies. Never again should we see, as we saw in the Spanish war, major-generals in command of divisions who had never before commanded three companies together in the field. Yet, incredible to relate, the recent Congress has shown a queer inability to learn some of the lessons of the war. There were large bodies, of men in both branches who opposed the declaration of war, who opposed the ratification of peace, who opposed the upbuilding of the army, and who even opposed the purchase of: armor at a reasonable price for the battle-ships and cruisers, thereby putting an absolute stop to the building of any new fighting-ships for the navy. If, during the years to come, any disaster should befall our arms, afloat or ashore, and thereby any shame come to the United States, remember that the blame will lie upon the men whose names appear upon the roll-calls of Congress on the wrong side of these great questions. On them will lie the burden of any loss of our soldiers and sailors, of any dishonor to the flag; and upon you and the people of this country will lie the blame if you do not repudiate, in no unmistakable way, what these men have done. The blame will not rest upon the untrained commander of untried troops, upon the civil officers of a department the organization of which has been left utterly inadequate, or upon the admiral with an insufficient number of ships; but upon the public men who have so lamentably failed in forethought as to refuse to remedy these evils long in advance, and upon the nation that stands behind those public men.

[14] So, at the present hour, no small share of the responsibility for the blood shed in the Philippines, the blood of our brothers, and the blood of their wild and ignorant foes, lies at the thresholds of those who so long delayed the adoption of the treaty of peace, and of those who by their worse than foolish words deliberately invited a savage people to plunge into a war fraught with sure disaster for them – a war, too, in which our own brave men who follow the flag must pay with their blood for the silly, mock humanitarianism of the prattlers who sit at home in peace.

[15] The army and the navy are the sword and the shield which this nation must carry if she is to do her duty among the nations of the earth – if she is not to stand merely as the China of the western hemisphere. Our proper conduct toward the tropic islands we have wrested from Spain is merely the form which our duty has taken at the moment. Of course we are bound to handle the affairs of our own household well. We must see that there is civic honesty, civic cleanliness, civic good sense in our home administration of city, State, and nation. We must strive for honesty in office, for honesty toward the creditors of the nation and of the individual; for the widest freedom of individual initiative where possible, and for the wisest control of individual initiative where it is hostile to the welfare of the many. But because we set our own household in order we are not thereby excused from playing our part in the great affairs of the world. A man’s first duty is to his own home, but he is not thereby excused from doing his duty to the State; for if he fails in this second duty it is under the penalty of ceasing to be a free man. In the same way, while a nation’s first duty is within its own borders, it is not thereby absolved from facing its duties in the world as a whole; and if it refuses to do so, it merely forfeits its right to struggle for a place among the peoples that shape the destiny of mankind.

[16] In the West Indies and the Philippines alike we are confronted by most difficult problems. It is cowardly to shrink from solving them in the proper way; for solved they must be, if not by us, then by some stronger and more manful race. If we are too weak, too selfish, or too foolish to solve them, some bolder and abler people must undertake the solution. Personally, I am far too firm a believer in the greatness of my country and the power of my countrymen to admit for one moment that we shall ever be driven to the ignoble alternative.

[17] The problems are different for the different islands. Porto Rico is not large enough to stand alone. We must govern it wisely and well, primarily in the interest of its own people. Cuba is, in my judgment, entitled ultimately to settle for itself whether it shall be an independent state or an integral portion of the mightiest of republics. But until order and stable liberty are secured, we must remain in the island to insure them, and infinite tact, judgment, moderation, and courage must be shown by our military and civil representatives in keeping the island pacified, in relentlessly stamping out brigandage, in protecting all alike, and yet in showing proper recognition to the men who have fought for Cuban liberty. The Philippines offer a yet graver problem. Their population includes half-caste and native Christians, warlike Moslems, and wild pagans. Many of their people are utterly unfit for self-government, and show no signs of becoming fit. Others may in time become fit but at present can only take part in self-government under a wise supervision, at once firm and beneficent. We have driven Spanish tyranny from the islands. If we now let it be replaced by savage anarchy, our work has been for harm and not for good. I have scant patience with those who fear to undertake the task of governing the Philippines, and who openly avow that they do fear to undertake it, or that they shrink from it because of the expense and trouble; but I have even scanter patience with those who make a pretense of humanitarianism to hide and cover their timidity, and who cant about “liberty” and the “consent of the governed,” in order to excuse themselves for their unwillingness to play the part of men. Their doctrines, if carried out, would make it incumbent upon us to leave the Apaches of Arizona to work out their own salvation, and to decline to interfere in a single Indian reservation. Their doctrines condemn your forefathers and mine for ever having settled in these United States.

[18] England’s rule in India and Egypt has been of great benefit to England, for it has trained up generations of men accustomed to look at the larger and loftier side of public life. It has been of even greater benefit to India and Egypt. And finally, and most of all, it has advanced the cause of civilization. So, if we do our duty aright in the Philippines, we will add to that national renown which is the highest and finest part of national life, will greatly benefit the people of the Philippine Islands, and, above all, we will play our part well in the great work of uplifting mankind. But to do this work, keep ever in mind that we must show in a high degree the qualities of courage, of honesty, and of good judgment. Resistance must be stamped out. The first and all-important work to be done is to establish the supremacy of our flag. We must put down armed resistance before we can accomplish anything else, and there should be no parleying, no faltering, in dealing with our foe. As for those in our own country who encourage the foe, we can afford contemptuously to disregard them; but it must be remembered that their utterances are not saved from being treasonable merely by the fact that they are despicable.

[19] When once we have put down armed resistance, when once our rule is acknowledged, then an even more difficult task will begin, for then we must see to it that the islands are administered with absolute honesty and with good judgment. If we let the public service of the islands be turned into the prey of the spoils politician, we shall have begun to tread the path which Spain trod to her own destruction. We must send out there only good and able men, chosen for their fitness, and not because of their partisan service, and these men must not only administer impartial justice to the natives and serve their own government with honesty and fidelity, but must show the utmost tact and firmness, remembering that, with such people as those with whom we are to deal, weakness is the greatest of crimes, and that next to weakness comes lack of consideration for their principles and prejudices.

[20] I preach to you, then, my countrymen, that our country calls not for the life of ease but for the life of strenuous endeavor. The twentieth century looms before us big with the fate of many nations. If we stand idly by, if we seek merely swollen, slothful ease and ignoble peace, if we shrink from the hard contests where men must win at hazard of their lives and at the risk of all they hold dear, then the bolder and stronger peoples will pass us by, and will win for themselves the domination of the world. Let us therefore boldly face the life of strife, resolute to do our duty well and manfully; resolute to uphold righteousness by deed and by word; resolute to be both honest and brave, to serve high ideals, yet to use practical methods. Above all, let us shrink from no strife, moral or physical, within or without the nation, provided we are certain that the strife is justified, for it is only through strife, through hard and dangerous endeavor, that we shall ultimately win the goal of true national greatness.

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Speech about Life for Students & Children

January 17, 2024 by Sandeep

Speech about Life: Life is beautiful but is full of roller-coaster rides. Life can be challenging, yet we learn to face the world strongly. It’s a divine gift from God, and we must instill a purpose and a path to success. Life is full of surprises and unexpected pitfalls. With inner strength, we should face life with a pinch of a smile. Life provides us with opportunities to succeed and accomplish heights of success in the world.

Short Speech About Life

Below we have provided 2 minutes short speech about life, suitable for class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 students.

Good morning to all of you present here. Today, I am going to deliver a speech on life. Life is an opportunity to contribute positively to the world. God gifts us all life. Life comes with an end, i.e., death. All people, regardless of being knowledgeable or less knowledgeable, have to face it someday. Someone who is not worried about death but lives life to the fullest is counted as one of the wisest individuals on earth. It is never essential how long we live our life, but it is always vital how well we live our moments, how many lives we touch, and what we achieve in our lifetime.

Understanding life to the fullest brings satisfaction and happiness. On the other hand, those who cannot grasp the meaning of life often find themselves complaining. Life is a process that includes happiness, sorrow, hardships, relationships, and lessons stored for all of us. We are the ones who make a difference to all these. A person who learns to be satisfied is always happy, no matter what he has or has achieved. Someone who embraces struggles and obstacles to become a better person is always successful.

A positive attitude and lively approach always make a difference in life. Life is always full of hope, and we all must make every moment of this life memorable. We all must be thankful to God for this glorious opportunity. It is a treasure for us, making everyone’s journey unique and distinct. We must strive to make everything possible, creating a life worth living.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak on this topic.

Speech on Life

Below, we have provided a motivational speech about life, written in easy and simple words for classes 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. This life speech is helpful for school students who are preparing for a speech writing competition.

Good morning to one and all present here. I am here to share my thoughts on life. So, what is life? Life is a miracle or a gift given by God. It is a process that has to end someday. Life is all about living yourself. It is unique for every individual; no two people born in this world are the same. Every person carries their personality and character. Life is like a sea of opportunity to create and adore things around you.

Every human life is a blessing, which has the power to build and rebuild things. Life gives us plenty of moments where we express, create, love, help, and experience many more things. It shows us the path of success and brings happiness with time. However, we must remember that life is not always about positive things or happiness. There are sorrows, hardships, and hurdles, but what matters is how we react to such situations.

We all must learn to make this life meaningful by doing whatever is possible. We must carry positive thoughts and attitude. None of us must curse life, as it is an opportunity we got by God’s grace. We must cherish and live every day of our life. We are blessed with many relationships in this world; it is the loving family and caring friends who make our life beautiful. Family, friends, and people around us give us a purpose to live in this world.

The trust, care, and love keep us going for the rest of our lives. They all make our life worth living. Understanding our near and dear ones is vital in our lives. Life is like a trust entrusted to you. It gives you the hope to keep moving. It is like the faith in God, as we all understand that we are answerable to Him for our deeds.

Life is a journey full of ups and downs. It leads us to paths full of happiness, challenges, lessons, hardship, and special moments. We all need to keep in mind that life will not always be easy; it will have a few things to test us or challenge us. We need to accept all those and keep moving on our way. We all must know that it is the only life we got; we must ensure that we do the right things. I would like to conclude my speech with this beautiful quote:

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

Speech on My Goal In Life

Life is a journey, and setting goals gives your journey direction. You might have different ambitions, like becoming a doctor, a scientist, or a world traveler.

Your life goals shape your future and define who you are. They give you purpose, drive, and motivation to strive for greatness.

1-minute Speech on My Goal In Life

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I stand before you today to share something very special – my goal in life. We all have dreams, don’t we? Dreams are like stars in the sky. My dream, my goal, is to be like the sun, the brightest star, that brings light to everyone’s life.

My goal in life is to make a difference, to bring smiles to the faces of people around me. I want to be someone who helps others, who makes their lives better. Just like a doctor who heals the sick, or a teacher who helps us learn, or a firefighter who saves lives.

But how can I do this? I believe the answer is simple – through kindness and understanding. If I can be kind to everyone I meet, understand their troubles, and help them, then I can make a difference.

I also want to learn, learn as much as I can. Knowledge is like a magic key that can open any door. The more I learn, the better I can help others. So, I want to be a lifelong learner, always curious, always asking questions.

But, achieving a goal isn’t easy. It’s like climbing a tall mountain. There will be hard times, there will be challenges. But I am ready to face them with courage and never give up. Because I believe in my goal, and I believe in myself.

So, boys and girls, let’s all dream big, work hard, be kind, and never stop learning. Because our goals, our dreams can light up the world. Thank you.

2-minute Speech on My Goal In Life

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls,

Today, I stand before you to talk about something very important to me, something we all should have – a ‘Goal in Life’. Now, you might be wondering, what is a goal? Well, it’s like a dream with a deadline, a target we aim to hit. It’s like the North Star that guides sailors in the sea. It gives us a direction, a purpose, and a reason to keep moving forward.

My goal in life is simple – I want to make a difference. You see, there’s a lot of joy and satisfaction in helping others, in making someone’s life better. It’s like planting a seed and watching it grow into a beautiful tree.

How do I plan to make a difference? By becoming a teacher. Yes, a teacher! Some of you might think, “A teacher? That’s it?” But let me tell you, a teacher is a powerful person. A teacher can shape minds, inspire hearts, and change the world, one student at a time.

But why a teacher? Well, it’s because I believe education is the key to a better world. It’s the light that chases away the darkness of ignorance. It’s the bridge that takes us from where we are to where we want to be. It’s the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world, as a great man, Nelson Mandela, once said.

But, becoming a teacher is not the end of my goal. It’s just the beginning. I want to be a teacher who inspires, who encourages, who believes in the power of dreams. I want to be a teacher who says, “Yes, you can!” and helps students believe in themselves. I want to be a teacher who not only teaches but also learns, grows, and evolves with her students.

But, my dear friends, having a goal is not enough. We need to work towards it, step by step, day by day. We need to learn, to grow, to fall, to rise, and to keep moving forward, no matter what. It’s like climbing a mountain. It’s tough, it’s challenging, but when we reach the top, oh, the view is worth it!

So, let’s dream big, set goals, and take action. Let’s not be afraid to fail, for failure is just a stepping stone to success. Let’s be brave, be bold, and believe in ourselves. For, as the saying goes, “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.”

In conclusion, my goal in life is not just about me. It’s about us, it’s about our world. It’s about making a difference, one life at a time, one day at a time. And I believe, together, we can make this world a better place. Because, my dear friends, we are not just dreamers, we are doers. And doers change the world.

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Eulogy writing guide, funeral speeches for a work colleague, tribute speech to dad from daughter, funeral speech writing advice, celebration of life speech examples.

• March 9, 2024

Table of Contents

Celebration Of Life Speech Example 1

Shared memories, personal touches, a celebration of life speech, fond memories and anecdotes, passions, hobbies, and life achievements, shared experiences and impact, acknowledgment of grief, gathering thoughts and memories, structuring the speech, balancing emotion with celebration, reviewing and practicing the speech, for a friend, for a parent, for a spouse, emotional preparation, maintaining a positive, yet respectful tone, using notes or a written speech for reference, encouragement for seeking support if needed, crafting eulogies with reverence for spiritual guides, collaborative crafting of a tribute that resonates, voices from the heart: client testimonials for eulogy assistant, what is a celebration of life speech, how does a celebration of life speech differ from a eulogy, what should be the tone of a celebration of life speech, what are some tips for writing a celebration of life speech, how long should a celebration of life speech be, can i incorporate humor into a celebration of life speech, how can i make the speech more personal, can i include multimedia elements in the speech, how should i conclude a celebration of life speech, can i invite others to share their memories during the speech, how can i prepare myself to deliver the speech, what should i do if i become too emotional while speaking, celebration of life speech example 2, understanding the concept of a celebration of life event, components of a celebration of life speech, step-by-step guide to writing a celebration of life speech, sample celebration of life speeches, tips for delivering a celebration of life speech, eulogy assistant: nurturing memories into tributes, celebration of life speech frequently asked questions.

Life, in all its facets, is a beautiful journey. One filled with moments of joy, sadness, triumph, and lessons that shape us into the people we become. As we gather to remember those who have completed this journey, it's often difficult to find the right words to pay tribute to their memory. This is where a Celebration of Life speech comes into play. It serves as a heartwarming tribute, focusing on the joy, love, and laughter that our loved ones brought into our lives, rather than dwelling on the sorrow of their passing.

Good [morning/afternoon/evening] everyone,

Today, we gather not to mourn a loss but to celebrate a life extraordinarily lived, a life that was a beacon of joy, love, and inspiration. As we reminisce about the journey of [Name], it becomes evident that [his/her] existence was nothing short of a magnificent symphony, where each moment was a beautiful note contributing to a melodious and harmonious whole.

From the early days of [his/her] youth, [Name] exuded an aura of positivity and zest for life. [He/She] embraced the world with open arms, eager to explore its wonders and immerse [himself/herself] in the beauty that life had to offer. [He/She] was a person who believed in living life to the fullest, embracing each moment with a passion that was truly infectious.

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[Name] had an uncanny ability to connect with people, to reach into their souls and touch their hearts. [His/Her] warm smile, kind eyes, and gentle spirit were a refuge for many, a place where one could find comfort, love, and understanding. [He/She] had the gift of empathy, a rare quality that allowed [him/her] to understand and feel the emotions of others deeply.

Throughout [his/her] life, [Name] pursued [his/her] passions with fervor and determination. [His/Her] love for [mention a hobby or profession] was evident in the way [he/she] devoted [himself/herself] to it, constantly seeking to hone [his/her] skills and achieve excellence. [His/Her] dedication was an inspiration, a testament to what can be achieved when one pursues their dreams with heart and soul.

But what set [Name] apart was [his/her] boundless love for [his/her] family and friends. [He/She] was the glue that held everyone together, the rock upon which everyone could lean. [His/Her] love was a nurturing force, a protective shield that enveloped everyone in its warm embrace. [Name] was not just a family member or a friend; [he/she] was a guardian angel, a beacon of light in the lives of those [he/she] loved.

[Name] also had a deep connection with nature. [He/She] found solace in the beauty of the natural world, often retreating to [mention a favorite place or activity] to recharge [his/her] soul. [His/Her] love for nature was a reflection of [his/her] pure and untamed spirit, a spirit that soared freely like a bird in the sky.

As we celebrate [Name]'s life today, let us remember [his/her] lessons, the wisdom [he/she] imparted through [his/her] actions and words. Let us remember [his/her] courage, [his/her] resilience, and [his/her] unwavering faith in the goodness of humanity. Let us remember [his/her] laughter, [his/her] joy, and the countless moments of happiness [he/she] brought into our lives.

Let us also remember [Name]'s generosity, [his/her] willingness to give without expecting anything in return. [His/Her] kindness was a beacon, a light that guided us towards love and compassion. [Name] taught us the value of unity, of coming together as a community to support and uplift each other.

But most of all, let us remember [Name]'s love, a love that transcended boundaries and united us all in a bond that is unbreakable. A love that continues to resonate in our hearts, a living testament to [his/her] beautiful spirit.

As we bid farewell to [Name], let us carry [his/her] legacy forward. Let us strive to live our lives with the same passion, love, and zest for life that [he/she] exemplified. Let us honor [his/her] memory by being the best versions of ourselves, by spreading love and joy wherever we go.

Dear [Name], your journey on this earth may have come to an end, but your spirit lives on, vibrant and alive in the hearts of those who loved you. Your legacy is a beautiful tapestry of love, joy, and beautiful moments, a tapestry that we will cherish forever.

As we say goodbye, we do so with love in our hearts and smiles on our faces, for we know that you are now at peace, soaring high in the heavens, watching over us with love and grace. Rest well, dear [Name], until we meet again.

Hello everyone,

Today, as we assemble under this roof, we are united by memories, laughter, tears, and the love we shared with [Name]. Though the heavens have gained a star, we gather to revel in the light [he/she] shone upon each one of us during [his/her] time here. [Name] wasn't just a [relation or friend], [he/she] was a melody that played the sweetest notes in the symphony of our lives.

From the very beginning, [Name] exhibited a radiant energy that was impossible to ignore. [His/Her] spirit was a vibrant hue in a sometimes monochrome world, bringing color and vivacity wherever [he/she] went. [He/She] had the remarkable ability to find joy in the small things, teaching those around [him/her] to appreciate life in its fullest, most beautiful form.

A true connoisseur of life, [Name] held an unparalleled passion for [mention a hobby or interest]. It was a joy to witness [him/her] immersed in [his/her] craft, a dance of grace and finesse that left spectators in awe. [His/Her] dedication was a lesson in perseverance, a beacon encouraging us all to strive for excellence in our own pursuits.

But beyond [his/her] personal passions, [Name] had a heart that beat in harmony with the hearts of others. [He/She] fostered relationships with a nurturing and attentive spirit, forging bonds that were both deep and enduring. [His/Her] love was the kind that healed, that supported, that uplifted and that celebrated the joyous milestones of life with genuine happiness.

In [Name], we found a confidant, a pillar of strength, and a source of endless love and warmth. [His/Her] ability to listen, to really hear and understand the stories, fears, and dreams of others, was a gift that made [him/her] a cherished friend and loved family member. [He/She] navigated life with an open heart, offering love unconditionally and expecting nothing in return.

[Name] found peace and tranquility in the arms of nature, often seeking refuge in [mention a favorite place or activity]. [His/Her] connection with the earth was a beautiful dance of give and take, a testament to [his/her] gentle soul and respect for all living things. In nature, [he/she] found a mirror reflecting [his/her] own essence: wild, beautiful, and free.

As we stand here today, celebrating the beautiful journey [Name] embarked upon, let us remember the invaluable lessons [he/she] imparted upon us. [Name] was a beacon of wisdom, sharing insights that encouraged us to live with authenticity and courage. [His/Her] laughter, a melody that will echo in our hearts forever, taught us the importance of finding joy in the present moment.

Moreover, [Name] exemplified the true essence of generosity. [He/She] gave freely, not just material possessions, but love, time, and attention, enriching the lives of those fortunate enough to know [him/her]. In [his/her] presence, we learned the true meaning of community and unity, of coming together to create a tapestry of love and support.

Today, as we honor [his/her] memory, let us pledge to live our lives with the same fervor and love that [he/she] did. Let us keep [his/her] spirit alive by embodying the virtues [he/she] held dear: kindness, compassion, and a zest for life.

Dearest [Name], your physical presence will be missed, but your spirit remains immortal in our hearts. Your journey was a melody that resonated deeply within us, a song that will continue to play in our hearts, bringing comfort and solace.

As we bid you farewell, we do so with love and the knowledge that you are dancing in the heavens, spreading joy and love in the celestial realms. Your legacy is one of love, a love that transcends time and space, uniting us all in a bond that cannot be broken.

Farewell, dear [Name]. You were a melody that brought music to our lives, a tune that will play eternally in the garden of our hearts. Your song is not over, for you have become a part of us, a melody that will continue to play, bringing comfort, love, and beautiful memories.

Unlike traditional funeral speeches, which tend to center around grief and loss, a Celebration of Life speech leans more towards the life lived. It spotlights the personality, achievements, and lasting impact of the deceased, providing comfort and closure to those left behind. The emphasis here is on celebrating the unique journey of the deceased, allowing their memory to live on in the hearts of those who knew them.

In this article, we aim to guide you through the process of writing and delivering a Celebration of Life speech. From understanding its components to viewing examples and helpful tips, we hope to make this daunting task a little less overwhelming. More importantly, we wish to help you create a speech that truly honors and celebrates the life of your loved one, highlighting the beauty of their existence and the indelible marks they left in their wake. Through this celebration, we hope to encourage healing, remembrance, and a shared sense of peace.

You can use Eulogy Assistant to help you write a Celebration of Life Speech in just 5 simple steps.

A Celebration of Life event is exactly what its name suggests: a gathering designed to celebrate and honor the life of the deceased. It's a commemorative event that focuses on the joy, love, and unique qualities of the person who has passed away, rather than primarily focusing on their death.

Unlike traditional funeral or memorial services, a Celebration of Life event is less bound by rituals or customs. Instead, it offers flexibility in format, venue, and proceedings, often reflecting the personality, values, or wishes of the deceased. This event can be organized alongside a traditional funeral service or held separately, depending on the preferences of the family.

At the heart of a Celebration of Life event are the key elements that pay tribute to the person's life journey. These elements may include:

Loved ones gather to share heartwarming stories, anecdotes, or experiences that encapsulate the deceased's personality, life, and the impact they had on others.

The event often includes personal elements connected to the deceased, such as their favorite music, photos, or even themed decorations that reflect their passions or hobbies.

Perhaps the most poignant part of the event is the Celebration of Life speech. This speech is a heartfelt oration that highlights the positive aspects of the deceased's life, their accomplishments, and the legacy they leave behind.

Understanding these elements and the concept of a Celebration of Life event can provide a strong foundation for creating a speech that not only pays tribute to your loved one's life but also offers comfort, closure, and healing to those in attendance. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the components of a Celebration of Life speech, offer examples, and provide tips to guide you in this process.

Crafting a Celebration of Life speech demands a delicate balance. While it should openly acknowledge the pain of loss, it's equally important to remember that the primary focus is to celebrate the life lived, highlighting the positives, joys, and the individuality of the deceased.

Start by recollecting fond memories and anecdotes that best exemplify the life and character of your loved one. These could range from significant life events to simple everyday moments that brought out their personality or qualities. Maybe it was their infectious laughter at family dinners, their knack for giving sage advice, or perhaps their culinary experiments that filled the house with delightful aromas.

Every life is a rich tapestry woven with threads of passion, hobbies, and achievements. Be it their career, their love for gardening, their endless hours spent fishing, their community service, or their ability to run a marathon, these aspects of their life formed a part of their identity and gave them joy. Celebrate these passions and achievements in your speech.

Reflect on the shared experiences that highlight your loved one's impact on those around them. This could involve personal experiences or those shared by others. For instance, the time they stayed up all night to help a friend with a project, or when they went out of their way to bring in a stray animal, showing their compassionate nature.

While a Celebration of Life speech leans towards the positive, it's essential to acknowledge the grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one. However, this acknowledgment should still tie back into the celebration of their life. Yes, we are heartbroken, but we are also immensely grateful for the time we had with them and the memories we created.

Creating a Celebration of Life speech is not about glossing over the sadness of loss; it's about embracing the full spectrum of emotions that come with remembering a loved one. The key lies in painting a vivid, holistic picture of their life - one that brings a soft smile of remembrance to the faces of those gathered, even amidst their tears.

The process of writing a Celebration of Life speech can feel daunting, especially during a time of grief. But this journey can also be a cathartic experience, helping you channel your emotions into creating a fitting tribute. Here's a step-by-step guide to assist you through the process:

Begin by reflecting on the life of your loved one. Spend time recalling memories, stories, and shared experiences. You may find it helpful to jot down these memories as they come to you, forming a collection of moments, traits, and achievements that capture the essence of their life. Don't rush this process. Allow yourself the freedom to reminisce and connect with your feelings. These reflections will form the core of your speech.

Once you have your thoughts collected, start outlining your speech. While there's no rigid template to follow, a good Celebration of Life speech generally has three parts:

• Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and your relationship with the deceased. Acknowledge the occasion and express your gratitude for the gathering to celebrate the life of your loved one.
• Body: This is where you share your gathered thoughts, memories, and experiences. Speak about their passions, achievements, and impact. Use your shared experiences and stories to paint a vivid picture of the person they were. Be honest and heartfelt.
• Conclusion: Conclude your speech by acknowledging the mix of grief and celebration. Share your hopes for healing and express how the deceased's memory will live on in the hearts of those present.

A Celebration of Life speech is inherently emotional, but it's also a celebration. While you acknowledge the sadness of loss, strive to keep your tone uplifting, focusing on the joy, love, and laughter your loved one brought into the world. This balance can be tricky, but always aim to leave your audience with a sense of warmth and appreciation for the life lived.

Once your speech is written, take the time to review and practice it. Read it out loud, listening to the flow and rhythm of your words. This practice will not only help you deliver the speech more confidently but may also highlight areas for improvement that you might have missed in writing. If possible, consider seeking feedback from a trusted friend or family member.

Remember, a Celebration of Life speech is deeply personal, and there's no 'wrong' way to go about it. Trust your feelings and your understanding of your loved one, and you'll create a speech that genuinely celebrates their life and the impact they had on those around them.

"Good afternoon everyone. I'm John, and for those who don't know me, Michael and I were best friends for over thirty years. We're here today not just to mourn his passing but to celebrate his vibrant, unforgettable life, full of joy, humor, and remarkable friendships.

Michael was a beacon of laughter. I recall a camping trip we took many years ago. We had forgotten to pack our tent, and rather than seeing it as a disaster, Michael just laughed and said, 'Well, it looks like we’re sleeping under the stars tonight.' And we did, sharing stories and laughter until the early morning. That's the spirit of Michael - always finding a reason to laugh and enjoy the moment.

Michael was passionate about music. He wasn't just a fan; he lived and breathed every note and lyric. His taste was infectious, and he introduced us all to bands and artists we'd never heard of before. His passion for music was one of the many things that made him truly unique.

I know we all miss Michael dearly. His laughter, his enthusiasm for music, his unwavering friendship - these are qualities that made him special. But today, let's remember the joy he brought into our lives and celebrate the time we were lucky enough to share with him. Michael's melody will forever play in our hearts."

"Hello everyone, I'm Sarah, Linda's daughter. Today, I want to celebrate my mother's life, the beautiful moments we shared, and the profound impact she had on all of us.

My mother was a woman of incredible strength and boundless love. I remember how she would come home after long hours at the hospital, tired but still finding the energy to make us dinner, help with homework, or just listen to our day. Her dedication to her family was limitless, and it's that love and strength that we honor today.

She was also an avid gardener, her love for plants apparent in the vibrant flower beds that surrounded our home. Each bloom in her garden was a testament to her patience and nurturing nature. Just as she tended to those plants, she nurtured our family with that same love and dedication.

As we gather here today, let's remember her not with sadness but with the love and joy she embodied. Let's celebrate the strength that she passed on to us, the love she nurtured in our hearts, and the beautiful life she lived."

"Good evening, my name is Martha, and Robert was my partner in all things life for 40 years. Today, we're here to remember him, not with grief, but with gratitude for the life he lived and the love he shared.

Robert was an exceptional man, filled with kindness, integrity, and a sense of adventure. He loved fishing, a passion born from countless summer afternoons spent at his grandfather's lakeside cabin. Even in the heart of winter, he would throw on his thickest coat, grab his fishing gear, and head to the frozen lake, undeterred by the cold.

He had an infectious laugh and a wit that could light up any room. He was my steadfast partner, my confidant, and my best friend. His love was a beacon, guiding me through life's storms, and his memory will continue to guide me in the years to come.

Today, let's honor Robert's memory by celebrating his life - a life lived with joy, love, and an unfailing spirit of adventure. As we say goodbye, let's remember the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the man he was. In our hearts, he will forever be fishing on a golden lake, his laughter echoing in the wind."

Each of these speeches embraces the spirit of celebrating the deceased's life, focusing on their qualities, passions, and the joy they brought to others. This approach helps those in mourning remember their loved ones in a positive light, celebrating the life they lived rather than focusing solely on the grief of their passing.

Delivering a Celebration of Life speech is not just about honoring the deceased; it's also about offering comfort to others and acknowledging the joy and happiness the deceased brought into their lives. It can be an emotional experience, filled with a mix of grief, love, and fond memories. Here are some tips to assist you in preparing and delivering a heartfelt and uplifting speech:

First and foremost, it's essential to recognize that delivering a Celebration of Life speech can be emotionally challenging. Take time to acknowledge your feelings and give yourself permission to feel the full range of emotions. Don’t rush your preparation. Instead, allow yourself the time and space to reflect and reminisce about the person you are honoring.

As you prepare your speech, remember the intent is to celebrate the life of your loved one. Emphasize the positive impact they had on your life and others, recount joyful memories, and express the love and respect you have for them. While it's natural to feel grief, try to focus on the happiness and joy that the deceased brought into the world.

Achieving the right tone for a Celebration of Life speech can be a delicate balancing act. The aim is to create a speech that is upbeat and positive, focusing on the joyous aspects of the deceased's life. However, it's equally important to maintain respect and acknowledge the sorrow that comes with loss.

One way to ensure a positive, yet respectful tone, is by sharing uplifting anecdotes or memories that encapsulate the person's life, their passions, and their personality. Celebrate their achievements, recount humorous episodes, or tell stories about the times they made a difference in someone’s life. While it's okay to touch upon the sadness of their passing, try to bring the focus back to their life and the positive influence they had.

Having a printed copy of your speech can be incredibly helpful, especially when emotions are running high. It can provide a structure to your speech, help you maintain your train of thought, and ensure you cover all the points you wanted to mention. Plus, if you become too overwhelmed, it can be a helpful tool to lean on.

When writing your speech, try to keep your language simple and authentic. Write as you speak, and don't worry too much about adhering to formal speech-writing conventions. The most important thing is that your speech feels genuine and heartfelt.

Remember, it's okay to seek support when preparing or delivering a Celebration of Life speech. Talk to family members or close friends, and share your thoughts and feelings. They can provide comfort, help you collect your thoughts, or assist in recalling memories and anecdotes about the deceased. When delivering your speech, knowing you have the emotional support of others can provide comfort and strength.

Giving a Celebration of Life speech is a beautiful way to honor a loved one and a task filled with love and respect. Despite the emotions it may stir up, many find the process cathartic and healing. By focusing on the joy and love that the deceased brought into the world, you can provide comfort and solace to those in mourning while celebrating a life well-lived.

In conclusion, crafting and delivering a Celebration of Life speech is a poignant task that gives us the opportunity to express our feelings, share our cherished memories, and most importantly, to celebrate the life of someone who was dear to us. Although the process can be emotionally demanding, it is also an act of love that can bring a sense of healing and closure.

A Celebration of Life speech isn't just about marking the end of a person's journey; it's about paying tribute to their unique spirit, their passions, their achievements, and their impact on the lives of others. As we've seen in the sample speeches provided, each person's life story is uniquely their own, full of vivid colors, distinct flavors, and a myriad of experiences that helped shape them and those around them.

In the midst of our grief, a Celebration of Life event provides a space where tears and laughter coexist, where stories are shared, and where the life of our loved one is honored in the most beautiful way possible. In that space, we are reminded of the fragility and the preciousness of life, prompting us to live our own lives with more purpose, gratitude, and love.

As you prepare your speech, remember that it's okay to lean on others for support, to express your emotions openly, and to seek solace in the shared memories of your loved one. At the end of the day, your words, spoken from the heart, will serve as a touching homage to the life that was and the memories that will forever remain.

May this guide serve as a beacon during this challenging time, illuminating your path as you navigate through your emotions, gather your thoughts, and ultimately, craft a speech that truly celebrates the life of your beloved. Remember, your tribute will form part of the lasting legacy of your loved one’s life, a testament to their journey, and a celebration of the love they shared.

In the quietude that envelopes the journey to the final farewell, encapsulating profound emotions in words can feel as challenging as capturing the subtlety of a fleeting shadow. The act of composing a eulogy for a spiritual mentor is not merely about stringing words together; it's about creating a narrative that intertwines respect with heartfelt sincerity. Eulogy Assistant is your compassionate ally in this sensitive endeavor, blending tribute with grace, turning memories into enduring honors.

Our team, adept in empathy and the nuanced art of eulogy composition, is here to support you in crafting a eulogy that echoes with the dignified elegance characteristic of a spiritual leader's life. At Eulogy Assistant , we extend beyond mere service; we are your understanding companions on a journey of poignant remembrance and reflection.

Eulogy Assistant values the importance of partnership in crafting a eulogy that truly resonates with the soul. In collaborating with us, you embark on a process where your personal stories and heartfelt reflections are intricately woven with our expertise, culminating in a tribute that is both respectful and emotive.

Our methodology is an ensemble of interactive discussions and creative coalescence, where your insights and memories contribute to shaping the narrative of the spiritual leader's legacy. This collaborative venture goes beyond commemorating their spiritual and community roles; it celebrates the impactful connections they fostered throughout their life.

In this partnership, we serve as attentive architects of this legacy, constructing a narrative that captures the essence of the spiritual leader - a story that extends beyond the ordinary, into a realm that is respectful, intimate, and deeply moving. Our collaborative efforts seek to transform the eulogy into a heartfelt ensemble of words, mirroring the respect and admiration the spiritual leader inspired.

The true essence of our commitment and the quality of our expertise are vividly reflected in the sincere testimonials from those we've served. These expressions of gratitude and acknowledgment from individuals who found comfort and guidance in our service are the pillars of our pride.

"In my hour of need, Eulogy Assistant was a guiding beacon, assisting me in articulating a tribute that befit the grace and stature of my beloved spiritual guide," shares Johnathan, who found solace and support in our partnership.

Similarly, Emily recounts, "The compassionate proficiency of Eulogy Assistant was a soothing presence in my time of sorrow, steering me through with dignity. The final eulogy was not merely a speech but a profound homage resonating with the collective love and respect we held for our esteemed spiritual mentor."

These testimonials stand as a testament to our unwavering dedication, illuminating our path as we continue to offer a service that goes beyond the ordinary, transforming words into conduits of honor, respect, and timeless recollection. It is our honor to accompany you in this journey, celebrating the legacies left behind and crafting eulogies that stand as eternal tributes to lives that have profoundly impacted and been cherished.

Join us in creating narratives that shine with dignity and remembrance, honoring the spiritual mentors who have left an indelible mark on our lives with their wisdom and compassion.

A Celebration of Life speech is a heartfelt tribute that honors the life and legacy of a deceased individual. It highlights the joyous moments, achievements, and the positive impact the person had on others. These speeches are often delivered at memorial services or commemorative events, providing an opportunity to celebrate the person’s life rather than focusing solely on their passing.

While both eulogies and Celebration of Life speeches serve to remember the deceased, a Celebration of Life speech often has a more uplifting tone, focusing on the joyous moments, accomplishments, and positive characteristics of the individual. It is more about celebrating the person's life journey and the wonderful memories they created, rather than mourning their loss.

The tone of a Celebration of Life speech should be a harmonious blend of empathy, warmth, and positivity. While it acknowledges the loss, it predominantly emphasizes the joy, love, and beautiful moments the person brought into the lives of others, fostering a comforting and hopeful atmosphere.

When writing a Celebration of Life speech, it is recommended to:

• Start with a personal anecdote or memory that encapsulates the person's spirit.
• Highlight the person's positive traits and accomplishments.
• Incorporate quotes or sayings that were meaningful to the person.
• Share stories that illustrate the person's impact on others.
• End on a hopeful note, emphasizing the person's lasting legacy.

Typically, a Celebration of Life speech lasts between 5 and 10 minutes. However, it can be adjusted based on the specific circumstances of the event. It is essential to convey heartfelt messages without it being too lengthy, retaining the audience's engagement throughout the speech.

Yes, incorporating humor into a Celebration of Life speech can often bring a sense of comfort and lightness to the occasion. Sharing funny anecdotes or humorous traits of the individual can be a beautiful way to honor their memory, showcasing their ability to bring joy and laughter to others.

To make the speech more personal, you can include:

• Personal stories or memories shared with the individual.
• Mention of their hobbies, interests, or passions.
• Specific examples of the person's kindness, generosity, or other positive traits.
• Quotations or poems that remind you of the person.

Yes, incorporating multimedia elements such as photos, videos, or music can enhance the speech by providing a visual and auditory representation of the person's life. These elements can help to evoke emotions and offer a deeper connection to the individual being remembered.

Concluding the speech with a heartfelt farewell, a hopeful message, or a moment of reflection can be very moving. It might also be fitting to end with a quote, a poem, or a personal sentiment that encapsulates the person's essence and the positive impact they had on others.

Absolutely, inviting others to share their memories can be a beautiful way to involve the community in the celebration. It allows for a diverse range of stories and perspectives, painting a fuller picture of the person's life and the many lives they touched.

Preparing yourself emotionally is crucial. It might be helpful to rehearse the speech several times to become comfortable with the content. On the day, take deep breaths and give yourself the grace to be emotional if necessary. Remember, it is a celebration of the person's life, and it's okay to show vulnerability.

If you find yourself becoming too emotional, take a moment to compose yourself. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed during such occasions. You can pause, take a deep breath, or have a backup speaker ready to step in if needed. The audience understands the emotional weight of the moment and will support you through it.

Looking For Examples? Here Are Some of The Best Eulogies

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UChicago Says Free Speech Is Sacred. Some Students Sees Hypocrisy.

The president has allowed protest encampments. But they have also disrupted campus life, and he wants the tents down.

Students constructed wood barriers around a pro-Palestinian encampment on the campus of the University of Chicago to protect it from a possible law enforcement forced removal. Credit...

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By Jeremy W. Peters

Photographs by Jamie Kelter Davis

Jeremy Peters reported this story from the University of Chicago.

• May 6, 2024

The University of Chicago has built a brand around the idea that its students should be unafraid to encounter ideas or opinions they disagree with.

To drum that in, the school provides incoming students with copies of its 2014 free-speech declaration , known as the Chicago statement, which states that freedom of expression is an “essential element” of its culture.

And the university has long adhered to a policy of institutional neutrality, which strongly discourages it from divesting from companies for political reasons, or from making statements aligning it with a social cause. That neutrality, the university argues, allows for a robust, unencumbered exchange of ideas.

Many professors swell with pride talking about how the school’s commitment to these principles has endured through two world wars, Vietnam and, more recently, the tumult of the Trump administration. And more than 100 institutions have adopted or endorsed similar principles.

But the University of Chicago’s image as the citadel of free speech is being tested again — this time over an encampment on the central quad, which protesters of Israel’s war in Gaza have refused to leave for more than a week.

The university has allowed dozens of tents to stay up, even though they violate a policy against erecting structures in public spaces. The school had wanted to show “the greatest leeway possible for free expression,” said Paul Alivisatos, the university president.

Now, citing the disruption to student life and a degradation of civility on campus, the university wants the encampment gone.

So far, negotiations between the two sides have gone nowhere. The university said in a statement on Sunday night that the talks had been suspended.

Student protesters view the administration’s demand as hypocritical.

“The university continuously batters this point about free speech,” said Youssef Hasweh, a fourth-year political science major, during a rally on the quad on Saturday.

He said, the school tells the protesters, “‘we are giving you your First Amendment rights, and we’re one of the only universities to do that, so we’re the good guys.’”

But, as he sees it, the Chicago speech principles are a fig leaf. “They’re kind of just using that to shut us down.”

Across the country, the encampments have forced administrators and students to grapple with the outer limits of free speech. The tents, students argue, are a form of speech, but to administrators, they violate rules about physical space and campus disruption.

Should academic institutions ignore their own policies against disruptive activity for the sake of speech, even if many Jewish students feel their very identity is under attack? When does a protest dominate a campus so much that it drowns out opposing views? And what if encampments overwhelm student life, with drums and chants affecting the ability to study for finals?

Some schools have reached agreements with protesters that have lowered the temperature, at least temporarily. And students have dismantled their encampments.

But as Chicago’s leaders look for a way to bring the tents down, they may not find many palatable options. Calling in the police risks the kind of mayhem that no school president wants occurring on their watch. And a quad full of tents as families arrive for graduation isn’t ideal either.

But in some ways, the argument over encampments is as much about the culture of debate and disagreement as it is about free speech. Students who came of age learning about concepts like safe spaces are now accusing universities of silencing them for conduct that has been called antisemitic.

Geoffrey Stone, a law professor at the university, oversaw the 2014 Chicago statement, and said that some nuance has been lost. While the First Amendment protects the right for people to “say things that scare other people,” Mr. Stone said, “what you want to tell students and citizens is: You should try not to do that. You should communicate your message in a civil and respectful manner.”

Tents, Music, Disruption

The quad at the University of Chicago pulsed all weekend with the din of protest. The encampment, a mini-village of more than 100 tents, is just a few steps away from the building that houses the president’s office.

At any given time, the area teemed with dozens of students, who seemed to be enjoying unseasonably warm spring weather. Bob Dylan blasted from loudspeakers. Chants that many Jews consider a call to wipe out the state of Israel — “Free, free Palestine” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” — rang out. Chalked slogans covered the sidewalks: “Staying invested is a political statement, not neutrality” and “Chinese Queer Feminists for Palestine.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson even paid a visit.

Tension was evident, however, with some students wearing masks or kaffiyehs to cover their faces. Protesters held up blankets to prevent photographers from taking pictures. Some Jewish students walked through the quad on their way home from services, passing signs that read “Globalize the Intifada” and “Jews Say Ceasefire Now.”

When student protesters first set up the encampment on April 29, the university president, Dr. Alivisatos, sent a clear message to the demonstrators that his leniency was not indefinite.

But students say they will stay on the quad until their demands are met, which span a range of issues that are both related to and tangential to the Palestinian cause. These include pulling out of investments that fund military operations in Israel; stating that a genocide and “scholasticide,” the destruction of Palestinian universities, are taking place in Gaza; disbanding the campus police; and ending construction of new buildings in the surrounding neighborhood, as a way to stop gentrification.

Those appear to be nonstarters with the administration because of Chicago’s neutrality policy. It has resisted such pressure before. As other prominent universities heeded students’ demands in the 1980s to divest from companies that did business in South Africa, the University of Chicago was a notable exception.

But the university has also been inconsistent, said Mr. Hasweh, the student protester, pointing to its statement of support for those affected by the invasion of Ukraine.

For some protesters, Chicago’s vaunted free speech doctrine seems like a dusty relic, irrelevant to what is happening in the world, especially when it comes to the war in Gaza, which for them, amounts to genocide.

Speech principles are relatable to many students and faculty in “the way that the value statements of Procter & Gamble are related to the employees of Procter & Gamble,” said Anton Ford, an associate professor of philosophy who was at the encampment. “We didn’t vote on them. The students didn’t vote on them. Nobody asked us about our opinion on them.”

Callie Maidhof, who teaches global studies with a focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is advising protesters as they negotiate with the administration. She said the university was “strategically using” its stance on neutrality as a way to clamp down on the demonstrations.

“I hear people saying, ‘I like free speech, but this has gone too far,’” Dr. Maidhof said. “But where is the line when you’re talking about 40,000 people killed? What could be considered too far?”

And Now, Impasse

On Friday, four days after the encampment started, the university sent a sobering message to the demonstrators.

“The encampment cannot continue,” Dr. Alivisatos wrote in a statement. It had created a “systematic disruption of campus,” he continued. “Protesters are monopolizing areas of the Main Quad at the expense of other members of our community. Clear violations of policies have only increased.”

He added, “The encampment protesters have flouted our policies rather than working within them.”

The university has accused student demonstrators of engaging in the kind of activity that flies in the face of Chicago’s culture — including shouting down counter demonstrators and destroying an installation of Israeli flags. The student newspaper, The Chicago Maroon, reported that at one point over the weekend, demonstrators used a projector to display a profane insult to Dr. Alivisatos on the main administration building.

The tent village was a sprawling and humbling reminder that even an institution dedicated to nurturing a culture of agreeable disagreement cannot quell the outrage that has led to raucous demonstrations, occupations of buildings, graduation disruptions and arrests at colleges across the country.

“If someone were to design a stress test to reveal all the of fault lines and unresolved issues in higher education among student activism, this is it,” said Jamie Kalven, a journalist who has extensively studied the University of Chicago’s history with free speech and protest.

Mr. Kalven’s father, Harry Kalven, chaired the committee that established the university’s position on political neutrality in 1967. The impasse today, the son said, reflects how many students — on Chicago’s ivy-draped campus and beyond — do not share the school’s values when it comes to political expression.

“It’s really remarkable the degree to which young people are alienated from what I think of as the First Amendment tradition,” he said.

And the stalemate reflects the extent to which today’s combative political climate has also infected academia.

“The default setting is confrontation,” said Eboo Patel, president of Interfaith America, a Chicago-based nonprofit that promotes cooperation across religious faiths.

“What was the symbol of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee?” Mr. Patel asked, referring to one of the most active civil rights groups of the 1960s. “It was two hands clasped together.”

And today what is the symbol that many groups seeking social and political change use? Mr. Patel answered: “The fist.”

The ability to engage productively with people who share different political views is something that Olivia Gross, a fourth-year undergraduate, wishes young people would learn to do more naturally.

“I came here to hear views that are different than mine,” she said in an interview. “That’s the point of coming to the University of Chicago. I want to know what you think and why you think it.”

But she said the current climate made that difficult sometimes.

Students at the encampment, she noted, had set up tents for a variety of different purposes — for welcoming protesters, for medical needs and for food.

“How nice would it be,” she mused, “to have a tent that invited dialogue across differences?”

Bob Chiarito contributed reporting.

Jeremy W. Peters is a Times reporter who covers debates over free expression and how they impact higher education and other vital American institutions. More about Jeremy W. Peters

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A Prominent Free-Speech Group Is Fighting for Its Life

PEN America has now canceled its annual World Voices festival, after calling off its literary-awards ceremony last week. Can it survive?

In 2015, PEN America, the organization devoted to defending free speech, chose to honor the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo at its annual gala. A few months earlier, Islamic extremists had murdered 12 people at the publication’s offices in Paris. The rationale for recognizing the magazine seemed airtight: People had been killed for expressing themselves, and PEN America’s mission is to protect people targeted for what they express. For some writers connected with the organization, however, this reasoning was not so obvious. Six of them boycotted the gala, and 242 signed a letter of protest. In their eyes, Charlie Hebdo ’s editorial staff, including those recently killed, embodied a political perspective that was unworthy of plaudits. The magazine frequently mocked Islam (and, in particular, caricatured the Prophet Muhammad), and this was a form of punching down, insulting a population that, as the letter put it, “is already marginalized, embattled, and victimized.”

PEN America defended itself, the gala went on, and Salman Rushdie, a former president of the group and a writer who knows what it means to have his life endangered because of his art , was given the last word in a New York Times article about the brouhaha: “If PEN as a free speech organization can’t defend and celebrate people who have been murdered for drawing pictures, then frankly the organization is not worth the name.”

Read: Salman Rushdie strikes back

Rushdie, who helped found PEN America’s World Voices festival two decades ago, had no confusion about what the organization represented. Its role was not to take a position on the place of Islam in France or comment on the French state’s aggressive secularizing policies, which Charlie Hebdo ’s editors had championed through their cartoons. No, PEN America was simply there to protect the right of artists to draw, of writers to write.

The clash over Charlie Hebdo felt, in the moment, like a blip. It was not a blip. The forces that demanded PEN America stand for more—that it fight for issues its members considered to be matters of social justice, as opposed to the squishier but essential liberal ideals of openness and dialogue—have in the past two months managed to bring the organization to its knees. Unsurprisingly, the events of October 7, and all that followed, were the precipitating cause.

This afternoon, PEN America announced that it is canceling its World Voices festival—this year was to be the 20th anniversary of the annual international gathering of writers that Rushdie conceived as a way to encourage cross-cultural conversation and champion embattled artists. A cascade of authors, either out of conviction or under pressure, felt they couldn’t take part. PEN America had already decided last week to cancel its literary awards for the year after nearly half of the nominees withdrew their names from consideration. And its annual gala, a black-tie fundraiser scheduled for the middle of May, also seems hard to imagine right now. The language of the protest, too, has reached new extremes, with the most recent salvo demanding the resignation of PEN America’s CEO, Suzanne Nossel; its president, Jennifer Finney Boylan; and its entire board. Everyone I’ve spoken with there is in a state of high panic and deep sadness.

The existential conflict surrounding PEN America—the letters and counter-letters, withdrawals and statements of principle—captures the enormous rupture on the left since Hamas’s invasion of southern Israel on October 7 and Israel’s deadly response in Gaza. Can an organization that sees itself as above politics, that sees itself straightforwardly as a support system for an open society, be allowed to exist anymore? For the protesting writers, this lofty mission represents an unforgivable moral abdication at a moment of crisis. But if they have their way and PEN America doesn’t survive, where will these authors turn when they need defending?

From my own reading of the various letters of protest, the main demand of the now dozens upon dozens of writers protesting PEN America is this: They want the organization to say the word genocide —for PEN America to declare that what Israel is doing in Gaza is a deliberate effort to wipe out the Palestinian people, and act accordingly. From the perspective of the protesting writers, this interpretation of what has transpired since October 7 is both irrefutable and cause for repeating the charge as loudly as possible. “PEN America states that ‘the core’ of its mission is to ‘support the right to disagree,’” reads the most recent open letter . “But among writers of conscience, there is no disagreement. There is fact and fiction. The fact is that Israel is leading a genocide of the Palestinian people.”

Plenty of arguments exist on the side of those who do not see what Israel is doing as genocide—and they are compelling even for people like myself who believe that Israel has acted recklessly and in a way that constitutes collective punishment. But the writers protesting PEN America do not seem interested in a conversation or scrutiny or trying to contend with what Israel’s post–October 7 motives might be. They seem driven instead by an understandably deep emotional response to a devastating death toll and, like the greater pro-Palestinian movement, have decided to use the word genocide as the most resonant way to describe a conflict in which, according to Hamas’s Health Ministry, more than 33,000 Palestinians have now been killed. It has given them a sense of righteousness that is impossible to contain within an organization built on the “right to disagree.”

To follow the volley of letters and responses from PEN America over the past two months is to get a close-up look at the growing irreconcilability of these positions. The first serious sign of protest came in a March 14 letter from a group of writers, including Naomi Klein, Michelle Alexander, and Lorrie Moore, who declared that they would boycott the World Voices festival this year. Their stated reason was their unhappiness with what they took to be PEN America’s anemic response to the death and destruction in Gaza. They accused the organization of taking too long to call for a cease-fire and then, when it finally did, of demanding that it be “mutually agreed” (a reasonable phrasing given that, according to the U.S. State Department, it is Hamas that has rejected the latest cease-fire proposal). This was not “a clear call,” the writers said. Moreover, why had PEN America, they wanted to know, not joined the movement to boycott, divest, and sanction Israel? Sure, PEN America had put out a number of statements of concern about Palestinian writers and the worsening situation in Gaza (more than 40 statements , actually, since October 7), but where was the “action”?

The letter sought redress; it was not an attempt to burn it all down. And PEN America responded. In a letter that appeared a week later, the organization reasserted its mission without apology: “For some, referencing nuance is moral betrayal. For others, failure to do so is unconscionable. As an organization open to all writers, we see no alternative but to remain home to this diversity of opinions and perspectives, even if, for some, that very openness becomes reason to exit.” The response also included an unambiguous call for “an immediate ceasefire and release of the hostages,” an invitation for open dialogue with the protesters, and a commitment to increase the financial contribution to an emergency fund for Palestinian writers.

An excess of “openness,” the writers insisted in a response , was not their issue with PEN America; rather it was “a series of specific failures to act with urgency and substance in the face of ongoing war crimes, including a failure to use language to name these crimes as such under international humanitarian law.” To uncover what they saw as the bias behind this failure, the writers were calling for “a thorough review and examination of the conduct and performance of PEN America,” on the issue of Israel and Palestine. And they got what they wanted. On April 16, the organization announced to its staff the creation of a working group that would look back at the previous decade of statements on Israel and Palestine, and also make sure there was consistency in PEN America’s public remarks with regards to other conflicts, such as those in Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sudan.

But things continued to get worse. As PEN America geared up to announce the finalists for its awards, a large group of authors declared that they were taking their books out of contention. In a letter last week, Finney Boylan, a writer who became the organization’s president in December, tried to stanch the bleeding, calling Israel’s actions in Gaza an “abomination” (though not a genocide), arguing for the value of “conversation,” and lamenting that “some authors would rather silence themselves than be associated with an organization that defends free speech and dissent.”

Nothing seemed to convince the growing number of protesters. On April 17, those who had boycotted the awards delivered a letter , one which was then endorsed by the original group of writers protesting the festival. This one had none of the conciliatory tone of the original letter. It accused PEN America of propagating “ahistorical, Zionist propaganda under the guise of neutrality,” of “parroting hasbara talking points,” using the Hebrew word for “explanation” that anti-Israel activists associate with Israeli-government spin. Nossel in particular was singled out as someone who apparently had “longstanding commitments to Zionism, Islamophobia, and imperial wars in the Middle East.” The letter was nasty, absurd in its histrionics, suggesting essentially that PEN America was in cahoots with the Israeli military. PEN America was guilty of no less than “complicity in normalizing genocide.”

The people at PEN America whom I spoke with were left speechless by this letter, but also felt that it confirmed their perceptions of the protesters and their true motives—I understand, for example, why some who read the letter wonder whether the personal animus directed at Nossel is not just because she is the organization’s leader but because she is Jewish. The demand of these writers from the beginning, it now seemed clear, was not about the number of statements PEN America made about Palestinian writers and whether they matched the number made about Ukrainian writers. At question was language. And if PEN America was not willing to use the word genocide , then it existed on the other side of a bright-red line, outside the encampment. The breach was complete. The organization now appears broken in ways that seem impossible to imagine repairing.

When I spoke with Nossel last week, before the news about the canceled awards ceremony and festival, she put a brave face on PEN America’s predicament and insisted that she was staying true to the organization’s mission. Nossel is a former State Department official and was the executive director of Amnesty International USA before joining PEN America as its CEO in 2013.  “We see ourselves as guardians of open discourse,” she told me. “We really believe that we have to bring about a moment when these conversations can be had, and that, ultimately, the defeat of dialogue and the turning-away from dialogue is something dangerous for our democracy. We don’t want to just throw up our hands.” The festival, she said, was supposed to exemplify this philosophy. One of the events now canceled was to be a panel on “The Palestinian Exception to Free Speech,” about threats to those who speak up for Palestinian rights. Recent statements put out by PEN America have criticized the banning of Students for Justice in Palestine on college campuses and the decision by the University of Southern California to cancel the valedictory speech of a pro-Palestinian student.

The fundamental misperception at the center of this conflict is that PEN America sees itself as a free-speech organization, while the protesters see it as a channel to express their political views. I’ve read some of the letters addressed to PEN America from writers who decided to opt out of the festival—some after first saying they would participate despite the pressure—and there is a clear pattern: Many seemed worried about failing a political litmus test, that they would be throwing in their lot with the normalizers of genocide if they took part in a panel on translation or memoir writing . One letter from a prominent author who had chosen to withdraw mentioned “ongoing harassment.”

PEN America has grown enormously in the past 10 years, from an organization with a budget of $2 million to one with $24 million, and a staff that went from 14 to nearly 100 in that time. It has worked on a wide range of issues, from cataloging book banning to reporting on writers under assault in Latin America. Some of the people I’ve spoken with who have had leadership positions at PEN America have wondered, though, if an outsize focus on threats to free speech from the right has unwittingly contributed to the politicization and the current confusion about what PEN is supposed to be for. One of these PEN America insiders told me that he thought 90 percent of the issues the organization had been campaigning for could be construed as progressive causes.

The group’s free-speech absolutism may have become muddied in the process. “I would say that in the end, if we can get out of this situation,” this same person told me, “if we can find a way to come back to the preservation of the essential mission, which is to stand for free speech and free expression, and the proliferating nature of those demands and those challenges in a 21st century, and not be so exclusively wedded to our fights on behalf of the left, then I think we will have made a real step forward.”

Note those if s. At the moment, momentum is on the side of the protest, which will claim the cancellation of the festival as a victory. It now seems entirely possible that PEN America may not survive this episode. But I wonder whether these writers really appreciate exactly who will be most hurt if they achieve their goal. How many organizations exist that raise tens of thousands of dollars to support translators and emerging writers? How many festivals bring to the United States creative people from around the world to talk about their art, to debate and discuss the harsh conditions under which they work? How many organizations keep track of imprisoned authors? Does it really make sense to jettison such an entity without first thinking through what its absence would mean, what a world without PEN, without a defense of expression, whatever form it might take, would actually look like?

Or maybe just listen to the voice of a writer like Aatish Taseer, who turned to PEN America at a moment of need. The prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, offended by a critical article Taseer wrote in Time magazine, canceled Taseer’s overseas Indian citizenship (a special status accorded to Indians living abroad). This left Taseer “completely bereft,” he told me, unable to return to the country and see his family, including his grandmother before she died. He asked PEN America for help. “They pulled every possible lever they could on my behalf to try and bring attention to my case, and to try to bring about a change in my situation,” he said. “I’m sure that PEN has made missteps, but I would rather be able to influence the organization from within than trying to boycott it or shut it down,” he said. Given how much PEN America has done for him, the disappearance of such an organization, in spite of its imperfections, would be a “terrible loss.”

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Keith Urban Recalls Being 'Nervous' to Call Nicole Kidman After They First Met: She's a 'Real-Life Princess'

The singer candidly spoke about his wife during his speech at her AFI tribute on April 27

Michael Kovac/Getty

Keith Urban is reminding everyone that he got it right when it comes to his longtime love for Nicole Kidman .

During the country crooner’s emotional speech honoring his wife at the star-studded 49th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala on Saturday, April 27, Urban recalled why he was too “nervous” to make a move after they met.

“I was trying to play it cool, but inside I felt like I'd snuck into the royal ball simply because Nic had such a truly otherworldly aura about her,” said Urban, 56, remembering when he met Kidman, also 56, in January 2005 at a G'Day LA event in California.

Michael Kovac/Getty 

“I felt a bit like I was meeting a real-life princess,” Urban added. “And despite all of that, I did manage to get her phone number on a tiny piece of paper.”

Urban carried her number in his pocket for a week, occasionally pulling it out to try to muster enough courage to call her. 

“I was scared. I was nervous to call her,” he continued during his speech at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. “I did, as you probably figured out, pluck up the courage to finally call her.”

The call went well, with the once-nervous Urban recalling how “this mystic creature” turned out to be “just a wide-eyed, giddy girl from the Sydney suburbs” who is “utterly Aussie through and through,” even though she was born in Honolulu. 

The AFI tribute to Kidman, which marked the first public red carpet event for her and Urban's teenage daughters , included other speeches from celebrity friends such as Reese Witherspoon , Naomi Watts and Zac Efron.

“Everyone’s speaking here tonight is going to talk about Nic’s talent, and I could easily do that myself,” Urban said. “I mean, she truly is one of the greats, as Russell Crowe said, and tonight proves that I’m not just a biased husband.” 

The proud husband went on to discuss how Kidman loved him even when he went to rehab for substance abuse shortly after they got married. 

“I do want to take an opportunity to talk about Nic's heart and her spirit. We got married in June, 2006 and barely four months into our marriage, my addictions that I’d done really nothing about, blew our marriage to smithereens,” Urban admitted. “And I went into the Betty Ford Center for three months. Four months into a marriage I’m in rehab for three months. I had no idea what was going to happen to us.”

VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty

The story brought Kidman to tears as she listened in the audience, alongside her Big Little Lies costars —  Meryl Streep and Witherspoon — and Morgan Freeman , who worked with her on Lioness .

Never miss a story — sign up for  PEOPLE's free daily newsletter  to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“If you want to see what love in action really looks like, give that a whirl,” he said. “Nic pushed through every negative voice, I’m sure even some of her own. And she chose love. And here we are tonight, 18 years later.”

Not long after rehab, Urban released a song about Kidman called “Got It Right This Time,” featuring the heartfelt lyrics, “She believes in me like I’ve been trying to do, I’m seeing things I’ve never seen before. Ever since she came into my life, I’ve been a better man.”

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Angry Trump Calls Biden Admin the ‘Gestapo,’ Predicts ‘World War Three, and Everything Else!’

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Donald Trump unleashed his anger against President Joe Biden at a closed door GOP fundraiser on Saturday where he made a speech that was “frustrated and often obscene,” according to The New York Times . In a Truth Social post the following morning, Trump attacked Biden as “a very dishonest man, a Manchurian Candidate” and predicted “World War Three, and everything else!”

“These people are running a Gestapo administration,” Trump said of Biden at the fundraiser hosted at his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida, audio of which was obtained by the Times . “And it’s the only thing they have. And it’s the only way they’re going to win, in their opinion, and it’s actually killing them. But it doesn’t bother me.”

Trump baselessly accused the Biden administration of secretly masterminding the indictments against him in numerous jurisdictions, resulting in 88 criminal charges . Trump is facing business fraud charges in New York, classified documents charges in Florida, a state election interference case in Georgia, and a federal election interference case in Washington, D.C.

The former president espoused conspiracy theories about why he lost the election in 2020 and without evidence accused Democrats of cheating in elections and getting “welfare to vote.”

“When you are Democrat, you start off essentially at 40 percent because you have civil service, you have the unions, and you have welfare,” Trump said Saturday. “And don’t underestimate welfare. They get welfare to vote, and then they cheat on top of that. They cheat.”

Even Trump’s own former attorney general, William Barr , has called Trump’s election interference allegations “all bullshit” and admitted there was not voter fraud on any scale that would have influenced the election. At the fundraiser, Trump attacked Barr and said his future pick for attorney general would need “courage” should Trump win the presidency.

Speaking to donors, Trump mocked Special Counsel Jack Smith as “unattractive both inside and out,” adding, “This is one unattractive dude.” Trump then used “two expletives to describe” Smith, per the Times . According to NBC News, the former president called Smith an “evil thug” and “deranged.”

Trump also mentioned South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who was at the event but reportedly left early. He called Noem “somebody that I love” even though sources told Rolling Stone that Trump was “disgusted” by an anecdote in Noem’s book where she proudly described shooting her family dog .

On Sunday, Trump took his anger to his keyboard, posting a rambling message on Truth Social attacking his opponent. Trump blamed Biden for the anti-war protests that are taking place on college campuses and falsely claimed Biden is “unable to talk, unable to reason, unable to put two simple sentences together, unable to even climb 3 steps to a helicopter, or the main stairs to Air Force One.”

Trump also — without evidence — accused Biden of “receiving money, for no apparent reason, from foreign countries.”

“Now we have the protests, and Crooked Joe Biden doesn’t know what to do — Next will be World War Three, and everything else!” Trump wrote. “We are a Nation in Serious Decline, a Failing Nation, but we will not be a Failing Nation much longer. Four years ago we were a GREAT NATION, AND WE WILL SOON BE A GREAT NATION AGAIN!!! MAGA2024.”

During his speech on Saturday evening, Trump challenged donors in attendance to give $1 million that night. If they did, Trump promised, “I will let you come up and speak.” According to the Times, Trump “sounded disappointed until someone accepted the invitation.”

One of the people who accepted the challenge, per NBC, was a woman who came to the podium and stated that “Donald J. Trump is the person that God has chosen.”

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Jesse Lally Confirms His Relationship with Lacy Nicole: "She’s a Beautiful Soul"

The Valley dad shared more details about his dating life as he and Michelle Lally navigate their divorce process.

Jesse Lally  has broken his silence on his mystery woman .

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While speaking to  Page Six ’s Virtual Reali-Tea podcast , The Valley   dad confirmed he was dating socialite/philanthropist Lacy Nicole. The pair made their red carpet debut during a Hollywood charity event on April 27, more than six months after Jesse’s wife,  Michelle Saniei Lally , filed for divorce. 

Jesse Lally says he's "super happy" with Lacy Nicole

Although Michelle previously revealed that her estranged husband was dating “somebody else,”  Jesse remained pretty tight-lipped about his dating life — that is, until his sit-down with Page Six . 

“I’m super happy right now,” he said about his relationship with Lacy. “We’ve been great friends. We newly started dating. She’s just a very amazing person and she’s a beautiful soul.”

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Jesse Lally has not labeled his relationship with Lacy Nicole

Jesse — who shares a 4-year-old daughter, Isabella , with Michelle — said Lacy keeps him “grounded” and never lets him “get away with anything, which is nice.” However, the luxury real estate agent said he wasn't rushing to call Lacy his girlfriend.

Jesse Lally Hit the Red Carpet With Someone Who Isn’t Michelle Saniei Lally (PICS)

“It’s just new and I don’t want no labels, no nothing,” he said. “It’s just fun to spend time with somebody again.”

Jesse’s comments came after Michelle confirmed she was dating financial advisor Aaron Nosler. Michelle spoke about her new boyfriend during the April 25 episode of  Brittany Cartwright  and  Jax Taylor ’s podcast,  When Reality Hits . The mother of one clarified that she and Jesse had called it quits in October 2023 and were immediately “free to date and see” whoever they wanted.

Why Jesse Lally was hesitant to start dating after his marital split

Michelle lally defends her new relationship, says jesse lally is also dating.

But despite the freedom, Jesse wasn’t quite ready to jump into the dating scene… at least not at the beginning of his marital split. 

“I was very upset by the whole situation and Michelle was doing her own thing,” he told Page Six . “I didn’t feel ready to date. At first, I felt like I was cheating. And then I started to feel the shame of ‘We’re going through this and Isabella’s alone. We should be there for her in that moment.’ So I spent a lot of time with her after the separation and did not start dating for a while.”

Jesse Lally addresses his and Michelle Lally's co-parenting relationship

Jesse said Isabella has been handling the separation well, thanks in large part to his and Michelle’s healthy co-parenting dynamic.

“Luckily, she’s shined through it,” he said about his daughter. “We’re at a place now where [Lacy] joined for Isabella’s birthday and Michelle and her boyfriend joined for Isabella’s birthday and we had a huge group of people. So it was nice. We all got together.”

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