each year on this day, i make it a point to listen to dr. martin luther king jr.ās great āi have a dreamā speech. itās electrifying every single time.
the content of dr. kingās speech, his inspiring presence, and the moment in history all came together to make the iconic āi have a dreamā 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, iāve noticed several techniques that we can all learn from and be inspired by in this magnificent speech.
itās anchored in a powerful related location
in most cases, you canāt 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 (āfive score years ago . . ). but you absolutely can amplify your message by adapting it to your setting and location.