In 1998, the Disney Corporation urged passage of a law that would extend the right of artists or writers to protect their work. Disney was successful, and Congress agreed that the Mickey Mouse brand, for example, would be protected. Why was Disney able to have this sort of influence on the legislative process?

Executive privilege gave Disney extra influence on the president and Congress members.
Disney is a major media corporation that has control within Congress.
The brands owned by Disney were originally created by Congress.
Disney supporters successfully influenced Congress through lobbying.

Disney supporters successfully influenced Congress through lobbying.

each year on this day, i make it a point to listen to dr. martin luther king jr.’s great “i have a dream” speech. it’s electrifying every single time.

the content of dr. king’s speech, his inspiring presence, and the moment in history all came together to make the iconic “i have a dream” speech the defining moment of the american civil rights movement. but there are several other reasons why this speech, delivered over 50 years ago, remains an example of one of the best speeches in american history.

since part of my job is to people become better presenters, i’ve noticed several techniques that we can all learn from and be inspired by in this magnificent speech.

it’s anchored in a powerful related location

in most cases, you can’t handpick the spot to give a presentation, as mlk did for supreme symbolic effect when he stood on the steps of the lincoln memorial and echoed the opening words of the gettysburg address (“five score years ago . . ). but you absolutely can amplify your message by adapting it to your setting and location.