Speech Selection Ideas:
*Keep in mind that you are analyzing delivery. You must be able to watch and/or listen to the
speech be delivered!
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Presidential Speeches (G. W. Bush, Clinton, Eisenhower, JFK, Nixon, FDR, Obama, etc.)
Historic Events (Cuban Missile Crisis, 9/11, Nazi Invasions, etc.)
World Leaders (MLK, Churchill, Mandela, Pope John Paul II, Elie Wiesel, etc.)
Famous Lines ("the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself")
--Classic, Historical Speeches. A staple to Declamation, looking at speeches that have become
memorable moments in history often lead you to well-written works that have lasted through
time for a reason. Most have a strong message, good support, wonderful rhetoric, and a
powerful call to action. They lend themselves to being performed. Be warned though. Try to
avoid such well-known pieces you are sure to falter with everyone's own vision for the speech;
or worse, the video people hold in their memories of the original speaker! Also, be sure that the
message is still relevant to today's society.
--Commencement Speeches. These speeches are often full of empowering encouragement,
warnings for turbulent trials ahead, and the promise of success if one trudges on with
determination. What makes these speeches interesting to sift through is the magnitude of who
delivers them--there is practically a speaker for every mood. Comedians, politicians, actors,
activists, etc. all are the various type of people asked to deliver these speeches. Ergo, a
Declamation performer is given the chance to choose a speech with humor or one strictly
serious. The only catch is because most commencement speeches follow a similar outline,
originality may be difficult to find.
--Political Debates and Human Rights Speeches. These can be anything from a Presidential
address to a public speech delivered at a rally as a call to action. Any political or historical icons
you admire? Research them and see what public records hold of past public appearances or
speeches they have done. Check out records of historical Congressional debates as well and see
if any deliberations or filibusters strike interest.
--Courtroom Speeches. Often at trials a lawyer will deliver an eloquent speech to save an
innocent or society. Why should you care? Anything happening in a courtroom is documented
by the Court Reporter. Even better, these recordings are open for public access. A good
Declamation might be found in the recordings of a popular court case.
--Eulogy. If you are looking for something a bit on the dramatic side, a eulogy could be a perfect
match. Think of some figures in history who led incredible lives, and begin locating what people
had to say at their funeral. You may even choose a figure that is controversial to add some spice
to your piece.
--Sermons.
Resources:
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http://www.americanrhetoric.com/top100speechesall.html
http://www.history.com/speeches
http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/08/01/the-35-greatest-speeches-in-history/
http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1841228,00.ht
ml
http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/previous.htm