How does this quote relate to fredrick douglass? "It is said that unsophistication makes a man empty and that emptiness makes him carefree. It may be true among those who were
born dead and who exist like frozen corpses; but the sensitive boy
who feels much and knows little is the most unfortunate creature
under the sun, because he is torn by two forces. The first force
elevates him and shows him the beauty of existence through a cloud
of dreams; the second ties him down to the earth and fills his eyes
with dust and overpowers him with fears and darkness."
---Khalil Gibran
PLSS HELPP

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.