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Speaking to Inspire

Ceremonial and Motivational Speeches

Dr. Matt McGarrity

The most memorable speeches inspire, entertain, and praise. By blending stories and eloquence, great speeches highlight the core values motivating an audience. You might need to do this in a keynote address, a eulogy, or simply a business meeting. Inspiring audiences is a common, but difficult writing challenge. You want a speech that elevates the topic and the audience.

This course gives you a method for preparing and delivering speeches that inspire and entertain. By the end of this course, you should be able to compose and deliver moving speeches that praise core audience values through evidence, storytelling, and humor. You should be able to write eloquent passages in tones appropriate to the audience and occasion and speak fluidly from either a well-prepared manuscript or from memory. Learners will record speeches, providing and receiving peer feedback.

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Syllabus

Week 1. Using values and storytelling to develop a great speech

Welcome! We begin this week with an overview of the course: What it is and what we’ll be doing. From there we can start preparing our speeches. We’ll start by finding the core values that will drive the speech. Values that speak to the topic and inspire your audience. We’ll then explore how to discuss those values through evidence and storytelling. By the end of the week, you’ll have a list of values and stories to write a speech. With a sense for the topic, we can then get to know each other with an introductory speech. It’s a fun and easy speech that allows you to get to know some of your classmates.

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Develops professional speaking and eloquence skills, which may be useful in any number of industries or professional environments

Evaluates ceremonial speeches, which is standard practice within rhetoric and communications

This course is taught by Matt McGarrity, who is recognized within the field for their expertise in ceremonial speeches

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Reviews summary

Speaking to inspire and elevate audiences

According to learners, this course offers a highly structured and effective method for preparing and delivering speeches that inspire. Many find the instructor's approach engaging and clear, providing practical techniques for incorporating values, storytelling, eloquence, and humor. Students particularly appreciate learning how to write for the ear and the focus on arrangement and style. The course content is described as practical and applicable, helping learners build confidence and skills. While the course structure and instructor are consistently praised, the quality of feedback within the peer review system can be mixed, depending on the engagement of fellow students.

Recording speeches for practice is highly beneficial.

"Recording my speeches and getting feedback really helped me improve my delivery skills."

"The video assignments forced me to practice out loud and watch myself, which was invaluable."

"Seeing myself speak was uncomfortable at first but crucial for understanding my own habits."

Offers actionable methods for writing and delivery.

"I learned specific techniques for creating eloquence and powerful storytelling that I can use immediately."

"The tips on writing for the ear were incredibly useful and changed how I approach speech writing."

"Applying the stylistic devices really elevated my writing and made my speech more impactful."

The professor is knowledgeable and presents material well.

"The professor's lectures were incredibly clear, engaging, and full of valuable insights."

"He explains complex ideas simply and provides great, memorable examples."

"The instructor is passionate about the subject and makes learning enjoyable."

The course provides a clear, step-by-step method.

"I loved how the course broke down the process step by step, making it manageable."

"The step-by-step approach made writing my speech much easier and less intimidating."

"Following the logical framework helped me organize my thoughts and build a coherent speech."

Experience with peer reviews is mixed in quality.

"Some peer feedback was very helpful and constructive, while others were less so."

"The quality of peer reviews varied greatly, depending on the engagement level of others."

"I wish the peer review guidelines were stricter or feedback was moderated for consistency."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Speaking to Inspire: Ceremonial and Motivational Speeches with these activities:

Practice impromptu speaking exercises

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Impromptu speaking exercises can help you to improve your ability to think on your feet and to speak confidently.

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Find a partner or group to practice with.
Take turns giving each other prompts, such as a topic or a question.
Speak for a set amount of time, without preparation.
Give each other feedback on your performances.

Review famous speeches

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Take some time to review famous speeches to familiarize yourself with eloquent speech writing.

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Consider a list of renowned speeches to review, such as the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln, the 'I Have a Dream' speech by Martin Luther King Jr., or the 'Woman of the Year Acceptance Speech' by Michelle Obama.
Listen to each speech and identify techniques such as storytelling, personal anecdotes, humor, and rhetoric.
Analyze the structure, tone, and persuasive elements employed by the speaker.

Read 'Made to Stick' by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

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Read 'Made to Stick' to gain a deeper understanding of what makes a speech memorable and persuasive.

View Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Made to Stick' by Chip Heath and Dan Heath.
Read the book and take notes on key concepts, such as the 'SUCCESs' framework and the importance of storytelling.
Apply the principles from the book to your own speeches.

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Prepare a speech bank of personal experiences

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Build a personal repository of anecdotes, stories, and experiences that you can potentially use in your speeches.

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Introspection: Begin by reflecting on memorable speeches you have delivered or heard, and identify moments that resonated with your audience.
Journaling: Keep a journal to capture relevant personal experiences, observations, and anecdotes that could serve as potential speech material.
Categorization: Organize these entries into various categories, such as humorous, inspirational, or motivational, to make them easily accessible when crafting a speech.
Review: Periodically review your speech bank and update it with new or refined experiences.

Participate in a public speaking group or workshop

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Join a public speaking group or workshop to practice speaking and receive feedback from others.

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Research and identify public speaking groups or workshops in your area.
Attend meetings or sessions regularly and actively participate in discussions and exercises.
Prepare and deliver speeches for constructive critique from group members.
Take notes of the feedback and use it to improve your speaking skills.

Write and record a short speech

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Write and record a short speech to practice your speech writing and delivery skills.

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Choose a topic that you are passionate about and research it thoroughly.
Write a speech outline that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Practice delivering your speech in front of a mirror or with a friend.
Record yourself delivering the speech and watch it back to identify areas for improvement.

Start a blog or vlog about public speaking and persuasion

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Starting a blog or vlog about public speaking and persuasion can help you to solidify your understanding of the concepts and techniques learned in this course.

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Choose a platform for your blog or vlog, such as WordPress, Blogger, or YouTube.
Create a posting schedule and stick to it.
Write or record content that is informative, engaging, and thought-provoking.
Promote your blog or vlog on social media and other online platforms.

Volunteer as a speaker or facilitator

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Volunteering as a speaker or facilitator allows you to put your speech writing and delivery skills into practice and to make a positive impact on your community.

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Identify organizations or events that are looking for speakers or facilitators.
Reach out to the organizers and inquire about volunteering.
Prepare a speech or presentation that is tailored to the audience and the event.
Deliver your speech or facilitate the event with confidence and enthusiasm.

Career center

Learners who complete Speaking to Inspire: Ceremonial and Motivational Speeches will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Orator

Orators, also known as public speakers, use their communication skills to present and persuade an audience. They may do this by writing and delivering speeches, or even serving as a spokesperson on behalf of an organization. Those who work as Orators are solely focused on using the power of words to drive impact. In this course, you'll learn how to craft memorable speeches that captivate an audience. You'll learn the right tone to set for any occasion and become more comfortable speaking from the heart. For an Orator, eloquence and impact are essential tools, so this course is an excellent resource for building the skillset needed to succeed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Orator

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan, develop, and implement marketing campaigns for a variety of products or services. They may do this in a variety of forms, such as broadcast commercials, social media, email, and more. Regardless of the medium, a Marketing Manager must ensure that the marketing campaign resonates with the right audience. This often means using the power of words to drive engagement. In this course, you'll learn how to craft memorable speeches that captivate an audience. You'll learn the right tone to set for any occasion and become more comfortable speaking from the heart. This is critical for a Marketing Manager who needs to represent the voice of the brand across different platforms and campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists maintain a company's image and protect its reputation. They do this by responding to media requests and inquiries, issuing press releases, and pitching stories to the press. They must also be prepared to respond to crises and negative publicity. This course can help Public Relations Specialists by giving them the tools to craft memorable speeches that captivate an audience. They'll learn how to set the right tone for any occasion and become more comfortable speaking from the heart. These skills are essential for Public Relations Specialists who need to be able to clearly and effectively communicate a company's message to the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Teacher

Teachers inspire students to learn and think critically. They may do this by presenting lessons, leading discussions, and designing assignments. They may also be responsible for grading and providing feedback to students. Teachers must be able to communicate effectively and build relationships with students and parents. In this course, you'll learn how to craft memorable speeches that captivate an audience. You'll learn the right tone to set for any occasion and become more comfortable speaking from the heart. These skills are essential for Teachers who need to be able to clearly and effectively communicate with students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Writer

Writers create content for a variety of purposes, such as websites, blogs, articles, and books. They may also write for marketing or advertising purposes. Writers must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, and they must be able to adapt their writing style to their audience. Writers may choose to specialize in a particular field, such as technical writing or creative writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Actor

Actors portray characters in plays, movies, television shows, and other forms of media. They must be able to interpret scripts, develop characters, and work with directors and other actors. They may also need to sing, dance, or play musical instruments. Actors may choose to specialize in a particular genre, such as comedy, drama, or musical theater.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actor

Politician

Politicians create and enforce laws for their city, state, or country. They may also represent their constituents' interests in government. Politicians must be able to communicate effectively, build consensus, and negotiate with others. They may also need to campaign for office and raise funds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Politician

Salesperson

Salespeople sell products or services to customers. They may do this in person, over the phone, or online. Salespeople must be able to communicate effectively, build relationships with customers, and close deals. They may also need to generate leads and develop sales strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Salesperson

Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in court, advise clients on legal matters, and draft legal documents. They must be able to communicate effectively, research legal issues, and think critically. Lawyers may choose to specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, civil law, or corporate law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Program Director

Program Directors plan and implement programs for a variety of organizations, such as schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations. They may be responsible for developing curriculum, setting budgets, hiring staff, and evaluating programs. Program Directors must be able to communicate effectively, build relationships with stakeholders, and lead a team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Director

Judge

Judges preside over court proceedings and make decisions on legal matters. They must be able to interpret laws, weigh evidence, and apply legal principles. Judges may also issue rulings and write opinions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Judge

Community Organizer

Community Organizers work to improve the lives of people in their communities. They may do this by organizing protests, lobbying for policy changes, or providing social services. Community Organizers must be able to communicate effectively, build relationships with people from all walks of life, and lead a team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Fundraiser

Fundraisers raise money for non-profit organizations. They may do this by organizing events, soliciting donations, or writing grant proposals. Fundraisers must be able to communicate effectively, build relationships with donors, and close deals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fundraiser

Minister

Ministers lead religious services and provide spiritual guidance to their congregation. They may also perform baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Ministers must be able to communicate effectively, build relationships with people from all walks of life, and lead a team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Minister

Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with difficult life situations, such as poverty, addiction, and mental illness. They may provide counseling, case management, and other services. Social Workers must be able to communicate effectively, build relationships with people from all walks of life, and work as part of a team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Speaking to Inspire: Ceremonial and Motivational Speeches.

On Writing Well

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Classic guide to writing nonfiction. It provides clear and concise advice on how to write effectively for a variety of purposes. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills.

Speaking to Inspire

Ceremonial and Motivational Speeches

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Speaking to inspire and elevate audiences

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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