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Speeches that Inspire, Speeches that Spit Fire

  • JFK’s most famous speech may have been about going to the moon, but that giant leap was a lot easier to achieve than peace in his (or our) time. Watch these selected excerpts from his “peace speech” at American University, then discuss with your team: is it possible to give a passionate speech about peace, and, if so, does JFK succeed here? Is he naïve about the role of the United States in world affairs? Then consider the speeches listed below and discuss with your team: are they, too, inspirational—or naïve? Can they be both?

  • Some people claim not to believe anything politicians say. For them, political speeches are works of fiction. But fictional politicians also give speeches—some of them very effectively. Consider the example below, then discuss with your team: what made them effective, and would they have worked equally well in the real world?

  • There is a long history of famous leaders traveling abroad to deliver speeches to audiences outside their own countries—sometimes to ask for help, sometimes to inspire. Consider U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2013 speech to the people of Mexico, with special attention to the concluding paragraphs, then discuss with your team: would the prime minister in Love, Actually have cheered this speech—or criticized it? What would he have said about this speech by the president of Ukraine? What leaders from abroad would you like to have visit and speak in your own community?

  • Explore the history of broadcasting and mass communication. How does technology impact the effectiveness and reach of speeches, news, and entertainment programs? Be sure to explore the following historically significant examples and discuss: how did technologies (new or repurposed) make each of them possible, and could they have worked in different mediums? For instance, would FDR’s fireside chats have been as effective if delivered over the Internet?

    • Fireside chats | Churchill's wartime broadcasts

    • Apollo 11 | Kennedy vs. Nixon | “Miracle on Ice”

    • Neujahrskonzert | Jazz Hour | Eurovision | Intervision

  • President John F. Kennedy is famous for his speech about going to the moon. But that step was easier than bringing peace to the world. Watch parts of his “peace speech” at American University. Then talk with your team: Is it possible to give a powerful, emotional speech about peace? Did JFK succeed? Was he too hopeful about the U.S. role in the world?

  • Then read these speeches and discuss: Are they also inspiring—or unrealistic? Can they be both?

    • The White Man and the Red | Red Jacket (1805)

    • Appeal to the League of Nations | Haile Selassie (1936)

    • The Forgotten People | Robert Menzies (1942)

    • A Tryst with Destiny | Jawaharlal Nehru (1947)

  • Some people don’t trust politicians. They think political speeches are like fiction. But fictional leaders also give speeches—and some are very moving. Read or watch the speeches below, then talk with your team: Why are they effective? Would they also work in real life?

    • “They’ll never take our freedom” | Braveheart (1995)

    • “Today we celebrate our Independence Day” | Independence Day (1996)

    • “The streets of heaven are too crowded” | The West Wing, Season 4 (2002)

    • “We’re a great one too” | Love, Actually (2003)

  • Many leaders travel to speak in other countries—sometimes to ask for support, other times to inspire people. Read President Obama’s 2013 speech to the people of Mexico. Focus on the last part. Then talk with your team: Would the prime minister from Love, Actually like this speech? How would he react to a speech by the president of Ukraine? What foreign leader would you want to speak in your town?

  • Now explore how broadcasting and communication have changed speeches and news. How does technology affect how many people can hear a speech—and how well they understand it? Look at these important examples. Ask: What technology made each one possible? Would they work in a different format? For example, would FDR’s fireside chats still work if done online today?

    • Fireside Chats | Churchill’s War Speeches

    • Apollo 11 Moon Landing | Kennedy vs. Nixon Debate | Miracle on Ice

    • New Year’s Concert | Jazz Hour | Eurovision | Intervision

President Kennedy made a famous speech about going to the moon. But peace is harder than going to the moon. Watch a short part of his “peace speech.” Then talk with your group: Can someone give a strong and emotional speech about peace? Did JFK do a good job? Was he too hopeful about what America can do?

Then read or listen to these other speeches. Talk with your group: Are they powerful? Are they also too hopeful?

  • The White Man and the Red – Red Jacket (1805)

  • Appeal to the League of Nations – Haile Selassie (1936)

  • The Forgotten People – Robert Menzies (1942)

  • A Tryst with Destiny – Jawaharlal Nehru (1947)

Some people don’t believe what politicians say. They think speeches are like stories. But in movies and TV, fake leaders also give speeches. Some are very good. Watch or read these speeches. Talk with your group: Why are these speeches strong? Would they work in real life?

  • “They’ll never take our freedom” – Braveheart (1995)

  • “Today we celebrate our Independence Day” – Independence Day (1996)

  • “The streets of heaven are too crowded” – The West Wing (2002)

  • “We’re a great one too” – Love, Actually (2003)

Sometimes, leaders give speeches in other countries. Read the end of Obama’s 2013 speech in Mexico. Talk with your group: Would the leader in Love, Actually like this speech? What would he say about a speech from Ukraine’s president? Which world leader would you like to speak in your city?

Now think about TV, radio, and the internet. These help more people hear speeches. They also help people understand better. Read about these famous examples. What new tools helped these speeches or shows happen? Could they work in a different way? For example: Would FDR’s radio talks still work on the internet today?

  • Fireside Chats | Churchill’s War Speeches

  • Apollo 11 Moon Landing | Kennedy vs. Nixon Debate | Miracle on Ice

  • New Year’s Concert | Jazz Hour | Eurovision | Intervision

  • 肯尼迪总统最著名的演讲也许是关于登月的，但那“巨大的一步”比他（或我们）那个时代实现和平要容易得多。观看他在美国大学发表的“和平演讲”选段，然后与你的团队讨论：有没有可能就“和平”发表一场充满激情的演讲？如果可以，肯尼迪是否在这里成功了？他是否对美国在世界事务中的角色过于天真？接着思考下列演讲，并与你的团队讨论：它们也是鼓舞人心的，还是同样天真？它们能两者兼具吗？

    • 《白人与红人》| 红夹克（1805）

    • 《致国际联盟的呼吁》| 海尔·塞拉西（1936）

    • 《被遗忘的人民》| 罗伯特·门齐斯（1942）

    • 《与命运的约会》| 贾瓦哈拉尔·尼赫鲁（1947）

  • 一些人声称他们根本不相信政治家说的话。对他们来说，政治演讲就是虚构作品。但虚构的政治人物也发表演讲——有时还非常有力。请思考以下例子，然后与你的团队讨论：这些演讲为何有效？如果是在现实中，它们也会同样有效吗？

    • “他们永远也夺不走我们的自由” |《勇敢的心》（1995）

    • “今天我们庆祝我们的独立日” |《独立日》（1996）

    • “天堂的街道太拥挤了” |《白宫风云》第四季（2002）

    • “我们也是一个伟大的国家” |《真爱至上》（2003）

  • 历史上有很多著名领导人出国发表演讲——有时是为了寻求帮助，有时是为了激励人心。请参考奥巴马总统2013年对墨西哥人民发表的演讲，特别是结尾部分，然后与你的团队讨论：《真爱至上》中的英国首相会为这个演讲鼓掌，还是会批评它？他会如何看待乌克兰总统的这场演讲？你希望哪些外国领导人来到你所在的社区演讲？

  • 探索广播和大众传播的历史。技术如何影响演讲、新闻和娱乐节目的传播效果和覆盖范围？一定要研究以下具有历史意义的例子，并讨论：这些事件是如何因技术（无论是新技术还是重新利用的技术）而成为可能的？它们是否能以其他媒介形式呈现？比如，罗斯福的炉边谈话如果是通过互联网进行的，会同样有效吗？

    • 炉边谈话 | 丘吉尔的战时广播

    • 阿波罗11号 | 肯尼迪对尼克松 |《冰上奇迹》

    • 新年音乐会 | 爵士时光 | 欧洲歌唱大赛 | 国际电视节

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