How to Give a Speech Like Nelson Mandela

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How to Give a Speech Like Nelson Mandela

By:Collaborator



Nelson Mandela is one of the greatest living symbols of freedom from political tyranny. Both before and after his incarceration in Robbin Island, Mandela gave speeches that rallied huge crowds to the cause of freedom in South Africa, where he did much more than just speak.
Speak with a soft and gentle voice, but with strong words that make a big impact to ensure, like Mandela does, that audience is not only listening, but paying attention to the specific meaning of what you're saying.

Employ inclusive pronouns that Mandela uses, like "we" and "our," when talking about the cause or topic that's the focus of the speech in order to give the audience a sense of solidarity. Also use metaphors where they are suitable and precise, such as Mandela's use of "bridges of hope and healing."

Begin your speech with a characterization of problems, as Mandela did when he gave his "The Elders" speech, in order to grab the audience's attention and lay out the battlefield that needs to be fought. Then go on to speak about possible solutions, and eventually offer your listeners a path of hope.

Use repetition for subtle emphasis, placing equal stress on each phrase or sound that you repeat, as Mandela does when he uses a string of rhythmic contrasts like, "they will support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict and inspire hope where there is despair."

Insert humor casually and only in an impromptu manner without writing jokes into the speech. Be gentle with your humor, like Mandela does when he says, "I'm trying to take my retirement seriously."


Source: www.eslteachersboard.com