Joseph Reagle
“We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.”
Two hundred and twenty-one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America’s improbable experiment in democracy. – Barack Obama, “A More Perfect Union (the Race Speech),” March 18, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
history & quotation
“Today we are launching a campaign called ‘HeForShe.’ … This is the first campaign of its kind at the [United Nations). We want to try to mobilize as many men and boys to be advocates for change.” – Emma Watson, “Speech on Gender Equality,” address to the United Nations on September 20, 2014, New York, New York
speaking situation
“Fifty thousand men died right here on this [Gettysburg] field, fighting the same fight that we are still fighting among ourselves today. This green field right here, painted red, bubblin’ with the blood of young boys. Smoke and hot lead pouring right through their bodies. Listen to their souls, men… If we don’t come together right now on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed, just like they were. I don’t care if you like each other or not, but you will respect each other. And maybe…. I don’t know, maybe we’ll learn to play this game like men.’’ – Coach Boone (played by Denzel Washington), pregame inspirational speech in the film Remember the Titans (2000)
history & visualization (prose)
“Good morning, good morning. I am Stephen Colbert and I want to thank the class of 2013 for inviting me here today…. And now, then, it is an honor to speak at your 2013 Valedictory Exercises - I believe that means I am this year’s valedictorian, and I am as shocked as you are, because I didn’t make it to many classes this year. You guys must’ve really tanked your finals, thank you for that.” – Stephen Colbert, “University of Virginia 2013 Commencement Speech,” May 18, 2013.
speaking situation & joke
“Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead through the food that they eat. My name’s Jamie Oliver. I’m 34 years old. I’m from Essex in England and for the last seven years I’ve worked fairly tirelessly to save lives in my own way.” – Jamie Oliver, “Teach Every Child about Food,” TEDPrize speech, February 2010
startling fact
Your thesis statement establishes the parameters of your talk and is an oral cue for audiences to help them organize your speech in their heads (Gunn 2017, loc. 259)
Thesis: I have had several key experiences that have shaped and distinguish me.
Thesis: How my pets relate to me as a person.
Thesis: How athletics have shaped my character.
These are simple and work, though more creative/elegant possibilities exist.
One or more of:
if your final note is stark, well crafted, or memorable, you won’t need the “thank you.” Even so, concluding with a “thank you” is a common and polite final phrase; whether you use it or not, the key is to make your ending effective. (Gunn 2017, loc. 268)
For example: