“But there is something that I must say to my people”

Widely considered the greatest speech of all time, Martin Luther King, Jr. urgently and passionately let it be known that equality is not an option.

I am reminded so often of the power each one of us has to speak up and speak well.  Just today in my local, Allentown, PA area newspaper,  The Morning Call, there is an article about the PPL rate hikes.  One woman, pictured in the article had the courage to speak up and explain how the rate hikes are causing her family to suffer financially.   No doubt her passion and courage to speak will have an effect on the issue.  At the least, her bravery may inspire others to speak about something they care about.   What do you care about?  Do you want to do something about it?  You have all the power in the world to start today.      A civic-minded acquaintance   recently asked me to help him shape a message that he plans to deliver to civic groups because he feels strongly that the time is right for his message to be heard. Often, civic groups such as Kiwanis, Rotary and others are seeking speakers to add something of interest to their regular meetings.  Some groups offer online speaking suggestion forms on their Web sites.  Nothing like putting yourself out there in order to learn something new, meet people and challenge yourself.  Requesting to speak at a civic group is one way to share your passion.

When I teach public speaking at Penn State, I ask students, “Can you imagine what will be your rhetorical situation?”   A trick question, really, since most of us have no clue what will cause us to step up to the microphone and make our case.   For sure, most of us will have at least one occasion that requires us to be heard.   So this summer, I ask you to think about how you could share something you know about and care about with others.  It’s a generous thing and it makes the world a better place.   Whether it is racial equality or a more affordable electric bill, speak up and speak well!

Public speaking makes dreams come true

On Monday let us all pause and reflect on the power that Martin Luther King, Jr. had to create change in our society.  We should also consider that much of his advocacy came through speech.  On August 28, 1963 King delivered a speech that stirred the nation when he called for racial equality.  In front  of the Lincoln memorial and before a crowd of 200,000 King addressed his followers with soaring oratory.  The speech is widely considered to be the greatest speech in American history.

We may never get a Martin Luther King, Jr. moment, but we can create better lives for ourselves and others through public speaking.   What is your dream?  A better program for your daughter at school, a promotion at work, or maybe you have political aspirations.  The only way to become a good public speaker is to speak.  So, take a communication course and  build upon the skills that you already have to create confidence and refine your message.  Offer to speak to a college classroom, to church members, or a civic group.  By refining your communication skills you are making your dream come true, whatever that dream is.

And on Monday:  Remember the great words of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the change that came through speech.

Nichola D. Gutgold is associate professor of communication arts and sciences at Penn State Lehigh Valley and author of several books.  Her latest, Almost Madam President:  Why Hillary Clinton ‘won’ in 2009 contends that Clinton was able use a variety of rhetorical options to become the first woman front-runner candidate for president in U.S. history.