Denzel Washington Commencement Speech Fall Forward
Denzel Washingtons 2011 commencement speech at the University of Penn. He says he doesnt want to fall back on anything, but rather fall forward by taking risks.
He mentions how Thomas Edison conducted 1,000 failed experiences before he created the light bulb.
The motivational message is that failed experiences are a necessary part of success. He backs it up with a personal story from his own failures auditioning for roles early on in his acting career.
Prepare And Prepare Again
Even beyond practicing, there really is no replacement for preparing for any contingencies for your speech. You might lose your notecards on the day of, other speakers might run over time, or key people might fail to show up. You should be prepared for these scenarios and more when youre going in to present your speech. Consider making preparations like:
- Making extra sets of notecards
- Preparing a shorter version of your speech
- Preparing a longer version of your speech
- Having questions on hand to address the audience with when your speech is over
- Preparing for different noise levels in your venue
No one is a naturally perfect speaker. Excellent speakers are as good as they are because they take the time to prepare and practice again and again. While you may be able to give an average or good talk even if you skimp on practice and preparation, you will never be able to give an excellent talk this way.
Easy And Effective Motivational Speech Topics
6 min read
Dec 8, 2018
Dec 18, 2022
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Preparing a motivational speech is an interesting yet challenging task. You have to go through the persuasive speech writing process before being able to deliver a motivational speech. To deliver a successful motivational speech you must possess the essentials to be able to influence others.
Finding the inspiration and courage to motivate others, itself is a difficult task. It is impossible to motivate others if you are not motivated. Hence, you need to make sure that whatever you write in your motivational speech, every word must come from the heart.
The first thing that you are going to need to write an effective motivational speech is a good motivational topic. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of simple, easy, effective as well as good motivational topics.
This list of motivational speech topics contains topics for all academic levels and also for professionals. Dive into the blog and check out the list and choose the best topic for your speech.
A good motivational speech topic is an essential element to deliver an influential and successful motivational speech. Take a look at our list of motivational persuasive speech topics for students and professionals.
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How To Give A Motivational Speech
An effective motivational speaker does not bore the audience with empty words and phrases. They give a positive impact on peoples perspective in life. If you want to be that kind of speaker, here are some things to be mindful about when giving a motivational speech:
1. Have a goal.
Why are you giving the speech? What makes you want to deliver the speech? What is the purpose of your speech? You may also see farewell speech examples.
2. Connect with your audience.
In any way you can. Your audience must be able to feel you and you, as a speaker must also be able to feel them.
3. Be enthusiastic and sincere.
This will help you in connecting with your audience. You may also like dedication speech examples.
4. Share your story.
5. Speak clearly.
Your audience must understand every word you deliver in order to understand your point. You may also check out .
6. Review your speech.
Is it inspiring enough? Will you be able to connect with your audience? Will it encourage them?
7. Practice.
In front of a mirror, in front of your friends or family, practice. And memorize it ahead of time. You might be interested in leadership speech examples & samples.
Best Short Motivational Speech Of All
Are you looking for a short motivational speech with the power to immediately inspire you? If so, then youll love this intense motivational speech. It is one of our favorites, and regardless of its age, we believe it still packs a punch.
So, if youre ready for an epic motivational speech that can give you goosebumps and incite action read below, and be sure to watch the video after! Enjoy!
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+ Inspirational Lionel Messi Quotes To Help You Level Up In Life
Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest footballer of all time: The Goat. He has been dominating the world of football for over a decade and is still at the top of his game. But his success was not overnight. Throughout his iconic career, he has had his fair share of ups and downs but his thirst for perfection has made him what he is today.
The five time Ballon dor winner, Messi, is notonly a great player but also a great human being. Pep Guardiola once said thesewords about him:
Dont writeabout him. Dont try to describe him. Just watch him.
Below we will share some of the Life-Changing quotes by one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen, Lionel Messi.
+ Inspirational Hard Work Pays Off Quotes
Theres one premise that all our efforts are based off of here at The STRIVE, and its that hard work pays off. We believe that going the extra mile, putting in the effort, working late nights, and grinding in those early waking hours all adds up. We believe it, because it does, and because weve observed this to be true in just about every success story weve studied.
So, to keep you inspired and faithful to the fact that hard work and maximum effort brings positive results, weve rounded up these powerful hard work pays off quotes. May they help you stick to the spirit that has helped created countless millionaires, success icons, pros, and superstars across the ages.
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The Story Of The Fig Tree
I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story. From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned and winked.
One fig was a husband and a happy home and children, and another fig was a famous poet and another fig was a brilliant professor, and another fig was Ee Gee, the amazing editor, and another fig was Europe and Africa and South America, and another fig was Constantin and Socrates and Attila and a pack of other lovers with queer names and offbeat professions, and another fig was an Olympic lady crew champion, and beyond and above these figs were many more figs I couldn’t quite make out.
I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn’t make up my mind which of the figs I would choose.
I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet.
Moral of the story:
Theres no right or wrong answer when youre choosing between two positive routes or outcomes. Wait too long and the decision will be made for you.
Searching for inspirational stories with a moral about happiness? Check out this next one
Motivational Speech Examples To Inspire You Today
Cece Payne
Cece Payne
Whether youre a speaker or not, there come times in all of our lives where we need a little motivation. Maybe youre struggling to find your purpose or are unsure about your path in life. Maybe you just had a bad day and need a reminder that tomorrows a fresh start. In either case, looking to famous speakers and their corresponding motivational speech examples is one sure way to boost your mood and help you find the energy to keep on keepin on.
Here, well look at ten different speeches from some of the most famous motivational speakers of the 21st century. Some are serious and take a candid look at difficult issues in the speakers lives. Others are humorous, designed to balance tough topics with laughter.
Whatever tone you need to hear at this moment, at least one of the following speakers is guaranteed to brighten your day. Theyre also all incredible examples for you to follow, simply from a speaking standpoint, when you next step on stage or record a virtual event.
Hopefully, you get as much out of these examples as our own team did and are able to put the corresponding takeaways to good use.
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Inspirational Quotes To Overcome A Fear Of Change
Change can be challenging. We get comfortable in the predictability and stability of how we work and deliver on our responsibilities. However, when new processes, tools, teams, and structures are introduced it can impact motivation and productivity. Share these quotes about change to shift perspectives.
12. Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and start being excited of what could go right. – Tony Robbins
13. Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end. – Robin Sharma
14. Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat. – Steve Jobs
Orlando Scampington: The Pillars Of Clam
Theme of Speech: Life and Career
Sometimes humor is the best motivator. So here’s an INBOUND Bold Talk from self-proclaimed author, thought leader, dreamer, cat owner, visionary, and “believer in unlimited human potential,” Orlando Scampington. As you’ll soon realize upon reading the quote below, it’s hard to explain what his speech is actually about — so I think it’s better that you just dive in and enjoy.
“Culture is the bitter drunken coachmen lashing motivation into the ungrateful workhorses, so they drag the wagon of growth down the road of success. I think that’s a very apt analogy.”
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Kal Penn: Depauw University Commencement Speech
Theme of Speech: Life and Career
In 2014, Kal Penn delivered an uplifting speech that DePauw University will never forget. He advised graduates to strive for success but to not let it loosen their grip on the things that actually matter, like staying connected with loved ones, being adventurous, and acting selflessly. He also comforted millennials everywhere, convincing them that their futures are full of potential and promise because their generation’s identity is rooted in innovation.
Opportunity is all around us. You’re graduating at a time where youth unemployment is high. And yet your peers are refusing to sit idly by. You’re the most active, service-driven generation, the most imaginative, the most tech-savvy. You’re creating opportunities, inventing gadgets, placing an emphasis on social responsibility over greed. So stop worrying so much. Why are you worried?
Times To Deliver A Team Motivation Speech
It’s important to know when it’s the right time to deliver a team motivation speech. Some of those times can include:
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Close to the end: Depending on how long they’ve been working, when a project is close to being complete, employees might be mentally or physically tired. When they’re close to finishing, it’s beneficial for managers to deliver a speech to help inspire and motivate them to complete the project to the best of their ability.
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Stale work environment: Sometimes, a work environment might feel stale or negative, especially if employees aren’t communicating well with one another. Giving a strong motivational speech can help revitalize the work atmosphere and encourage individuals to communicate and increase productivity.
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Minor setbacks: During a major project or assignment, it’s possible that minor setbacks will occur, which can delay the deadline and discourage employees. Using a team motivation speech can help employees push through the setbacks and stay focused on the project’s major goals.
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Personnel changes: It’s possible that some team members may retire or change jobs, which can sometimes affect the morale of the company’s team. During times of low morale, it’s helpful for managers to inspire their employees through a motivational speech that can focus on the future of the team and its new members.
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Bonus Lionel Messi Quotes
Bonus: Alright, heres our final Lionel Messi quote. Weve added it as a bonus as its our favorite, and its the quote that we believe that will help you achieve more success in your own life.
Some May Have More Talent Than You, But There Is No Excuse For Working Harder Than You.
lionel messi
Ask A Question To Make The Audience Feel Like Part Of A Conversation
A dry, one-way lecture is the fastest way to lose your audience. Great motivational speaking makes the audience feel like a part of a conversation. Starting with a question is a great way to start that tone. Your question should act as a lead-in to the core topic of your speech.
If your speech is on how to stay motivated when their business is struggling, then your question could be something like By a show of hands, how many of you have ever felt like you just wanted a give up and close the business down?
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No One Cares Work Harder
This is one of our favorite motivational sayings, believe it or not, most people dont really care about whether or not you reached your goal, or why you havent, especially why you havent. Accomplishment is a personal thing. It only matters to the person who has the power to make them real.
So, no more excuses, no more telling others why you cant or havent achieved something. Just get to work on turning our dreams into reality.
How To Hunt A Monkey
Do you know how hunters of old used to trap monkeys? A man asked his child.
Rather than chasing them up a tree or shooting arrows from below, theyd put a heavy glass jar with a narrow neck on the floor, which had the monkeys favourite food inside.
Theyd then step back and hide, waiting for the unsuspecting animal to approach.
When it did, the monkey would reach inside, clench a fist around the food, and try to pull it out. However, the narrow neck of the jar would stop the poor monkey from getting its hand out!
Itd pull and pull, but to no avail. There was simply no way to get its hand out of the jar without releasing the food.
Rather than letting go, though, the monkey would persevere, refusing to drop its dinner.
The hunters would then approach and catch it to enjoy a meal of their own.
Dont be like that monkey, warned the man, In life, to fight another day and grow as person, you must know when to quit, when to move on, and when to let go of whatevers holding you back.
Moral of the story:
Sometimes you have to let go and give up what you have now in order to receive something better in the future. Dont let stubbornness be your downfall!
The best short motivational stories with a moral often remind us of our own self-worth. This one about a $100 bill does exactly that
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Engage Your Audience With An Activity
Your audience is much more likely to pay attention to you if you can get them moving. The key to successfully using an activity to start a motivational speech is to pay attention to detail. Ask yourself the following questions:
- How many people are expected?
- What are the demographics of attendees?
- How much time do you have?
These seemingly insignificant details are the difference between a hit activity and a flop.
Just like asking a question, you want your activity to be a lead-in for the content of your speech. The best activities include a physical element. Say your topic is the relationship between your mood and your motivation to improve your business. You could start your motivational speech with a breathing exercise for calming ones mind or a quick smiling exercise.
Motivational Quotes To Keep Going
Lets face it, the daily grind is hard, and after time team leaders and employees can find themselves lacking the ambition they once had. So use these inspirational quotes for employees the next time they need a boost to keep going.
1.Failure is not the opposite of success its part of success. – Arianna Huffington
2. Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. – R. Collier
3. It always seems impossible until its done. – Nelson Mandela
4. Dont give up. One day youll look back and be glad you didnt. – Unknown
5.You dont have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. – Martin Luther King, Jr.
6. A little progress each day adds up to big results. – Unknown
7. The most effective way to do it is to do it. – Amelia Earhart
8. Dont be discouraged. Its often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock. – Unknown
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Dan Pink: The Puzzle Of Motivation
Theme of Speech: Life and Career
Commissions, bonuses, other incentives … in the business world, these are the things that motivate people, right? According to Dan Pink in his 2009 TED Talk, such extrinsic motivators could actually be doing more harm than good. The most recent sociological research suggests that the real key to producing better work is to find intrinsic motivation inside of yourself.
There is a mismatch between what science knows and what business does. And what worries me, as we stand here in the rubble of the economic collapse, is that too many organizations are making their decisions, their policies about talent and people, based on assumptions that are outdated, unexamined, and rooted more in folklore than in science.”