Why do some speeches change history?

Answer each question with 2–3 sentences.

1. Can you remember a speech that moved you?
2. Who is the best speaker you have ever heard?
3. Are you comfortable speaking in front of a large group?
4. Do words alone change minds, or does the speaker matter more?
5. Have you ever been persuaded by a speech?
6. What would you say if you had five minutes to address the whole country?

Read each word and the example. Then say a sentence about a speech or a speaker.

Choose the word that fits.

1. The art of speaking persuasively is called .
2. She is such an speaker that people remember her words for years.
3. A gifted can hold a crowd's attention for an hour.
4. She spoke with such that nobody doubted her sincerity.
5. The union leader tried to workers behind the strike.
6. He opened the talk with a short personal that made the audience laugh.
7. After the first success, the campaign gained and support grew fast.
8. A short, memorable phrase used in a campaign is a .

Choose the right answer, then press Check answers.

1. rhetoric is the art of
   clear handwritingfast readingpersuasive speaking
2. an orator is a skilled
   writer of novelspublic speakertranslator
3. conviction = a very
   short speechold traditionfirm belief
4. to rally = to bring people
   togetherto sleepto court
5. momentum = growing
   speed or strengthsilencedebt
6. an anecdote is a short
   musical piecelegal textpersonal story

Use these phrases to describe and evaluate a speech.

• What makes this speech so powerful is...Що робить цю промову такою потужною — це...What makes this speech so powerful is its simplicity.
• Never before had...Ніколи раніше не...Never before had a speech moved so many people.
• Not only did he..., but he also...Він не лише..., а й...Not only did he inspire, but he also united people.
• It appeals to...Це апелює до...It appeals to people's hopes rather than their fears.
• The repetition of... creates...Повтор... створює...The repetition of "I have a dream" creates rhythm.
• It's the delivery as much as the words that...Це так само манера виступу, як і слова,...It's the delivery as much as the words that moves us.
• One could argue that...Можна стверджувати, що...One could argue that the context made it famous.
• It stands the test of time.Вона витримує випробування часом.The speech still stands the test of time.

Read the text. Hover over the dotted words for help.

1. The Gettysburg Address was very long.
   TrueFalse
2. Churchill's speech in 1940 was delivered in the House of Commons.
   TrueFalse
3. According to several accounts, King partly improvised the famous passage.
   TrueFalse
4. The text says that context does not matter.
   TrueFalse
5. Repetition is mentioned as one reason why speeches are memorable.
   TrueFalse

1. Which words from a speech have stayed with you?
2. Is delivery more important than content?
3. Do speeches still change history today?
4. What makes a speaker believable?

Common mistakes: after never, rarely, hardly, no sooner, not only, little put the auxiliary before the subject. Use did / does / do when there is no auxiliary. ✗ Never before a speech had moved so many → Never before had a speech moved so many. ✗ Rarely leaders speak so simply → Rarely do leaders speak so simply. ✗ Not only he inspired the crowd → Not only did he inspire the crowd.

1. Never before
   had a speech moveda speech had moved
   so many people.
2. Rarely
   do leaders speakleaders speak
   so simply.
3. Not only
   did he inspirehe inspired
   the crowd, but he also changed the law.
4. Hardly
   had she finishedshe had finished
   when the crowd applauded.
5. No sooner
   he had begunhad he begun
   than the crowd fell silent.
6. Little
   he knewdid he know
   that the speech would be remembered.
7. Only when the speech ended
   the crowd moveddid the crowd move
   .
8. Under no circumstances
   should you readyou should read
   a speech word for word.

Each sentence has one mistake. Type the correct words.

1. Never before a speech had moved so many people. →
2. Rarely leaders speak so simply. →
3. Not only he inspired the crowd, but he also changed the law. →
4. Hardly she had finished when the crowd applauded. →
5. No sooner he had begun than the crowd fell silent. →
6. Little he knew that the speech would be remembered. →

Answer in detail. Use inversion after negative adverbials.

1. Which famous speech would you choose, and what makes it powerful?
2. What techniques do good speakers use?
3. Do you think the speaker or the words matter more?
4. Have you ever given a speech? What did you learn?
5. Rarely do we hear a speech that changes our mind. Why is that?
6. Do you think speeches can still change history?

Three people discuss what makes a speech memorable. Compare them. Who values words most? Who values delivery most? Whose view is closest to yours?

Your teacher will time you.

1. Plan for one minute, then speak for one or two minutes.
2. Part 1: describe a speech or speaker you admire and say why.
3. Part 2: explain which techniques make it effective (use inversion at least twice).
4. Part 3: say whether words can change history today.

1. Which speech has influenced you most?
2. Do you enjoy listening to political speeches?
3. Are you nervous when you speak to an audience?
4. What do you do to prepare for an important talk?
5. Have you ever been moved by a speech?
6. Do you use repetition when you speak?
7. Which famous quotation do you like most?
8. Do you prefer a speaker who uses notes or one who does not?

1. Who gives the best speeches in your family?
2. Who is the best speaker you know?
3. Who taught you how to speak in public?
4. Who would you like to hear speak?
5. Who writes speeches in your work or school?
6. Who in your life persuaded you to change your mind?

1. Is rhetoric dangerous?
2. Can a speech change a person's mind?
3. Should schools teach public speaking?
4. Do speeches matter less now than in the past?
5. Is it better to be a great speaker or a great listener?