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Study of excerpts or mini-speeches made by Rev. Martin Luther King - Succeed by Studying Great Speeches Also refer to I've seen the mountain top, I have a dream, Let freedom ring, rhetoric, oratory skills, format, vision, mission, politics, imagery, emotional appeal, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions Excerpts from Martin Luther King's Speechesby Ron Kurtus (12 February 2005) Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great orator is the tradition of many southern preachers and ministers. He had great use of his voice, along with poetic imagery in his speeches. This is the same delivery used in many "hell and brimstone" sermons that Southern Baptist ministers and other preachers have used. His most famous speech was I Have a Dream, given on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963. In that speech, he included three mini-speeches that he included numerous times in other speeches. They are: I've Seen the Mountain Top, I Have a Dream and Let Freedom Ring. We have included audio clips of those mini-speeches, so you can hear how he delivered the material. Questions you may have include:
This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson. Learning from speechListen to the excerpts to note the clarity of communication, the pacing of his words, the varying of volume for effect, and the emotions expressed. Also note the audience reaction to his words. Speech writingThings to note when studying the excerpts are:
Take notes on the mini-speeches to show where you felt the most impact was made. Public speakingTry to speak along with Rev. King, imitating his oratory methods. Although you may never want to speak in the same manner--nor would it be appropriate--you can get the feeling of how he was able to move his audiences. This will give you insight on how you can do the same. Historical significanceNote the mission and goals of Rev. King in each of these mini-speeches. Do you think he was able to move people to action from these speech materials?
Martin Luther King, giving a speech ExcerptsRev. Martin Luther King Jr.: I've seen the mountain topI have a dreamLet freedom ringSummaryUse this material by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to improve your skills in speech writing, public speaking, or history. Speak with gusto ResourcesThe following are resources on this subject. WebsitesMartin Luther King Jr. Papers Project - Stanford University The King Center - Information about Martin Luther King Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" Speech - 1963 - Text and study Books Top-rated
books on Martin Luther King Top-rated
books on Civil Rights Movement Top-rated
books on Famous Speeches Top-rated
books on Oratory and Rhetoric MiscellaneousMini-quiz to check your understanding1. Why did Dr. King use the same mini-speeches over and over? 2. Why did people in the audience shout things out during his speeches? 3. How did these mini-speeches inspire his audience? If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Great Speeches. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again. What do you think?Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible. Share linkFeel free to establish a link from your website to pages in this site. Or use our form to send this link to yourself or a friend. Students and researchersThe Web address of this page is Please include it as a reference in your report, document, or thesis. Where can you go from here?
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The School for Champions helps you become the type of person that can be can be called a Champion.