1. Stay here or the police can’t find you.  If 2. Come home soon or she will be angry.  If
3. Don’t be careless or you will be in trouble.  If
4. “Why do you want to work in that shop?”  He asked me
5. “Where will you meet your uncle?  She asked me
6. “How can I persuade my mother?”  She asked me
7. “Who do you want to stay with?”  They asked me
8. We liked him because of his careful driving.  He
9. I stayed home because of the heavy snow.  It
10. These activities aim to help the poor.  The aim
11. My sister left school when she was 16.  At
12. Regular exercise will make you healthy.  If
13. I’d rather read newspapers than watch TV.  I prefer
14. Do the work carefully or I will punish you.  You

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.

1 - a

2 - a

3 - c

4 - b

5 - d