Read this excerpt from lorraine hansberry's a raisin in the sun:
walter. (at the window) just look at 'em down there . . running and racing to work . . (he turns and faces his wife and watches her a moment at the stove, and then suddenly) you look young this morning, baby.
ruth. (indifferently) yeah?
based on the stage directions, what is the most reasonable inference you can make about how ruth feels?
a. ruth doesn't know how to accept a compliment from walter.
b. ruth isn't moved by walter's attempt at "sweet talk."
c. ruth regrets having married walter younger.
d. ruth is resentful that walter doesn't have a job to go to.

each year on this day, i make it a point to listen to dr. martin luther king jr.’s great “i have a dream” speech. it’s electrifying every single time.

the content of dr. king’s speech, his inspiring presence, and the moment in history all came together to make the iconic “i have a dream” speech the defining moment of the american civil rights movement. but there are several other reasons why this speech, delivered over 50 years ago, remains an example of one of the best speeches in american history.

since part of my job is to people become better presenters, i’ve noticed several techniques that we can all learn from and be inspired by in this magnificent speech.

it’s anchored in a powerful related location

in most cases, you can’t handpick the spot to give a presentation, as mlk did for supreme symbolic effect when he stood on the steps of the lincoln memorial and echoed the opening words of the gettysburg address (“five score years ago . . ). but you absolutely can amplify your message by adapting it to your setting and location.