On this day of speeches, I’m reminded of something I wrote a couple of years ago about how Martin Luther King essentially winged major parts of his I Have a Dream Speech:
When Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, it electrified the audience gathered on Washington’s mall and inspired the nation. Almost 50 years later, it still shines as one of the great pieces of rhetoric from the 20th Century.
But you might be surprised to know that on that summer day in 1963, the good Reverend essentially winged it. That’s right. The speech was actually a patchwork of various remarks King had delivered at other times. And its most memorable section was mostly improvised on the spot.
I go on to describe the moment and offer five lessons for any presenter or public speaker. Read the full article here.
Happy Inauguration Day and Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!