what is kind speech

Speech on Kindness

Kindness, a simple act that holds immense power. It’s like a gentle breeze that can sway hearts and build bridges.

You know it, right? It’s that warm feeling when someone helps you, or you lend a hand to others. Kindness, it makes the world go round.

1-minute Speech on Kindness

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I stand before you today to speak on a topic that is simple, yet profound – Kindness. Kindness is the act of showing compassion, generosity, and care to the people around us. It is a virtue that we all should possess because it doesn’t just benefit the receiver, but also the giver.

How many times have we crossed paths with someone having a bad day? A simple smile, a friendly greeting, or even a small act of assistance can change their entire outlook. Kindness has the power to turn a frown into a smile, and make someone’s day brighter.

Kindness is not just about grand gestures. It’s about the small, everyday acts of compassion that we often overlook. It’s about holding the door open for the person behind you, helping an elderly person cross the road, or sharing your lunch with a friend who forgot theirs. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a big difference.

In this fast-paced world where everyone is busy with their own lives, it is easy to forget to be kind. But I urge each one of you to take a moment, look around, and extend your hand in kindness. It costs nothing, but the payback in terms of the happiness and positivity it can bring, is immense.

In conclusion, I would like to say, let’s make kindness the norm rather than the exception. Let’s fill every day with acts of kindness, no matter how small they are. Let’s make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

Also check:

• Essay on Kindness
• 10-lines on Kindness

2-minute Speech on Kindness

I warmly welcome you all today and thank you for your presence. The topic of my speech today is ‘Kindness’. It’s a simple term that we all know but often overlook in our busy lives.

Kindness, in its rawest form, is a language of care, love, and empathy. It’s something that bridges the gap between all species, all races, and all religions. It is an expression of understanding someone’s pain and helping them alleviate it. Despite its high relevance, it is often the most underrated quality in humans.

The world sometimes seems to be in a rush, and in a quest to achieve our goals, we often forget the power of kindness. Kindness is not necessarily about grand gestures. Sometimes, a simple, kind word, a compassionate look, or a patient listen can heal wounds more effectively than anything else. Imagine a world where everyone practiced a small act of kindness each day; we could potentially transform the world into a happier place to live.

Kindness also has an incredible power that many of us forget. It has the power to create a domino effect. A single act of kindness can inspire others to go out of their way to assist others. This ripple effect has the capacity to transform lives and make the world a better place. Additionally, being kind gives us a sense of satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and makes us happier.

In the digital age, where people are often stuck behind screens, it is more important than ever to show kindness. In our virtual lives, it’s easy to forget that behind every username and avatar, there’s a real person with real feelings. We should always strive to communicate kindly on the internet and respect other people’s opinions even if they are different from ours.

In conclusion, kindness is not just an act, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a choice we make every day. It’s about understanding that everyone is fighting their battle, and they could use some kindness. So, let’s commit to incorporating this simple yet powerful act into our daily lives. Let’s treat others how we want to be treated. Let’s remember that a little kindness can go a long way.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on such an important topic. I hope we can all leave here today with a renewed commitment to spread kindness in our world. Let’s start today, right now, right where we are because as the saying goes, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

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The 4 types of speeches

Informative, demonstrative, persuasive and special occasion.

By:  Susan Dugdale  | Last modified: 01-31-2024

There are four main types of speeches or types of public speaking.

• Demonstrative
• Special occasion or Entertaining

To harness their power a speaker needs to be proficient in all of them: to understand which speech type to use when, and how to use it for maximum effectiveness.

What's on this page:

An overview of each speech type, how it's used, writing guidelines and speech examples:

• informative
• demonstrative
• special occasion/entertaining
• how, and why, speech types overlap

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Informative speeches

An informative speech does as its name suggests: informs. It provides information about a topic. The topic could be a place, a person, an animal, a plant, an object, an event, or a process.

The informative speech is primarily explanatory and educational.

Its purpose is not to persuade or influence opinion one way or the other. It is to provide sufficient relevant material, (with references to verifiable facts, accounts, studies and/or statistics), for the audience to have learned something. 

What they think, feel, or do about the information after they've learned it, is up to them.

This type of speech is frequently used for giving reports, lectures and, sometimes for training purposes. 

Examples of informative speech topics:

• the number, price and type of dwellings that have sold in a particular suburb over the last 3 months
• the history of the tooth brush
• how trees improves air quality in urban areas
• a brief biography of Bob Dylan
• the main characteristics of Maine Coon cats
• the 1945 US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
• the number of, and the work of local philanthropic institutions
• the weather over the summer months
• the history of companion planting 
• how to set up a new password
• how to work a washing machine

Click this link if you'd like more informative topic suggestions .  You'll find hundreds of them.

And this link to find out more about the 4 types of informative speeches : definition, description, demonstration and explanation. (Each with an example outline and topic suggestions.)  

Demonstration, demonstrative or 'how to' speeches

A demonstration speech is an extension of an informative process speech. It's a 'how to' speech, combining informing with demonstrating.

The topic process, (what the speech is about), could either be demonstrated live or shown using visual aids.

The goal of a demonstrative speech is to teach a complete process step by step.

It's found everywhere, all over the world: in corporate and vocational training rooms, school classrooms, university lecture theatres, homes, cafes... anywhere where people are either refreshing or updating their skills. Or learning new ones.

Knowing to how give a good demonstration or 'how to' speech is a very valuable skill to have, one appreciated by everybody.

Examples of 'how to' speech topics are:

• how to braid long hair
• how to change a car tire
• how to fold table napkins
• how to use the Heimlich maneuver
• how to apply for a Federal grant
• how to fill out a voting form
• how to deal with customer complaints
• how to close a sale
• how to give medicine to your cat without being scratched to bits! 

Resources for demonstration speeches

1 . How to write a demonstration speech   Guidelines and suggestions covering:

• choosing the best topic : one aligning with your own interests, the audience's, the setting for the speech and the time available to you
• how to plan, prepare and deliver your speech - step by step guidelines for sequencing and organizing your material plus a printable blank demonstration speech outline for you to download and complete  
• suggestions to help with delivery and rehearsal . Demonstration speeches can so easily lurch sideways into embarrassment. For example: forgetting a step while demonstrating a cake recipe which means it won't turn out as you want it to. Or not checking you've got everything you need to deliver your speech at the venue and finding out too late, the very public and hard way, that the lead on your laptop will not reach the only available wall socket. Result. You cannot show your images.

2.  Demonstration speech sample outline   This is a fully completed outline of a demonstration speech. The topic is 'how to leave an effective voice mail message' and  the sample covers the entire step by step sequence needed to do that.

There's a blank printable version of the outline template to download if you wish and a YouTube link to a recording of the speech.

3.  Demonstration speech topics   4 pages of 'how to' speech topic suggestions, all of them suitable for middle school and up.

Persuasive speeches

The goal of a persuasive speech is to convince an audience to accept, or at the very least listen to and consider, the speaker's point of view.

To be successful the speaker must skillfully blend information about the topic, their opinion, reasons to support it and their desired course of action, with an understanding of how best to reach their audience.

Everyday examples of persuasive speeches

Common usages of persuasive speeches are:

• what we say when being interviewed for a job
• presenting a sales pitch to a customer
• political speeches - politicians lobbying for votes,
• values or issue driven speeches e.g., a call to boycott a product on particular grounds, a call to support varying human rights issues: the right to have an abortion, the right to vote, the right to breathe clean air, the right to have access to affordable housing and, so on.

Models of the persuasive process

The most frequently cited model we have for effective persuasion is thousands of years old.  Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, 384–322 BC , explained it as being supported by three pillars: ethos, pathos and logos. 

Briefly, ethos is the reliability and credibility of the speaker. How qualified or experienced are they talk on the topic? Are they trustworthy? Should we believe them? Why?

Pathos is the passion, emotion or feeling you, the speaker, bring to the topic. It's the choice of language you use to trigger an emotional connection linking yourself, your topic and the audience together, in a way that supports your speech purpose.

(We see the echo of Pathos in words like empathy: the ability to understand and share the feels of another, or pathetic: to arouse feelings of pity through being vulnerable and sad.)

Logos is related to logic. Is the information we are being presented logical and rational? Is it verifiable? How is it supported? By studies, by articles, by endorsement from suitably qualified and recognized people?

To successfully persuade all three are needed. For more please see this excellent article:  Ethos, Pathos, Logos: 3 Pillars of Public Speaking and Persuasion 

Monroe's Motivated Sequence of persuasion

Another much more recent model is Monroe's Motivated Sequence based on the psychology of persuasion.

It consists of five consecutive steps: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization and action and was developed in the 1930s by American Alan H Monroe, a lecturer in communications at Purdue University. The pattern is used extensively in advertising, social welfare and health campaigns.

Resources for persuasive speeches

1.   How to write a persuasive speech Step by step guidelines covering:

• speech topic selection
• setting speech goals
• audience analysis
• empathy and evidence
• balance and obstacles
• 4 structural patterns to choose from

2. A persuasive speech sample outline using Monroe's Motivated Sequence

3. An example persuasive speech written using Monroe's Motivated Sequence  

4.  Persuasive speech topics : 1032+ topic suggestions which includes 105 fun persuasive ideas , like the one below.☺ 

Special occasion or entertaining speeches

The range of these speeches is vast: from a call 'to say a few words' to delivering a lengthy formal address.

This is the territory where speeches to mark farewells, thanksgiving, awards, birthdays, Christmas, weddings, engagements and anniversaries dwell, along with welcome, introduction and thank you speeches, tributes, eulogies and commencement addresses. 

In short, any speech, either impromptu or painstakingly crafted, given to acknowledge a person, an achievement, or an event belongs here.

You'll find preparation guidelines, as well as examples of many special occasion speeches on my site.

Resources for special occasion speeches

How to prepare:

• an acceptance speech , with an example acceptance speech 
• a birthday speech , with ongoing links to example 18th, 40th and 50th birthday speeches
• an office party Christmas speech , a template with an example speech
• an engagement party toast , with 5 examples
• a eulogy or funeral speech , with a printable eulogy planner and access to 70+ eulogy examples
• a farewell speech , with an example (a farewell speech to colleagues)
• a golden (50th) wedding anniversary speech , with an example speech from a husband to his wife
• an impromptu speech , techniques and templates for impromptu speaking, examples of one minute impromptu speeches with a printable outline planner, plus impromptu speech topics for practice
• an introduction speech for a guest speaker , with an example
• an introduction speech for yourself , with an example
• a maid of honor speech for your sister , a template, with an example
• a retirement speech , with an example from a teacher leaving to her students and colleagues
• a student council speech , a template, with an example student council president, secretary and treasurer speech
• a Thanksgiving speech , a template, with an example toast
• a thank you speech , a template, with an example speech expressing thanks for an award, also a business thank you speech template
• a tribute (commemorative) speech , with a template and an example speech
• a welcome speech for an event , a template, an example welcome speech for a conference, plus a printable welcome speech planner
• a welcome speech for new comers to a church , a template with an example speech
• a welcome speech for a new member to the family , a template with an example

Speech types often overlap

Because speakers and their speeches are unique, (different content, purposes, and audiences...), the four types often overlap. While a speech is generally based on one principal type it might also have a few of the features belonging to any of the others. 

For example, a speech may be mainly informative but to add interest, the speaker has used elements like a demonstration of some sort, persuasive language and the brand of familiar humor common in a special occasion speech where everybody knows each other well.

The result is an informative 'plus' type of speech. A hybrid! It's a speech that could easily be given by a long serving in-house company trainer to introduce and explain a new work process to employees.  

Related pages:

• how to write a good speech . This is a thorough step by step walk through, with examples, of the general speech writing process. It's a great place to start if you're new to writing speeches. You'll get an excellent foundation to build on.
• how to plan a speech - an overview of ALL the things that need to be considered before preparing an outline, with examples
• how to outline a speech - an overview, with examples, showing how to structure a speech, with a free printable blank speech outline template to download
• how to make and use cue cards  - note cards for extemporaneous speeches 
• how to use props (visual aids)    

And for those who would like their speeches written for them:

• commission me to write for you

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Mindful Speaking

By Gil Fronsdal

There’s a Buddhist saying that states: “When meditating, watch your mind. When in the world, watch your words.” Being mindful of what we say is as important as being aware of what goes on in the mind. In fact, some aspects of the mind do not reveal themselves until we talk. By becoming aware of what motivates our speaking we can discover aspects of our inner life that may be “off- line” when meditating or when we are alone.

Some people find speaking to be one of the most challenging areas in which to be mindful. The interpersonal concerns, wishes, and feelings that come into play when speaking can be so compelling it is easy to lose ourselves in conversations.

By being attentive while speaking it is possible to grow in self-understanding. One way to do this is to simply ask yourself why you say what you do. What motivations prompt you to speak? What emotions and feelings influence what you say? What are you trying to accomplish in speaking? What are you thinking just before speaking?

Often there is not just one answer to these questions. Continued reflection can reveal how complex and varied the motivations are for what we say. Even something as simple as providing information someone has asked for can have multiple motivations or influences. Most obviously we may want to be helpful. In addition we may wish to make a good impression or, at least, avoid a bad impression of ourselves. We may hope for something in return, even if it is just a bit of appreciation or admiration. We may desire to keep the conversation going or we may be trying to end it. We might speak out of a generous impulse or it may be out of a sense of duty. Because there can be so many simultaneous motivations or concerns operating in even the simplest act of speaking, it is useful to keep inquiring so we can recognize as many intentions as possible.

Being mindful as we speak can reduce tension we may have while speaking. This is especially the case when mindfulness includes “bodyfulness”, i.e., awareness of our body as we speak. When we recognize the physical tensions or strains that build as we speak, we can relax, or at least not continue letting the tension build. We might notice that our physical posture and gestures reinforce psychological tensions as much as express them. The more we are aware of these physical aspects of speaking, the wiser we can be about how we use our body.

The rewards of mindful speaking are great. We are less likely to say things we later regret and more likely to speak wisely and thoughtfully. Remaining mindful while speaking gives us more choice in what we say. By recognizing these choices, speaking can become more deliberate and considered. For those on a path of compassion and liberation it becomes possible to choose. The Buddha provided five criteria for deciding when to speak. These are to speak what is true, kind, useful, timely, and conducive to concord. For the Buddha, all five of these criteria must be met before speaking.

Liberation and compassion depend on being honest. Mindfulness itself is a practice of honest recognition of what is happening. When we speak what is not true we are going “against the grain” of the Buddhist path; we are heading north when we are trying to go south. By speaking only what is true we are also speaking in ways that support the clear seeing that mindfulness fosters. As the saying goes, Lies hide, truth reveals .

Just because something is true doesn’t mean that speaking it is kind. In fact it can sometimes be so unkind that speaking the truth is likened to a stick with which to club people. The greater good for everyone, including the person who speaks, is better attained by speaking with genuine interest in the welfare of others. How we speak has a powerful effect on the way we affect each other. While speaking harshly with hostility may accomplish what we want in the short term, it is counterproductive in the long term. By speaking in ways that are kind, friendly and respectful, we are better able to foster ongoing considerate regard for each other. By speaking with kindness people are also better able to hear the important things we have to say. Or even better, we can aspire to speak so people are uplifted more than depressed by what we say. The saying associated with this is, Kind speech are words from the heart .

Speaking the truth is not always useful or beneficial. It is not useful if whom you are speaking to is unable to hear it or take it into account. It is counterproductive if the person ends the conversation or becomes excessively defensive or offensive. Considering how to speak the truth is an aspect of considering what is useful. Speaking respectfully is helpful, as is being careful with the words we use or the tone of voice in which it is spoken. The saying is, If not beneficial, why say it?

Sometimes it is only useful to speak if the timing is right. By including ‘timeliness’ as one of the criteria for speaking, the Buddha is encouraging us to be mindful of the context of the situation and of the person to whom we are talking. Someone may not be in the mood for the conversation, or they may not have the time or energy to attentively listen. They may be too preoccupied or defensive. Or perhaps it is not useful or kind to speak about some things if third parties are listening. Even though something is true doesn’t mean it is appropriate or helpful for the conversation to be public. It can therefore be useful to wait, sometimes a long time, until the time is right for speaking. The saying is, Only when the time is right does truth take flight .

The final criterion for mindful speech is to consider whether what we are going to say and how we are going to say it is conducive for social concord. Does what we say create more division and separation between others and ourselves or does it support mutual understanding, healthier relationships, and social harmony? Stated more simply, do we speak so it pushes people apart or brings them closer? This last criterion is an encouragement to avoid any rigid separation between self and others, between one’s own group and other groups of people, and between one’s own welfare and the welfare of others. Instead we search for ways to have mutual understanding and mutual support. This is related to the saying, Speak so you become each other’s companion on the journey .

These five criteria are particularly important when we are having difficult conversations. At those times strong mindfulness can help us avoid saying that which makes things worse, not better. Not only can we stay rooted in the present moment so we can track our feelings, thoughts and impulses before we speak, it is also a time to consider if what we are about to say is true, kind, useful, timely, and conducive to concord. If it’s not, then it is time to consider other options for how and when to speak.

Speech is an expression of one’s inner life. Through mindfulness we can better care for the quality, well-being and development of our inner life. Prior to speaking ask: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it useful? Is it timely? Is it conducive to concord?

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King’s speech: what is it and why does it matter?

Senior Lecturer in History, Anglia Ruskin University

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Today, King Charles will give his first speech from the throne as monarch. He delivered the queen’s speech once as Prince of Wales, deputising in May 2022 for his mother, who could not attend. This is the first speech by a king since 1951, though on that occasion King George VI was too ill to attend and the speech was read out by the Lord Chancellor .

Who writes the king’s speech and why does it matter?

The king’s speech is the central part of the ceremony marking the state opening of parliament .

At the start of each parliamentary session, the monarch goes – in a state coach and escorted by the household cavalry – to the House of Lords, accompanied by the crown as a symbol of his royal authority. There, he reads out a speech outlining the government’s plans and priorities for the year ahead.

Although it is known as the king’s speech, it is actually written by the government, for the monarch. In 1964, an irreverent Private Eye cover had Queen Elizabeth II reading the speech while saying: “I hope you realise I didn’t write this crap.”

The speech and the ceremony are a reminder of the constitutional relationship of crown and government. Although political power rests with the prime minister and cabinet, there is nevertheless a layer of authority above them.

What happens at the speech?

The tradition of a king’s speech has its origins in the medieval parliament, but the speech from the throne as we know it today first evolved in the late 17th century , when parliament finally established its power over the monarch.

Much of the modern ritual is a Victorian concoction. The monarch sits on the royal throne in the House of Lords – the upper house. Members of parliament are imperiously summoned by a royal official known as the gentleman usher of the black rod (though the office is currently held by a woman, and so: the lady Usher of the black rod). No seats are provided for MPs, so they have to crowd into an inadequate space at the back.

Meanwhile, the door of the Commons is slammed in black rod’s face as a reminder of the independence of the Commons. And that, ever since 1642, when Charles I entered the chamber with armed men in a foiled attempt to arrest five MPs, the House of Commons is the one place in the realm where the monarch is not allowed to step.

MPs amble informally down to the upper house to show they are going because they choose to, not because they are summoned, and the speech they are to hear is the work of the government, not the king. It’s political theatre.

What if the monarch disagrees with the speech?

Whatever his private feelings, the monarch must not show any overt preference for any political party, so the speech is always read in as neutral a tone as possible. Sometimes the speech might include current acronyms or technical terms which sit strangely with the glittering jewellery and gold on display, but the monarch must read it all, giving nothing away either by tone of voice or facial expression.

The monarch has the right to advise, warn and encourage the prime minister on policy. In return he must always follow the prime minister’s advice and he must read the prime minister’s speech.

This means that a monarch might solemnly read out a speech written by one party, and, a year later, if there has been a change of government, equally solemnly read out a speech outlining a completely different programme and written by their opponents.

What can we expect from this year’s king’s speech?

The grand ceremonial of the state opening has sometimes been scaled down, in wartime or if the economic situation suggests tactful restraint. This is something the king himself has to gauge, with advice from the government.

The speech is the first indication of the government’s legislative priorities for the year ahead. We can certainly expect reference to housing and the cost of living crisis, and possibly to the ongoing crises in Gaza and Ukraine. Reports have indicated that the speech will also include bills related to the prime minister’s pro-motorist plans, a gradual smoking ban and leasehold reform.

After the speech, the monarch makes an equally ceremonial departure and MPs shuffle off back to the Commons where they begin a debate, which normally lasts a week. This is called a humble address to the monarch, thanking him for his gracious speech, but in reality offering MPs a chance to support or attack the government for its now-public list of intentions. And so normal politics resumes.

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Module 6: Organizing and Outlining Your Speech

Methods of speech delivery, learning objectives.

Identify the four types of speech delivery methods and when to use them.

There are four basic methods of speech delivery: manuscript, memorized, impromptu, and extemporaneous. We’ll look at each method and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.

A manuscript page from President George W. Bush’s address to the nation on the day of the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

A manuscript speech is when the speaker writes down every word they will speak during the speech. When they deliver the speech, they have each word planned and in front of them on the page, much like a newscaster who reads from a teleprompter.

The advantage of using a manuscript is that the speaker has access to every word they’ve prepared in advance. There is no guesswork or memorization needed. This method comforts some speakers’ nerves as they don’t have to worry about that moment where they might freeze and forget what they’ve planned to say. They also are able to make exact quotes from their source material.

When the exact wording of an idea is crucial, speakers often read from a manuscript, for instance in communicating public statements from a company.

However, the disadvantage with a manuscript is that the speakers have MANY words in front of them on the page. This prohibits one of the most important aspects of delivery, eye contact. When many words are on the page, the speakers will find themselves looking down at those words more frequently because they will need the help. If they do look up at the audience, they often cannot find their place when the eye returns to the page. Also, when nerves come into play, speakers with manuscripts often default to reading from the page and forget that they are not making eye contact or engaging their audience. Therefore, manuscript is a very difficult delivery method and not ideal.  Above all, the speakers should remember to rehearse with the script so that they practice looking up often.

Public Speaking in History

The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, owed in large part to a momentary error made by an East German government spokesperson. At a live press conference, Günter Schabowski tried to explain new rules relaxing East Germany’s severe travel restrictions. A reporter asked, “when do these new rules go into effect?” Visibly flustered, Schabowski said, “As far as I know, it takes effect immediately, without delay.” In fact, the new visa application procedure was supposed to begin the following day, and with a lot of bureaucracy and red tape. Instead, thousands of East Berliners arrived within minutes at the border crossings, demanding to pass through immediately. The rest is history.

The outcome of this particular public-relations blunder was welcomed by the vast majority of East and West German citizens, and hastened the collapse of communism in Eastern and Central Europe. It’s probably good, then, that Schabowski ran this particular press conference extemporaneously, rather than reading from a manuscript.

You can view the transcript for “The mistake that toppled the Berlin Wall” here (opens in new window) .

A memorized speech is also fully prepared in advance and one in which the speaker does not use any notes. In the case of an occasion speech like a quick toast, a brief dedication, or a short eulogy, word-for-word memorization might make sense. Usually, though, it doesn’t involve committing each and every word to memory, Memorizing a speech isn’t like memorizing a poem where you need to remember every word exactly as written. Don’t memorize a manuscript! Work with your outline instead. Practice with the outline until you can recall the content and order of your main points without effort. Then it’s just a matter of practicing until you’re able to elaborate on your key points in a natural and seamless manner. Ideally, a memorized speech will sound like an off-the-cuff statement by someone who is a really eloquent speaker and an exceptionally organized thinker!

The advantage of a memorized speech is that the speaker can fully face their audience and make lots of eye contact. The problem with a memorized speech is that speakers may get nervous and forget the parts they’ve memorized. Without any notes to lean on, the speaker may hesitate and leave lots of dead air in the room while trying to recall what was planned. Sometimes, the speaker can’t remember or find his or her place in the speech and are forced to go get the notes or go back to the PowerPoint in some capacity to try to trigger his or her memory. This can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable moment for the speaker and the audience, and is a moment which could be easily avoided by using a different speaking method.

How to: memorize a speech

There are lots of tips out there about how to memorize speeches. Here’s one that loosely follows an ancient memorization strategy called the method of loci or “memory palace,” which uses visualizations of familiar spatial environments in order to enhance the recall of information.

You can view the transcript for “How to Memorize a Speech” here (opens in new window) .

An impromptu speech is one for which there is little to no preparation. There is often not a warning even that the person may be asked to speak. For example, your speech teacher may ask you to deliver a speech on your worst pet peeve. You may or may not be given a few minutes to organize your thoughts. What should you do? DO NOT PANIC. Even under pressure, you can create a basic speech that follows the formula of an introduction, body, and conclusion. If you have a few minutes, jot down some notes that fit into each part of the speech. (In fact, the phrase “speaking off the cuff,” which means speaking without preparation, probably refers to the idea that one would jot a few notes on one’s shirt cuff before speaking impromptu.) [1] ) An introduction should include an attention getter, introduction of the topic, speaker credibility, and forecasting of main points. The body should have two or three main points. The conclusion should have a summary, call to action, and final thought. If you can organize your thoughts into those three parts, you will sound like a polished speaker. Even if you only hit two of them, it will still help you to think about the speech in those parts. For example, if a speech is being given on a pet peeve of chewed gum being left under desks in classrooms, it might be organized like this.

• Introduction : Speaker chews gum loudly and then puts it under a desk (attention getter, demonstration). Speaker introduces themselves and the topic and why they’re qualified to speak on it (topic introduction and credibility). “I’m Katie Smith and I’ve been a student at this school for three years and witnessed this gum problem the entire time.”
• Body : Speaker states three main points of why we shouldn’t leave gum on desks: it’s rude, it makes custodians have to work harder, it affects the next student who gets nastiness on their seat (forecast of order). Speaker then discusses those three points
• Conclusion : Speaker summarizes those three points (summary, part 1 of conclusion), calls on the audience to pledge to never do this again (call to action), and gives a quote from Michael Jordan about respecting property (final thought).

While an impromptu speech can be challenging, the advantage is that it can also be thrilling as the speaker thinks off the cuff and says what they’re most passionate about in the moment. A speaker should not be afraid to use notes during an impromptu speech if they were given any time to organize their thoughts.

The disadvantage is that there is no time for preparation, so finding research to support claims such as quotes or facts cannot be included. The lack of preparation makes some speakers more nervous and they may struggle to engage the audience due to their nerves.

Extemporaneous

The last method of delivery we’ll look at is extemporaneous. When speaking extemporaneously, speakers prepare some notes in advance that help trigger their memory of what they planned to say. These notes are often placed on notecards. A 4”x6” notecard or 5”x7” size card works well. This size of notecards can be purchased at any office supply store. Speakers should determine what needs to go on each card by reading through their speech notes and giving themselves phrases to say out loud. These notes are not full sentences, but help the speakers, who turn them into a full sentence when spoken aloud. Note that if a quote is being used, listing that quote verbatim is fine.

The advantage of extemporaneous speaking is that the speakers are able to speak in a more conversational tone by letting the cards guide them, but not dictate every word they say. This method allows for the speakers to make more eye contact with the audience. The shorter note forms also prevent speakers from getting lost in their words. Numbering these cards also helps if one gets out of order. Also, these notes are not ones the teacher sees or collects. While you may be required to turn in your speech outline, your extemporaneous notecards are not seen by anyone but you. Therefore, you can also write yourself notes to speak up, slow down, emphasize a point, go to the next slide, etc.

The disadvantage to extemporaneous is the speakers may forget what else was planned to say or find a card to be out of order. This problem can be avoided through rehearsal and double-checking the note order before speaking.

Many speakers consider the extemporaneous method to be the ideal speaking method because it allows them to be prepared, keeps the audience engaged, and makes the speakers more natural in their delivery. In your public speaking class, most of your speeches will probably be delivered extemporaneously.

• As per the Oxford English Dictionary' s entry for "Off the Cuff." See an extensive discussion at Mark Liberman's Language Log here: https://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=4130 ↵
• Method of loci definition. Provided by : Wikipedia. Located at : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_of_loci . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
• The mistake that toppled the Berlin Wall. Provided by : Vox. Located at : https://youtu.be/Mn4VDwaV-oo . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
• How to Memorize a Speech. Authored by : Memorize Academy. Located at : https://youtu.be/rvBw__VNrsc . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
• Address to the Nation. Provided by : U.S. National Archives. Located at : https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2011/09/06/911-an-address-to-the-nation/ . License : Public Domain: No Known Copyright
• Methods of Speech Delivery. Authored by : Misti Wills with Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution

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Mindful Speech: Is It True? Is It Necessary? Is It Kind?

Posted by Buddha Groove

When we talk about mindfulness, we tend to talk about a sense of awareness, both of ourselves and our surroundings. Mindfulness meditation in particular is geared towards observing our thoughts and where we are in the present moment. But what about the other aspects of ourselves? What about speech?

Talking can be innate, even impulsive. It feels so natural because we do it all the time. It is easy to slip into a mindless mode of chatting and babbling. But words are powerful, and being mindful about what we express is as vital as paying attention to how we behave or how we think.  

Here are three major questions you can ask to be more thoughtful during conversations.

Is It True?  

While we rarely speak with the intention to tell outright lies, that doesn’t make our words true. We can perpetuate rumors, spread gossip, exaggerate in ways that cater to our egos and personal bias. Or , we can simply talk in ways that aren’t authentic to who we are and what we want to communicate . When speaking, ask yourself,  Is this true? And if it’s not, why am I saying it? What am I really trying to communicate by stretching the truth?    

Is It Necessary?  

Words that take the form of negative comments, complains, or insults can help air our grievances, but they don’t always improve upon the silence. While we mustn’t ever censor ourselves, there are many times when what we want to say isn’t necessary or helpful for the situation at hand. Or, it might be necessary, but not for the given time, place, or audience. It’s always worth considering,  Is this necessary? Is it necessary right now ?  Are these exact words right for the message I want to communicate?

Is It Kind?  

When you say things, are you showing empathy? Are you taking into consideration the feelings of others? Are you saying something that will lift the mood or lift the spirits of those in the room? Expressing kindness isn’t about mindless optimism or giving gratuitous compliments :   it’s about knowing which words are the most compassionate . Sometimes, this means refraining from speaking at all. Other times, it means saying what has to be said but using only the gentlest phrasing. Always ask , is this kind? Does what I’m about to say express compassion?   

The goal of mindful speech is not to police your sentences.  The point is to be conscious of the words that we often take for granted.  Being mindful about speech simply means slowing down and choosing our sentences with care. 

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The Top Characteristics Of A Good Speech

“I tell my story, not because it is unique, but because it is not. It is the story of many…

“I tell my story, not because it is unique, but because it is not. It is the story of many girls… Though I appear as one girl, one person, who is 5ft 2in tall, if you include my high heels, I am not a lone voice, I am many. I am Shazia. I am Kainat Riaz. I am Kainat Somro. I am Mezon. I am Amina. I am those 66 million girls who are out of school.”

The youngest-ever Nobel Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, then 17, uttered these evocative words at her acceptance speech in 2014.

A good speech such as this one is provocative, inspiring and personal. It is structured to present a clearly defined message and convey the speaker’s ideas and thoughts.

At work, you may be asked to speak at meetings, seminars and conferences. These are important events in your professional career that will help you establish your credibility, and build your personal brand and professional network.

Learning how to deliver a good speech will equip you for career success. Let’s look at the characteristics of a good speech to push you in the right direction.

Characteristics Of A Good Speech

If you want to make a good speech that leaves a lasting impression, focus on what you’re going to speak and how. A good speech isn’t only about your words but also how you present yourself. Body language and gestures play a critical role in transforming an average speech into a memorable one.

If you’re wondering what a good speech is, here are some of its qualities:

Clear Message And Key Ideas

A good speech always starts with a key idea and a well-defined message. Many people make the mistake of burying their ideas in the middle or at the end. That’s a mistake. The audience may get distracted halfway into your speech, and leave without even knowing what you’re talking about. If you want people to understand your big idea, present it right at the start. That will set the context for the rest of the speech.

Impactful Oral Delivery

Remember to consider every aspect of the speech. Your oral delivery—pitch, pause and pace—also influences the audience’s response. ( klonopin ) Modulate your voice and pace to keep your listeners interested in your words. You should be also prepared to make impromptu adjustments to your delivery if you sense the audience drifting away. For instance, if you’re talking about statistical data, make it interesting by asking questions or engaging in a dialogue with the audience. This way, you keep them involved.

Sprinkled With Personal Anecdotes

Don’t rely only on facts and figures. If you can support your claims with personal experiences, it’ll make it more interesting. Start with a personal anecdote that’s linked to your big idea and that your audience can relate to. Humor is also a fun way to break the ice and put everyone at ease.

Informative, But Not Repetitive

Your speech needs to be informative and packed with fresh and new information to have an impact. Be careful not to recycle old ideas packaged in fancy words. . Being original and sharing relevant, critical and helpful information will make your speech memorable. Edit your speech carefully to ensure there are no repetitions or data gaps. You can also add inspiring quotes for a good speech.

Powerful Nonverbal Cues

One of the most important qualities of a good speech is nonverbal communication . You may believe that your words do all the work. But your posture, facial expressions and gestures are equally, if not more, important. Imagine someone making a speech with a blank expression on their face or just reading their words off a page without emotion. That doesn’t make for a good speech. It’s about building tension, asking provoking questions and engaging with the audience. There’s power in using nonverbal cues, like making eye contact with someone in the audience. Using these cues well can greatly improve the quality of your speech.

There are many more characteristics of a good speech that you can incorporate. Harappa Education’s Speaking Effectively course is designed for professionals who want to improve their communication skills. You can use these skills for public speaking or formal workplace conversations, to connect and empathize with others. Build meaningful connections, share ideas effectively, and deliver memorable speeches with our high-impact online course.

Explore topics & skills such as Public Speaking , Verbal Communication , Oral Communication , Speaking Skills & Oratory Skills from Harappa Diaries and learn to express your ideas with confidence.

Figure of Speech

Definition of figure of speech.

A figure of speech is a word or phrase that is used in a non-literal way to create an effect. This effect may be rhetorical as in the deliberate arrangement of words to achieve something poetic, or imagery as in the use of language to suggest a visual picture or make an idea more vivid. Overall, figures of speech function as literary devices because of their expressive use of language. Words are used in other ways than their literal meanings or typical manner of application.

For example, Margaret Atwood utilizes figures of speech in her poem “ you fit into me ” as a means of achieving poetic meaning and creating a vivid picture for the reader.

you fit into me like a hook into an eye a fish hook an open eye

The simile in the first two lines sets forth a comparison between the way “you” fits into the poet like a hook and eye closure for perhaps a garment. This is an example of rhetorical effect in that the wording carefully achieves the idea of two things meant to connect to each other. In the second two lines, the wording is clarified by adding “fish” to “hook” and “open” to “eye,” which calls forth an unpleasant and even violent image. The poet’s descriptions of hooks and eyes are not meant literally in the poem. Yet the use of figurative language allows the poet to express two very different meanings and images that enhance the interpretation of the poem through contrast .

Types of Figures of Speech

The term  figure of speech covers a wide range of literary devices, techniques, and other forms of figurative language, a few of which include:

Personification

Understatement.

• Alliteration
• Onomatopoeia
• Circumlocution

Common Examples of Figures of Speech Used in Conversation

Many people use figures of speech in conversation as a way of clarifying or emphasizing what they mean. Here are some common examples of conversational figures of speech:

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that utilizes extreme exaggeration to emphasize a certain quality or feature.

• I have a million things to do.
• This suitcase weighs a ton.
• This room is an ice-box.
• I’ll die if he doesn’t ask me on a date.
• I’m too poor to pay attention.

Understatement is a figure of speech that invokes less emotion than would be expected in reaction to something. This downplaying of reaction is a surprise for the reader and generally has the effect of showing irony .

• I heard she has cancer, but it’s not a big deal.
• Joe got his dream job, so that’s not too bad.
• Sue won the lottery, so she’s a bit excited.
• That condemned house just needs a coat of paint.
• The hurricane brought a couple of rain showers with it.

A paradox is a figure of speech that appears to be self-contradictory but actually reveals something truthful.

• You have to spend money to save it.
• What I’ve learned is that I know nothing.
• You have to be cruel to be kind.
• Things get worse before they get better.
• The only rule is to ignore all rules.

A pun is a figure of speech that contains a “ play ” on words, such as using words that mean one thing to mean something else or words that sound alike in as a means of changing meaning.

• A sleeping bull is called a bull-dozer.
• Baseball players eat on home plates.
• Polar bears vote at the North Poll.
• Fish are smart because they travel in schools.
• One bear told another that life without them would be grizzly.

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that connects two opposing ideas, usually in two-word phrases, to create a contradictory effect.

• open secret
• Alone together
• controlled chaos
• pretty ugly

Common Examples of Figure of Speech in Writing

Writers also use figures of speech in their work as a means of description or developing meaning. Here are some common examples of figures of speech used in writing:

Simile is a figure of speech in which two dissimilar things are compared to each other using the terms “like” or “as.”

• She’s as pretty as a picture.
• I’m pleased as punch.
• He’s strong like an ox.
• You are sly like a fox.
• I’m happy as a clam.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things without the use of the terms “like” or “as.”

• He is a fish out of water.
• She is a star in the sky.
• My grandchildren are the flowers of my garden.
• That story is music to my ears.
• Your words are a broken record.

Euphemism is a figure of speech that refers to figurative language designed to replace words or phrases that would otherwise be considered harsh, impolite, or unpleasant.

• Last night , Joe’s grandfather passed away (died).
• She was starting to feel over the hill (old).
• Young adults are curious about the birds and bees (sex).
• I need to powder my nose (go to the bathroom).
• Our company has decided to let you go (fire you).

Personification is a figure of speech that attributes human characteristics to something that is not human.

• I heard the wind whistling.
• The water danced across my window.
• My dog is telling me to start dinner.
• The moon is smiling at me.
• Her alarm hummed in the background.

Writing Figure of Speech

As a literary device, figures of speech enhance the meaning of written and spoken words. In oral communication, figures of speech can clarify, enhance description, and create interesting use of language. In writing, when figures of speech are used effectively, these devices enhance the writer’s ability for description and expression so that readers have a better understanding of what is being conveyed.

It’s important that writers construct effective figures of speech so that the meaning is not lost for the reader. In other words, simple rearrangement or juxtaposition of words is not effective in the way that deliberate wording and phrasing are. For example, the hyperbole “I could eat a horse” is effective in showing great hunger by using figurative language. If a writer tried the hyperbole “I could eat a barn made of licorice,” the figurative language is ineffective and the meaning would be lost for most readers.

Here are some ways that writers benefit from incorporating figures of speech into their work:

Figure of Speech as Artistic Use of Language

Effective use of figures of speech is one of the greatest demonstrations of artistic use of language. Being able to create poetic meaning, comparisons, and expressions with these literary devices is how writers form art with words.

Figure of Speech as Entertainment for Reader

Effective figures of speech often elevate the entertainment value of a literary work for the reader. Many figures of speech invoke humor or provide a sense of irony in ways that literal expressions do not. This can create a greater sense of engagement for the reader when it comes to a literary work.

Figure of Speech as Memorable Experience for Reader

By using effective figures of speech to enhance description and meaning, writers make their works more memorable for readers as an experience. Writers can often share a difficult truth or convey a particular concept through figurative language so that the reader has a greater understanding of the material and one that lasts in memory.

Examples of Figure of Speech in Literature

Works of literature feature innumerable figures of speech that are used as literary devices. These figures of speech add meaning to literature and showcase the power and beauty of figurative language. Here are some examples of figures of speech in well-known literary works:

Example 1:  The Great Gatsby  (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.

Fitzgerald makes use of simile here as a figure of speech to compare Gatsby’s party guests to moths. The imagery used by Fitzgerald is one of delicacy and beauty, and creates an ephemeral atmosphere . However, the likening of Gatsby’s guests to moths also reinforces the idea that they are only attracted to the sensation of the parties and that they will depart without having made any true impact or connection. This simile, as a figure of speech, underscores the themes of superficiality and transience in the novel .

Example 2:  One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)

Both described at the same time how it was always March there and always Monday, and then they understood that José Arcadio Buendía was not as crazy as the family said, but that he was the only one who had enough lucidity to sense the truth of the fact that time also stumbled and had accidents and could therefore splinter and leave an eternalized fragment in a room.

In this passage, Garcia Marquez utilizes personification as a figure of speech. Time is personified as an entity that “stumbled” and “had accidents.” This is an effective use of figurative language in that this personification of time indicates a level of human frailty that is rarely associated with something so measured. In addition, this is effective in the novel as a figure of speech because time has a great deal of influence on the plot and characters of the story. Personified in this way, the meaning of time in the novel is enhanced to the point that it is a character in and of itself.

Example 3:  Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury)

A book is a loaded gun in the house next door…Who knows who might be the target of the well-read man?

In this passage, Bradbury utilizes metaphor as a figure of speech to compare a book to a loaded gun. This is an effective literary device for this novel because, in the story, books are considered weapons of free thought and possession of them is illegal. Of course, Bradbury is only stating that a book is a loaded gun as a means of figurative, not literal meaning. This metaphor is particularly powerful because the comparison is so unlikely; books are generally not considered to be dangerous weapons. However, the comparison does have a level of logic in the context of the story in which the pursuit of knowledge is weaponized and criminalized.

Related posts:

• Speech: “Is this a dagger which I see before me
• Speech: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

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Ace the Presentation

An Easy Guide to All 15 Types of Speech

There are several types of speeches one can use to deliver a message, to sell an idea, to persuade, or impart knowledge to the intended audience. What are these types of speech , when to use them, and what are some insights on which types of speeches should be used based on multiple occasions, the audience, and the desired result?

If you are curious to know what types of speech best fit your intended audience or message that you want to pass across, then I strongly believe that this post will be of interest to you.

15 DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPEECH

Demonstrative speech.

The idea behind demonstrative speech is basically to educate the audience that is listening to something they are not aware of. The unique thing about demonstrative speeches is that they could include various visual aids that can help further demonstrate or describe in practical terms how to effectively do something. At first glance, one can say that demonstrative speech is more informative, but the difference is in the fact that informative speeches do not exactly include actual demonstrating of how to do or perform an action.

Imagine that you will give a speech on how to write a blog post, how to sell clothes online, how to fish successfully, or even how to build a house, these can all be considered as demonstrative speeches.

If you’re wondering how to go about getting a speech like demonstrative speech started, the best way is to start by asking your self-critical questions like how or why or what is. These questions will help start the process of creating a power demonstrative speech. Also, as you must know already, a demonstrative speech cannot be considered one without the use of visual aid to help support the process of demonstration.

A great example of demonstrative speeches nowadays are the ones delivered by Apple, and other companies when they are unveiling their latest flagship smartphones, or any other product.

Entertaining speech

Entertaining speech is quite a common or should I say a familiar one amongst the types of speech in our contemporary society. If you have ever been to a birthday party or wedding, which I know you most certainly must have, then you have experienced what an entertaining speech is like. The main purpose of a best man’s speech at a wedding or an after-dinner MC is to entertain the crowd. This form of entertainment is usually done by using interesting illustrations, hilarious stories, and just flat out humor.

Informative speech

Informative speeches are speeches mainly performed for the purpose of educating the audience on a new or relevant piece of information on a particular topic.

To convey this information, informative speech givers do not make use of visual aids in their speeches but rather make use of facts, statistics, educative information, and data, all this so that the audience can learn something and say they have been informed on the topic.

When giving an informative speech, the speaker is expected to present statistics and facts about the topics to back is claims and assertions. Informative speech topics can range from social and economic changes in our community to climate change and how it affects our world today.

So, the next time you hear someone dishing out facts, stats and critical information on a certain topic be sure to note that he or she is giving the audience an informative speech.

Persuasive speech

A persuasive speech is a speech given solely for the purpose of convincing the audience listening that the opinion of the speaker on a particular topic is the right or correct one. Whether you are discussing what movie to watch next or which political standpoint is best for the economy, you are making a persuasive speech.

In order to successfully convince an audience, most speakers tend to use concrete evidence and facts to back up their argument. The use of those various facts makes their own argument seem more sensible and believable, thereby persuading the audience to stand with them and support their claim. This is one of the best ways to ensure your persuasive speech is very effective, by giving solid facts you can easily get the audience to rally around you and give you their support.

A close example of a persuasive speech is one a lawyer gives to the jury in order to convince them to stand with him on the case at hand and vote in his favor. Another good example is one that a presidential candidate give in form of his campaign speech in order to convince the citizen to vote him or her as the next president of the country.

Oratorical speech

This type of speech is usually given on very special occasions like a commencement speech , graduation ceremony , inauguration or ribbon-cutting event. This type of speech can take shape in two distinct forms, they can be long and quite formal in situations like funerals, graduations, and inaugurations, or they can be short and informal in situations like the speech given during a toast in a special event.

There are various events and places where one can give an oratorical speech like a birthday party, retirement party, coming out party and a bunch of others. Political speeches are usually considered as oratorical speeches, especially when they are not used to settle an argument but rather to preach virtue and appeal to common basic truths.

Special occasion speech

Special occasion speeches are speeches that don’t exactly fall into any particular category of speech. Hence, the name special occasion. They can include speeches that are given to introduce a speaker or announce the arrival of a guest. They are designed to be short but interesting and direct to the point.

Another good example of special occasion speeches is a tribute speech given to pay tribute to a person whether they are dead or alive. An award acceptance speech is also another form of special occasion speech, it is given solely to appreciate the audience for the award and Express how much it means to you.

These special occasion speeches are designed to be short, around ten minutes, straight to the point and somewhat mood setting in nature. Most times, special occasion speeches are upbeat and fun, you can easily just go online and find out how to get started on your own little special event.

Writing speeches for special events are usually the easiest as they do not require statistics, demanding need for information and knowledge, just a simple couple of lines could do the trick for you.

Motivational speech

One can consider the motivational speech as a special type of speech in which the general self-improvement of the audience is the goal to be attained. A speaker generally engages in this type of speech to encourage and inspire the confidence of his audience to do better with and for themselves.

These types of speeches can be found in situations like the office where the boss is talking to his employees, trying to inspire them to put in more effort to get the job done or a football match where the coach is trying to motivate his players to give the match everything they got so as win and be crowned champions.

Motivational speeches are important in society, it is the best way to move a crowd of people towards achieving a certain goal. They can be given to inspire people to fight for a cause in society or their various local communities.

Explanatory speech

Explanatory speech is one of the types of speech which is given to critically explain a situation or thing. They are somewhat similar in nature to the demonstrative speech. However, the explanatory speech is different from the demonstrative speech in the sense that the explanatory speech gives a detailed step by step and breaks down of how to do something. It is also different in the sense that it does not make use of visual aid to assist in understanding.

Debate speech

During the cause of a formal debate event, there is a lot of verbal exchanges being made by the two or more parties involved. This act of debating takes shape in many forms in our contemporary society. These forms include the following; classical, impromptu, parliamentary, mock trails, extemporaneous and even public forum.

As the normal standard in general debate, all sides are given an equal amount of time to give a speech on how why they think their opinion or view on a certain matter is the right one. Debates are not quite like persuasive speeches because rather than trying to convince the other side to join you on your side, you are simply trying to justify why you are of an opinion on a certain matter.

Debates have certain rules, regardless of what side of the argument you pick, both or all parties get an equal amount of time to prepare for it. Being a debater you get to develop and harness certain skills like public speaking, researching, initiative skills, and even leadership skills.

Forensic speech

The reason why this type of speech is called forensic is because of its strong similarities to the competitions at public forums during the time of ancient Greece.

This event can take place in a simple place like a classroom or in a more sophisticated setting like a national or international event. During the activity, students are advised to research and improve their speaking skills in order to learn other types of speeches.

• Impromptu Speech

An Impromptu Speech is one that we have to deliver with no prior preparation or rehearsal time, it’s one of those moments where you are simply called up to speak in an event, in an interview, or in so many other situations.

It can be an embarrassing or ackward experience to be in a situation where you have to speak from the top of your head with no prior preparation. To avoid that, please go through the tips that we shared in one of our other posts on how you can better deal with such stressing situations, and still manage to deliver great impromptu speeches.

Pitching Presentations / Pitch Speech

The term Pitching Presentation comes from a type of speech that is specifically targeted at getting buy-in and approval for support, generally financial, for an idea, for a business, a product prototype, or a solution.

Being in the working environment and working as a Salesperson you’d probably use this type of speech more often than most people. That is not to say that other professionals, other than salespeople don’t need to master the skills required to ace this type of speech, most of us do.

Farewell Speech

Farewell speech is, as the name implies, the type of speech where you have to say goodbye to people. It can be a Farewell speech done at work, when you are moving on to your next opportunity, or it could be a goodbye speech to your loved ones when traveling for a long time.

Funeral Speeches

Losing a loved one is one the most difficult experiences you can go through, and being able to find the right words and give a funeral speech effectively is even more challenging. Find our guide on how to outline, how to prepare and how to deliver a heartfelt eulogy in the link below.

9 Basic Elements of a Great Persuasive Speech

As human beings, we commonly face debates, sales pitch, or even casual conversations, where we discuss with an audience (that can be familiar or not) about a subject that we want to convince, to think in a similar or same perspective that we do. If we are playing the speaker role, we need to bring…

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What is the Intended Result of your Speech?

The art of giving a speech is usually performed before a large or small audience, like in a school, the workplace or even a personal gathering. We give speeches every day and it could take many forms depending on the types of speech that we are delivering.

Whether it be to encourage our friends and colleagues at the office or to convince a client to buy our products. The advantages and benefits of knowing how to properly give a speech or even just communicate to an audience are endless, it is an art form that requires the sharpening of one’s thinking capacity and verbal/nonver bal communication skills.

Reflect back to those times where you had to stand in front of a bunch of people and talk about something. It could be as simple as an oral report of an assignment in a school or as complicated and demanding as a proposal at work. After you were able to gather all your materials and prepared yourself well, getting up to the podium and dish it all out was the next logical step.

The success or failure of those public speaking experiences or speeches is all a result of how much you have sharpened your public speaking skills . It is important to sharpen your skills and knowledge of speech giving because the art is not quite the same as talking to a crowd of people. There is a way information is conveyed in speeches, and that is what makes it stand apart from just regular talking to people.

When it comes to giving speeches it all comes down to who is saying what, to whom, using what medium with what effect. Simply put, who is the exact source of the information? What is the message or information itself? Who is the audience, while the medium of communication is actually the delivering method being used by the speaker, then it all ends in an effect.

You can think of the desired effect as the speaker’s intentions for making the speech. Knowing exactly why and to whom you will deliver the speech helps you navigate and select the best out of the different types of speech, and use proper techniques to ensure your speech is relatable , engaging , and memorable .

What is the Type of Speech Delivery Method to be used?

The type of speech delivery method refers to the manner in which the speech will be delivered, rather than the intention or purpose of the speech. Here, it is important that the speaker understands the occasion and the audience, in order to select the right type of speech delivery method to use.

There are Four types of speech delivery Methods:

• Manuscript Speech
• Memorized Speech
• Extemporaneous Speech

Each type of speech delivery method has its perks and ways to follow. You can read all about them in this article !

The art of public speaking or giving a speech is all embedded in one’s understanding and mastery of the different types of speech. As a public speaker, you have to know what occasion deserves what type of speech.

You first have to consider your message and how you what to deliver it, then on a more important note, you have to consider the desired outcome or effect you want your speech to have. It could either be to persuade your audience to stand with you on a particular matter like government policy or   Social structure to something as light as mere entertainment at a dinner party.

Having the ability to speak in public effortlessly and with charisma is a trait and quality every individual in society should desire. And with the proper understanding of these various types of speeches, as well as the techniques required for each, your abilities as a public speaker are only going to grow, and you will continue to impress and amaze your audiences.

Thank you so much for reading this far, I really appreciate it and would love to hear from you. What types of speech would you love to get more insights on?

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING

PopOptic. 9 Different types of Speeches (Plus Tips and Examples for Each)

. https://www.popoptiq.com/types-of-speeches/ .

Craig Czarnecki. 3 Types of Speeches Every Person Needs to be Familiar with for Success!

. https://ruletheroompublicspeaking.com/3-types-speeches-every-person-needs-familiar-success/ .

Lisa Miller. 15 Different Types of Speech. https://www.elist10.com/different-types-of-speeches/ .

Types of Speeches:  Informative, Persuasive, and Special Occasion Video. https://study.com/academy/lesson/types-of-speeches-informative-persuasive-and-special-occasion.html .

Clippings. 10 Different Types of Speeches. https://www.clippings.me/blog/types-of-speeches/ .

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Figurative Language

Figurative Language Definition

What is figurative language? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Figurative language is language that contains or uses figures of speech . When people use the term "figurative language," however, they often do so in a slightly narrower way. In this narrower definition, figurative language refers to language that uses words in ways that deviate from their literal interpretation to achieve a more complex or powerful effect. This view of figurative language focuses on the use of figures of speech that play with the meaning of words, such as metaphor , simile , personification , and hyperbole .

Some additional key details about figurative language:

• Figurative language is common in all sorts of writing, as well as in spoken language.
• Figurative language refers to language that contains figures of speech, while figures of speech are the particular techniques. If figurative speech is like a dance routine, figures of speech are like the various moves that make up the routine.
• It's a common misconception that imagery, or vivid descriptive language, is a kind of figurative language. In fact, writers can use figurative language as one tool to help create imagery, but imagery does not have to use figurative language.

Figurative Language Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce figurative language: fig -yer-uh-tiv lang -gwij

Figures of Speech and Figurative Language

To fully understand figurative language, it's helpful to have a basic understanding of figures of speech. More specifically, it's helpful to understand the two main types of figures of speech: tropes and schemes .

• Tropes are figures of speech that play with and shift the expected and literal meaning of words.
• Schemes are figures of speech that involve a change from the typical mechanics of a sentence, such as the order, pattern, or arrangement of words.

Put even more simply: tropes play with the meaning of words, while schemes play with the structure of words, phrases, and sentences.

The Different Things People Mean When They Say Figurative Language

When people say figurative language, they don't always mean the precise same thing. Here are the three different ways people usually talk about figurative language:

• Dictionary definition of figurative language: According to the dictionary, figurative language is simply any language that contains or uses figures of speech. This definition would mean that figurative language includes the use of both tropes and schemes.
• Much more common real world use of figurative language: However, when people (including teachers) refer to figurative language, they usually mean language that plays with the literal meaning of words. This definition sees figurative language as language that primarily involves the use of tropes.
• Another common real world use of figurative language: Some people define figurative language as including figures of speech that play with meaning as well as a few other common schemes that affect the rhythm and sound of text, such as alliteration and assonance .

What does all that boil down to for you? If you hear someone talking about figurative language, you can usually safely assume they are referring to language that uses figures of speech to play with the meaning of words and, perhaps, with the way that language sounds or feels.

Common Types of Figurative Language

There are many, many types of figures of speech that can be involved in figurative language. Some of the most common are:

• Metaphor : A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one thing is another thing, even though this isn't literally true. For example, the phrase "her lips are a blooming rose" obviously doesn't literally mean what it says—it's a metaphor that makes a comparison between the red beauty and promise of a blooming rose with that of the lips of the woman being described.
• Simile : A simile, like a metaphor, makes a comparison between two unrelated things. However, instead of stating that one thing is another thing (as in metaphor), a simile states that one thing is like another thing. An example of a simile would be to say "they fought like cats and dogs."
• Oxymoron : An oxymoron pairs contradictory words in order to express new or complex meanings. In the phrase "parting is such sweet sorrow" from Romeo and Juliet , "sweet sorrow" is an oxymoron that captures the complex and simultaneous feelings of pain and pleasure associated with passionate love.
• Hyperbole : Hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration of the truth, used to emphasize the importance of something or to create a comic effect. An example of a hyperbole is to say that a backpack "weighs a ton." No backpack literally weighs a ton, but to say "my backpack weighs ten pounds" doesn't effectively communicate how burdensome a heavy backpack feels.
• Personification : In personification, non-human things are described as having human attributes, as in the sentence, "The rain poured down on the wedding guests, indifferent to their plans." Describing the rain as "indifferent" is an example of personification, because rain can't be "indifferent," nor can it feel any other human emotion.
• Idiom : An idiom is a phrase that, through general usage within a particular group or society, has gained a meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. The phrase "it's raining cats and dogs" is known to most Americans to mean that it's raining hard, but an English-speaking foreigner in the United States might find the phrase totally confusing.
• Onomatopoeia : Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which words evoke the actual sound of the thing they refer to or describe. The “boom” of a firework exploding, the “tick tock” of a clock, and the “ding dong” of a doorbell are all examples of onomatopoeia.
• Synecdoche : In synecdoche, a part of something is used to refer to its whole . For example, "The captain commands one hundred sails" is a synecdoche that uses "sails" to refer to ships—ships being the thing of which a sail is a part.
• Metonymy : Metonymy is a figure of speech in which an object or concept is referred to not by its own name, but instead by the name of something closely associated with it. For example, in "Wall Street prefers lower taxes," the New York City street that was the original home of the New York Stock Exchange stands in for (or is a "metonym" for) the entire American financial industry.
• Alliteration : In alliteration, the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “ b ” sound in: “ B ob b rought the b ox of b ricks to the b asement.” Alliteration uses repetition to create a musical effect that helps phrases to stand out from the language around them.
• Assonance : The repetition of vowel sounds repeat in nearby words, such as the " ee " sound: "the squ ea ky wh ee l gets the gr ea se." Like alliteration, assonance uses repeated sounds to create a musical effect in which words echo one another.

Figurative Language vs. Imagery

Many people (and websites) argue that imagery is a type of figurative language. That is actually incorrect. Imagery refers to a writers use of vivid and descriptive language to appeal to the reader's senses and more deeply evoke places, things, emotions, and more. The following sentence uses imagery to give the reader a sense of how what is being described looks, feels, smells, and sounds:

The night was dark and humid, the scent of rotting vegetation hung in the air, and only the sound of mosquitoes broke the quiet of the swamp.

This sentence uses no figurative language. Every word means exactly what it says, and the sentence is still an example of the use of imagery. That said, imagery can use figurative language, often to powerful effect:

The night was dark and humid, heavy with a scent of rotting vegetation like a great-aunt's heavy and inescapable perfume, and only the whining buzz of mosquitoes broke the silence of the swamp.

In this sentence, the description has been made more powerful through the use of a simile ("like a great-aunt's..."), onomatopoeia ("whining buzz," which not only describes but actually sounds like the noise made by mosquitoes), and even a bit of alliteration in the " s ilence of the s wamp."

To sum up: imagery is not a form of figurative language. But a writer can enhance his or her effort to write imagery through the use of figurative language.

Figurative Language Examples

Figurative language is more interesting, lively, beautiful, and memorable than language that's purely literal. Figurative language is found in all sorts of writing, from poetry to prose to speeches to song lyrics, and is also a common part of spoken speech. The examples below show a variety of different types of figures of speech. You can see many more examples of each type at their own specific LitChart entries.

Figurative Language Example: Metaphor

Metaphor in shakespeare's romeo and juliet.

In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , Romeo uses the following metaphor in Act 2 Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet , after sneaking into Juliet's garden and catching a glimpse of her on her balcony:

But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.

Romeo compares Juliet to the sun not only to describe how radiantly beautiful she is, but also to convey the full extent of her power over him. He's so taken with Juliet that her appearances and disappearances affect him like those of the sun. His life "revolves" around Juliet like the earth orbits the sun.

Figurative Language Example: Simile

In this example of a simile from Slaughterhouse-Five , Billy Pilgrim emerges from an underground slaughterhouse where he has been held prisoner by the Germans during the deadly World War II firebombing of Dresden:

It wasn't safe to come out of the shelter until noon the next day. When the Americans and their guards did come out, the sky was black with smoke. The sun was an angry little pinhead. Dresden was like the moon now , nothing but minerals. The stones were hot. Everybody else in the neighborhood was dead.

Vonnegut uses simile to compare the bombed city of Dresden to the moon in order to capture the totality of the devastation—the city is so lifeless that it is like the barren moon.

Figurative Language Example: Oxymoron

These lines from Chapter 7 of Ernest Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls describe an encounter between Robert Jordan, a young American soldier fighting in the Spanish Civil War, and his lover María.

She held herself tight to him and her lips looked for his and then found them and were against them and he felt her, fresh, new and smooth and young and lovely with the warm, scalding coolness and unbelievable to be there in the robe that was as familiar as his clothes, or his shoes, or his duty and then she said, frightenedly, “And now let us do quickly what it is we do so that the other is all gone.”

The couple's relationship becomes a bright spot for both of them in the midst of war, but ultimately also a source of pain and confusion for Jordan, as he struggles to balance his obligation to fight with his desire to live happily by Maria's side. The contradiction contained within the oxymoron "scalding coolness" emphasizes the couple's conflicting emotions and impossible situation.

Figurative Language Example: Hyperbole

Elizabeth Bennet, the most free-spirited character in Pride and Prejudice , refuses Mr. Darcy's first marriage proposal with a string of hyperbole :

From the very beginning, from the first moment I may almost say, of my acquaintance with you, your manners impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form that ground-work of disapprobation, on which succeeding events have built so immoveable a dislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.

Elizabeth's closing statement, that Darcy is the "last man in the world" whom she would ever marry, is an obvious hyperbole. It's hard to believe that Elizabeth would rather marry, say, an axe murderer or a diseased pirate than Mr. Darcy. Even beyond the obvious exaggeration, Austen's use of hyperbole in this exchange hints at the fact that Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy are more complicated than she admits, even to herself. Austen drops various hints throughout the beginning of the novel that Elizabeth feels something beyond mere dislike for Darcy. Taken together with these hints, Elizabeth's hyperbolic statements seem designed to convince not only Darcy, but also herself, that their relationship has no future.

Figurative Language Example: Personification

In Chapter 1 of The Scarlet Letter , Nathaniel Hawthorne describes a wild rose bush that grows in front of Salem's gloomy wooden jail:

But, on one side of the portal, and rooted almost at the threshold, was a wild rose-bush, covered, in this month of June, with its delicate gems, which might be imagined to offer their fragrance and fragile beauty to the prisoner as he went in, and to the condemned criminal as he came forth to his doom, in token that the deep heart of Nature could pity and be kind to him.

In the context of the novel's setting in 17th century Boston, this rose bush, which grows wild in front of an establishment dedicated to enforcing harsh puritan values, symbolizes those elements of human nature that cannot be repressed, no matter how strict a community's moral code may be: desire, fertility, and a love of beauty. By personifying the rosebush as "offering" its blossoms to reflect Nature's pity (Nature is also personified here as having a "heart"), Hawthorne turns the passive coincidence of the rosebush's location into an image of human nature actively resisting its constraints.

Figurative Language Example: Idiom

Figurative language example: onomatopoeia.

In Act 3, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's The Tempest , Caliban uses onomatopoeia to convey the noises of the island.

Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises, Sounds, and sweet airs that give delight and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices...

The use of onomatopoeia makes the audience feel the sounds on the island, rather than just have to take Caliban's word about there being noises.

Figurative Language Example: Synecdoche

In Act 4, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's Macbeth , an angry Macbeth kicks out a servant by saying:

Take thy face hence.

Here, "thy face" stands in for "you." Macbeth is simply telling the servant to leave, but his use of synecdoche makes the tone of his command more harsh and insulting because he uses synecdoche to treat the servant not as a person but as an object, a body part.

Figurative Language Example: Metonymy

In his song "Juicy," Notorious B.I.G. raps:

Now I'm in the limelight 'cause I rhyme tight

Here he's using "limelight" as a metonymy for fame (a "limelight" was a kind of spotlight used in old theaters, and so it came to be associated with the fame of being in the spotlight). Biggie's use of metonymy here also sets him up for a sweet rhyme.

Figurative Language Example: Alliteration

In his song "Rap God," Eminem shows his incredible lyrical dexterity by loading up the alliteration :

S o I wanna make sure, s omewhere in this chicken s cratch I S cribble and doodle enough rhymes T o maybe t ry t o help get s ome people through t ough t imes But I gotta k eep a few punchlines Just in c ase, ‘ c ause even you un s igned Rappers are hungry l ooking at me l ike it's l unchtime…

Why Do Writers Use Figurative Language?

The term figurative language refers to a whole host of different figures of speech, so it's difficult to provide a single definitive answer to why writers use figurative language. That said, writers use figurative language for a wide variety of reasons:

• Interest and beauty: Figurative language allows writes to express descriptions, ideas, and more in ways that are unique and beautiful.
• Complexity and power: Because figurative language can create meanings that go beyond the literal, it can capture complex ideas, feelings, descriptions, or truths that cause readers to see things in a new way, or more closely mirror the complex reality of the world.
• Visceral affect: Because figurative language can both impact the rhythm and sound of language, and also connect the abstract (say, love) with the concrete (say, a rose), it can help language make an almost physical impact on a reader.
• Humor: By allowing a writer to layer additional meanings over literal meanings, or even to imply intended meanings that are the opposite of the literal meaning, figurative language gives writers all sorts of options for creating humor in their writing.
• Realism: People speak and even think in terms of the sorts of comparisons that underlie so much figurative language. Rather than being flowery, figurative language allows writers to describe things in ways that match how people really think about them, and to create characters who themselves feel real.

In general, figurative language often makes writing feel at once more accessible and powerful, more colorful, surprising, and deep.

Other Helpful Figurative Language Resources

• The dictionary definition of figurative : Touches on figurative language, as well as some other meanings of the word.
• Figurative and Frost : Examples of figurative language in the context of the poetry of Robert Frost.
• Figurative YouTube : A video identifying various forms of figurative language from movies and television shows.
• Wikipedia on literal and figurative language : A bit technical, but with a good list of examples.

• PDFs for all 136 Lit Terms we cover
• Downloads of 1918 LitCharts Lit Guides
• Teacher Editions for every Lit Guide
• Explanations and citation info for 40,450 quotes across 1918 books
• Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play
• Alliteration
• Figure of Speech
• Onomatopoeia
• Personification
• Climax (Figure of Speech)
• Rhetorical Question
• Deus Ex Machina
• Anadiplosis
• Bildungsroman
• Understatement
• Round Character
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Foreshadowing

Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors, the rain in sp…sp...sp....

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"The King's Speech" tells the story of a man compelled to speak to the world with a stammer. It must be painful enough for one who stammers to speak to another person. To face a radio microphone and know the British Empire is listening must be terrifying. At the time of the speech mentioned in this title, a quarter of the Earth's population was in the Empire, and of course much of North America, Europe, Africa and Asia would be listening — and with particular attention, Germany.

The king was George VI. The year was 1939. Britain was entering into war with Germany. His listeners required firmness, clarity and resolve, not stammers punctuated with tortured silences. This was a man who never wanted to be king. After the death of his father, the throne was to pass to his brother Edward. But Edward renounced the throne "in order to marry the woman I love," and the duty fell to Prince Albert, who had struggled with his speech from an early age.

In "The King's Speech," director Tom Hooper opens on Albert ( Colin Firth ), attempting to open the British Empire Exhibition in 1925. Before a crowded arena and a radio audience, he seizes up in agony in efforts to make the words come out right. His father, George V ( Michael Gambon ), has always considered "Bertie" superior to Edward ( Guy Pearce ), but mourns the introduction of radio and newsreels, which require a monarch to be seen and heard on public occasions.

At that 1925 speech, we see Bertie's wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), her face filled with sympathy. As it becomes clear that Edward's obsession with Wallis Simpson (Eve Best) is incurable, she realizes her Bertie may face more public humiliation. He sees various speech therapists, one of whom tries the old marbles-in-the-mouth routine first recommended by Demosthenes. Nothing works, and then she seeks out a failed Australian actor named Lionel Logue ( Geoffrey Rush ), who has set up a speech therapy practice.

Logue doesn't realize at first who is consulting him. And one of the subjects of the film is Logue's attitude toward royalty, which I suspect is not untypical of Australians; he suggests to Albert that they get on a first-name basis. Albert has been raised within the bell jar of the monarchy and objects to such treatment, not because he has an elevated opinion of himself but because, well, it just isn't done. But Logue realizes that if he is to become the king's therapist, he must first become his friend.

If the British monarchy is good for nothing else, it's superb at producing the subjects of films. "The King's Speech," rich in period detail and meticulous class distinctions, largely sidesteps the story that loomed over this whole period, Edward's startling decision to give up the crown to marry a woman who was already divorced three times. Indeed, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (as they became) would occupy an inexplicable volume of attention for years, considering they had no significance after the Duke's abdication. The unsavory thing is that Wallis Simpson considered herself worthy of such a sacrifice from the man she allegedly loved. This film finds a more interesting story about better people; Americans, who aren't always expert on British royalty, may not necessarily realize that Albert and wife Elizabeth were the parents of Queen Elizabeth II. God knows what Edward might have fathered.

Director Tom Hooper makes an interesting decision with his sets and visuals. The movie is largely shot in interiors, and most of those spaces are long and narrow. That's unusual in historical dramas, which emphasize sweep and majesty and so on. Here we have long corridors, a deep and narrow master control room for the BBC, rooms that seem peculiarly oblong. I suspect he may be evoking the narrow, constricting walls of Albert's throat as he struggles to get words out.

The film largely involves the actors Colin Firth, formal and decent, and Geoffrey Rush, large and expansive, in psychological struggle. Helena Bonham Carter, who can be merciless (as in the "Harry Potter" films), is here filled with mercy, tact and love for her husband; this is the woman who became the much-loved Queen Mother of our lifetimes, dying in 2002 at 101. As the men have a struggle of wills, she tries to smooth things (and raise her girls Elizabeth and Margaret). And in the wider sphere, Hitler takes power, war comes closer, Mrs. Simpson wreaks havoc, and the dreaded day approaches when Bertie, as George VI, will have to speak to the world and declare war.

Hooper's handling of that fraught scene is masterful. Firth internalizes his tension and keeps the required stiff upper lip, but his staff and household are terrified on his behalf as he marches toward a microphone as if it is a guillotine. It is the one scene in the film that must work, and it does, and its emotional impact is surprisingly strong. At the end, what we have here is a superior historical drama and a powerful personal one. And two opposites who remain friends for the rest of their lives.

Note: The R rating refers to Logue's use of vulgarity. It is utterly inexplicable. This is an excellent film for teenagers.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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• Speech on Kindness

Speech on Kindness For Students and Children

Kindness is a virtue that many people lack but expect from others. Kindness is highly valued in all areas of life, no matter how old you are, whether you are 5 or 60 years old. This is an act of selflessness or a good deed. Kindness Talks For Children can be presented in several ways. Schools give long lectures about kindness to students and children and short lectures about kindness to students.

Promoting kindness strengthens relationships between peers and students and teachers. Taking time to cultivate kindness intentionally develops empathy and understanding between individuals, leading to deeper relationships. As relationships develop, trust develops, allowing a teaching culture to develop in which each individual feels genuine gratitude for who he or she is and what he or she contributes as an individual. While there is no denying that teachers have different needs, it is precisely what allows us to succeed in other fields by devoting sufficient time to nurturing the culture in the classroom with kindness in teaching.

Overview of the Topic

Kindness is a virtue that many do not possess, but they expect it from others. Kindness is valued in all aspects of life no matter how old one is, whether you are 5 or 60 years old. It is an act or a good deed done selflessly. The speech on Kindness For Children can be presented in various ways. Here we present a Long Speech On Kindness For Students And Children and a Short Speech On Kindness For Students for your perusal.

Long and Short Speech on Kindness For Students and Children

Long speech on kindness for children.

This format of Speech on Kindness For Students And Children is helpful for students in grades 8-12 to make a 5 minutes speech.

Good Morning everyone, I warmly welcome the Principal, teachers, and my dear friends. I am ABC (mention your name) from grade (mention the class in which you are studying) here to speak on the topic of Kindness. Kindness is a quality one possesses and acts on it by exhibiting behaviors of friendliness, generosity, and being considered. It is a benevolent attitude that one possesses.

Kindness is actually inherent to human beings and we are inculcated with and reminded of it since our childhood. Kindness can be developed through empathy. Empathy is what one feels when they put themselves in others' shoes and kindness is how they express that by helping them and making their lives a little bit easier and better.

Every living being is deserving of kindness. One only needs to have good intentions to be kind, nothing else. When one has good intentions, they are attentive to others; they lend a helping hand, lend a good ear and listen to others' problems, and help someone in need. When you show respect to your elders, it is also an act of kindness.

One should always be kind even to strangers, help them cross the road, carry their bags, even if you disagree with their opinions, make your point with compassion, be considerate of others' problems because everyone is dealing with something or other and your act of kindness can actually help them feel better about themselves. Do not be judgemental about anyone and give people a chance.

You can also be kind to your friends and siblings by helping and supporting them in every way. Sharing is the best form of kindness, sharing things or feelings and problems. Listening to others, your parents, and teachers and understanding their perspectives is also a kind act.

A kind act is not just limited to human beings. One must display kindness to animals as well. My friends are the kindest people I know. Just last week, when we were boarding the bus after school to go home, my friend saw a wounded puppy and instead of ignoring it, he tended to his wounds and took him home. Now they have a new family member named Guppy. He found a new home because one act of kindness isn't that wonderful.

Kindness is not a cowardly act; it is for the brave and the bold. Standing up for the right and helping those in need shows our truth. Kindness truly is a selfless act when one helps others without expecting anything in return. When you are kind, you lead a peaceful, happy life and you sleep better at night.

A kind act is truly magical when you are kind to someone, they forget all about their problems and even a bad day becomes a good one. Kindness has the power to change the world. The world would be a more beautiful place if we were a little kinder to each other. Let's all be kind to one another. Every day, consciously do one act of kindness. Ask yourself, "Was I kind today?"

Short Speech on Kindness For Students

This form of Speech On Kindness For Students And Children is helpful for students in grades 4-7, where they can give a short 3-minute speech in simple words .

Good morning everyone, respect the Principal, teachers, and my dear friends. I Abc (mention your name) feel grateful for the opportunity to speak about kindness. Kindness is the supreme way to show someone you care about them or your respect and love for them. Kind people are considerate, generous, friendly, affectionate, and warm.

Often kindness is perceived as naivety or weakness because it has a very gentle approach, but it is not. The prime example of kindness is Mother Teresa, who selflessly dedicated her entire life to serving sick children in a foreign country she had never been to and nothing about. She exuded kindness and that is strength in true terms.

We, too, can act upon this value by showing empathy and compassion for everyone in our lives. We can show small acts of kindness every day that will have a large impact like listening to our parents, teachers, and elders, treating everyone with equality, taking the time to actually sit and listen to a friend's problems, and instead of judging by showing them the way to be. It is also important to know that every being is deserving of kindness and compassion, be it animals or humans.

It is in kindness and the doing of it that will change you in unpredictable ways; it will enrich your life more than the ones you show kindness to and have compassion for.

Let's change the world one kind of action at a time. People often say others remember you not through gifts or money but how you made them feel. And kindness can make everyone feel better, special, and important. Isn't that a great way to be remembered by making people feel good just by being kind?

10 Line Speech on Kindness For Children

This is the easiest way to convey the message of kindness and share its importance to students in grades 1-3 :

Kindness is the act of showing love and respect for others and treating them as equals like one of us.

Kindness is more enriching for the one doing it than the one you do it for.

When one is truly kind, they do not expect anything in return from you.

It is an act of selflessness and the prime example of this is Mother Teresa. She selflessly showed the world the power of kindness.

Mother Teresa showed the world that kindness could truly heal people.

Kindness means helping someone, lending an ear, being there in times of a crisis, and standing in solidarity.

Kindness is often misunderstood to be poor quality when in reality, it has the power to change the world.

Kindness can help solve misunderstandings and form better, healthier relationships.

Kindness and compassion are the recurring things spoken about in every religion as a way to connect to others.

Kindness truly can change the world and make it a better place to live and leave for our children.

FAQs on Speech on Kindness

1. Why should children learn kindness in school?

When children take part in activities that help others who are less fortunate than them, it gives them a real perspective and underscores their luck. Generosity helps them appreciate what they have, feel useful, and encourages empathy. Kindness is a key substance that increases positivity and helps children feel good because it increases serotonin levels. This important substance affects learning, memory, mood, sleep, health and digestion. Positive children have more attention, a greater desire to learn and better creative thinking to improve school performance.

2. How to give a good speech?

While it is relatively easy to write an essay, giving a speech is a completely different matter. Relevant persuasive topics can help inform and persuade your target audience. To do this, you need to do thorough research and share valuable points to make a difference. When talking about a persuasive speech, it is important to remember that it must inform, educate, persuade or motivate the audience. In other words, you will influence them to accept your position.

The best persuasive topics are always stimulating, bold and very sharp and clear. Always remember to choose an interesting and interesting topic. It helps to hold the attention of students or readers from start to finish. Also, make sure you have the correct knowledge of the material to help answer any questions.

3. Why should students be encouraged to speak in Public?

Learning good communication takes time and effort, so high school students should take the opportunity to speak in public. Students can find many useful tips for speaking in class. In addition, by speaking in class, high school students can develop basic interpersonal skills or "soft skills". Young people need these skills when they reach adulthood, especially in the workplace. Employers increasingly expect their employees to be quality communicators; in other words, all professionals should practice active listening, critical thinking, problem-solving and time management. While speaking in class may seem like a relatively small task, it develops students' soft skills, especially active listening, critical thinking, problem-solving and time management.

4. What is the best source for English speeches for children?

There are several sources online that provide materials for the Speech on Kindness in English. Since speech giving is one of the most important aspects of examinations and students' overall growth, the materials we follow must be 100 percent accurate. Any wrong information can lead the students to fail in the examination with a really low score. Vedantu is one of the most reliable sources to prepare a speech on kindness in English. Students can also practice other topics available on the Vedantu website to get a proper insight into the examination.

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The King's Speech

The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer. The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer. The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer.

• David Seidler
• Colin Firth
• Geoffrey Rush
• Helena Bonham Carter
• 827 User reviews
• 486 Critic reviews
• 88 Metascore
• 108 wins & 206 nominations total

• King George VI

• Lionel Logue

• Queen Elizabeth

• Archbishop Cosmo Lang

• Private Secretary

• BBC Radio Announcer

• Robert Wood

• BBC Technician

• Dr. Blandine Bentham

• Laurie Logue

• Myrtle Logue

• Valentine Logue
• Anthony Logue

• Princess Elizabeth

• Princess Margaret

• Theatre Director
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia Nine weeks before filming began, Lionel Logue's grandson, Mark Logue , discovered a large box in his attic that contained his grandfather's personal papers. The box held Lionel Logue's diary, his appointment book, notes from his speech therapy sessions with King George VI , and over 100 personal letters to Logue from the King. It also contained what is believed to be the actual copy of the speech used by George VI in his 1939 radio broadcast announcing the declaration of war with Germany. Mark Logue turned his grandfather's papers, letters, and diary over to director Tom Hooper and screenwriter David Seidler , who used them to flesh out the relationship between Logue and the King. Geoffrey Rush and Colin Firth also read through the material for insight into their characters. The exchange in this movie between Logue and King George VI following his radio speech ("You still stammered on the 'W'." / "Well, I had to throw in a few so they knew it was me.") was taken directly from Logue's diary. Firth insisted that it should be included in the movie.
• Goofs In the final speech, King George VI has one blue eye and one brown eye. Colin Firth had lost a contact lens.

King George VI : All that... work... down the drain. My own... b... brother, I couldn't say a single w-word to him in reply.

Lionel Logue : Why do you stammer so much more with David than you ever do with me?

King George VI : 'Cos you're b... bloody well paid to listen.

Lionel Logue : Bertie, I'm not a geisha girl.

King George VI : Stop trying to be so bloody clever.

Lionel Logue : What is it about David that stops you speaking?

King George VI : What is it about you that bloody well makes you want to go on about it the whole bloody time?

Lionel Logue : Vulgar, but fluent; you don't stammer when you swear.

King George VI : Oh, bugger off!

Lionel Logue : Is that the best you can do?

King George VI : [like an elocution lesson] Well... bloody bugger to you, you beastly bastard.

Lionel Logue : Oh, a public school prig could do better than that.

King George VI : Shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!

Lionel Logue : Yes!

King George VI : Shit!

Lionel Logue : Defecation flows trippingly from the tongue!

King George VI : Because I'm angry!

Lionel Logue : Do you know the f-word?

King George VI : F... f... fornication?

Lionel Logue : Oh, Bertie.

King George VI : Fuck. Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck and fuck! Fuck, fuck and bugger! Bugger, bugger, buggerty buggerty buggerty, fuck, fuck, arse!

Lionel Logue : Yes...

King George VI : Balls, balls...

Lionel Logue : ...you see, not a hesitation!

King George VI : ...fuckity, shit, shit, fuck and willy. Willy, shit and fuck and... tits.

• Crazy credits In the end credit roll, Philip Clements is listed twice as Assistant Sound Editor.
• Connections Featured in Breakfast: Episode dated 22 October 2010 (2010)
• Soundtracks Le nozze di Figaro Overture Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart [During the first therapy session when King's voice is being recorded]

User reviews 827

• haakondrang
• Jun 4, 2015
• Just what time frame are we talking about here?
• What causes Bertie's stammer?
• Why couldn't King Edward marry Wallis Simpson?
• December 25, 2010 (United States)
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Official Site
• Nhà Vua Nói Lắp
• Elland Road Football Stadium, Elland Road, Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK (as Wembley Stadium at start of film)
• The Weinstein Company
• UK Film Council
• Momentum Pictures
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $15,000,000 (estimated)
• $138,797,449
• Nov 28, 2010
• $484,068,861

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 58 minutes
• Dolby Digital

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• Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy 60 Years After the March on Washington

1. How Americans see the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Table of contents.

• King’s impact on the country
• King’s impact on personal views on racial equality
• Familiarity with King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech
• The country’s progress on racial equality in the last 60 years
• Efforts to ensure equal rights for all, regardless of race or ethnicity
• The future of racial equality
• 3. Achieving racial equality
• Acknowledgments
• The American Trends Panel survey methodology

Most U.S. adults (81%) say Martin Luther King Jr. has had a positive impact on the country, with 47% saying King has had a very positive impact. Some 38% say their own views on racial equality have been influenced by King’s legacy a great deal or a fair amount.

By race and ethnicity

Some 53% of Black adults say Martin Luther King Jr. has had a very positive impact on the country, compared with 46% each among White and Hispanic adults and 43% of Asian adults.

Asian (10%), White (6%) and Hispanic (6%) adults are all more likely than Black adults (2%) to say they don’t know enough about King’s impact to answer.

Adults younger than 50 are more likely than those who are older to say King has had a very positive impact on the country. This overall variance is mostly due to the differing views of older and younger White Americans.

Some 54% of White Americans younger than 50 say King’s impact has been very positive, compared with 40% of White Americans ages 50 and older. The opposite is true among Black Americans: 60% of those 50 and older say King has had a very positive impact, compared with 49% of Black Americans younger than 50.

There are no differences by age among Hispanic Americans, and the sample of Asian Americans is too small to analyze by age group.

By partisanship

A majority of Democrats and Democratic leaners (58%) say King has had a very positive impact on the country, compared with 37% of Republicans and those who lean to the GOP.

Ideological differences among Democrats

Liberal Democrats (68%) are far more likely than moderate and conservative Democrats (50%) to say King has had a very positive impact on the country.

There is no difference on this question between conservative Republicans and moderate and liberal Republicans.

A majority of Black Americans (59%) say Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy has influenced their own views on racial equality a great deal or a fair amount. Far smaller shares of Hispanic (38%), White (34%) and Asian (34%) Americans say the same.

About one-in-five Asian adults (21%) say they don’t know enough about King’s legacy to say how it’s impacted their own views. This is larger than the shares of Hispanic (11%), White (9%) and Black (6%) adults who say they don’t know enough to answer.

About half of Democrats (48%) say King’s legacy has influenced their own views on racial equality a great deal or a fair amount; 29% say King’s legacy has influenced their views some; and 16% say it hasn’t influenced their views much or at all.

Republicans are more mixed: 30% say King’s legacy has influenced their own views on racial equality a great deal or a fair amount; 28% say it has influenced their views some; and 30% say it hasn’t had much influence or hasn’t influenced their views at all.

Racial and ethnic differences among Democrats

A majority of Black Democrats (63%) say King’s legacy has had a great deal or a fair amount of influence on their views on racial equality. Far smaller shares of White (46%), Hispanic (41%) and Asian (40%) Democrats say the same.

In their own words: What Americans say about Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy

(Selected written responses to an open-ended question)

“He wanted equality for all people, not just for blacks. He wanted all poor people to have a better life in this country. He was against the war in Vietnam. He fought for voters’ rights. He loved all people in this country.” – Black Democrat

“At the time he was a radical, hated by a majority of white folks. He advocated for equality not just in racial acceptance but by changing the economic system to lift up the poor.” – White Democrat

“MLK, Jr. pushed for equality among all people, regardless of skin color, not because of skin color. He did not intend for the outcome of his fight to be an emphasis on race, as we are seeing today, but rather, he sought a world in which race is irrelevant.” – White Republican

“MLK Jr was remembered for civil disobedience and peaceful protests, but people often forget he was a radical and was not some quiet pastor. He was a man of the people and he was killed for advocating for human rights.” – Asian Democrat

“He didn’t only want equality for black people; he advocated for all. He also didn’t tear down white people to make his point; he knew and said that it took their involvement for change as well.” – Black Republican

“MLK believed in a meritocracy rather than affirmative action, or worse, reparations.” – White Republican

“The popular conception of MLK was that he was someone who cared solely about racial equality. In fact, King viewed economic injustice and racial injustice as interlinked and inseparable. King supported radical redistribution of wealth, strengthening the safety net and, yes, reparations for black Americans.” – White Democrat

“His legacy, which was far more radical in his day than is recognized now, has largely been whitewashed to one carrying a ‘love everyone but don’t change anything systemic’ message. His views on economic equality, the ones he espoused shortly before his death, are still radical today.” – Black Democrat

“He believed true equality is colorblind and that the goal is equal opportunity, not equal outcomes. He would very much disagree with the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. He believed ALL LIVES MATTER, and that it is not racist to say so.” – White Republican

“He tried to get both black and white people (and other colors) to get along because we’re not different races, rather one race, the Human Race. Sadly, I think only some people understand that and live it, others try to use race as a tool to divide us.” – Hispanic Republican

“I think about how much he’s been whitewashed and how many people quoting him today would have hated him back then. I think of how he wanted equality for all, most notably for Black people, but also for all marginalized people.” – White Democrat

“When I think of what MLK taught, the first things that come to mind are ideas rooted in finding commonality in each other, uniting people on the principle of being equal, and fostering mutual respect and appreciation for one another.” – White Republican

Most U.S. adults (60%) say they have heard or read a great deal or a fair amount about Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech . About a quarter (27%) have heard or read some, and 13% haven’t heard or read much or anything at all about the speech.

Eight-in-ten Black adults say they’ve heard or read a great deal or a fair amount about the speech, followed by 60% of White adults, 49% of Hispanic adults and 41% of Asian adults.

About a quarter of Asian (25%) and Hispanic (23%) adults say they haven’t heard much or anything at all about King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Adults ages 65 and older – all of whom were at least 5 years old when King gave the speech in 1963 – are the most likely to say they’ve heard or read a great deal or a fair amount about it: 68% say this, compared with shares ranging from 53% to 61% among younger groups.

By education

About two-thirds (66%) of adults with a bachelor’s degree or more education say they’ve heard or read a great deal or a fair amount about the speech. Smaller shares of those with some college (61%) or with a high school diploma or less education (53%) say the same.

Differences by education are evident among White and Hispanic adults, but not among Black adults. Eight-in-ten Black Americans with at least a bachelor’s degree say they’ve heard or read a great deal or a fair amount about the speech, as do 83% of those with some college and 77% of Black Americans with a high school diploma or less education. There aren’t enough Asian adults in the sample to analyze by education.

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Watch Biden Unleash on Trump During Washington Speech

P resident Joe Biden called out Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday in Washington D.C., making fun of the former President’s legal troubles and both of the 2024 election candidates’ ages. 

Biden is 81 and Trump 77, making them the oldest major party presidential nominees in history. Both men are battling public perceptions about their age and competency—and seizing upon one another’s weaknesses in the race for the White House.

Biden began by mocking Trump after journalists reported that the former President appeared to fall asleep last week in Manhattan court during a criminal trial against him . Trump is facing felony charges that he falsified business records to cover up a hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

“Sleepy Don, I kind of like that, I may use it again,” Biden quipped. 

Biden went on to mention the 2024 election and acknowledged: “And yes, age is an issue. I’m a grown man running against a six-year-old.” 

Trump has similarly mocked Biden’s age over the years, calling the President “Sleepy Joe” because of Biden’s verbal blunders . Biden in the past called himself a “gaffe machine,” but has forcefully pushed back against a characterization of him in a special counsel report in February as a “well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.”

“Age is the only thing we have in common,” Biden said about his opponent in his speech Saturday. “My Vice President actually endorses me,” he quipped, referencing how former Vice President Mike Pence, who did not support Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen , is not endorsing Trump in 2024.

Biden said he has had a “great stretch” since his State of the Union address in March. Trump, however, has had a “few tough days lately.”

“You might call it stormy weather,” the President remarked, in reference to the name of the adult film star whose accusations are the center of the ongoing criminal trial against Trump.

In the rest of his speech, Biden called on the media to move past distractions during election coverage, said journalism was not a crime, and promised that the U.S. was doing everything it could to free Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich , who is classified by the U.S. as wrongfully detained in Russia.

“There are some who call you the ‘enemy of the people,’” Biden said, in reference to Trump’s previous attacks on journalists using the phrase . “That’s wrong and that’s dangerous. You literally risk your lives doing your job.”

It’s tradition for the President to attend and speak at the annual dinner for the White House Correspondents’ Association , which represents hundreds of journalists covering the White House, although Trump did not do so when he served as President.

This year, amid the Israel-Hamas war , around 400 protesters gathered outside the dinner to protest the Biden Administration’s position on the war and media coverage of it, according to a coalition of activist groups who organized the protest. The war has killed 1,200 people in Israel, according to the Israeli government, and more than 34,000 Palestinians, per Gaza’s health ministry. The death toll includes at least 97 journalists, 92 of them Palestinian, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Video provided by the organizers shows protesters marching into the Washington Hilton hotel, where the event was held, chanting “Media, media, when you lie, journalists in Gaza die” and carrying a banner that read “Biden’s legacy is genocide.”

The protest followed a group of journalists in Gaza releasing an open letter on April 15 calling for the media to boycott the event.

“As Palestinian journalists, we urgently appeal to you, our colleagues globally, with a demand for immediate and unwavering action against the Biden Administration’s ongoing complicity in the systematic slaughter and persecution of journalists in Gaza,” the letter read. 

Journalist Mehdi Hasan—who recently left MSNBC after his show was canceled and started his own media organization Zeteo—heeded the call to boycott, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that although he had attended the dinner for the past two years, he would not do so this year in solidarity with Gaza journalists.

Contact us at [email protected] .

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What We Know About the Protests and Arrests at Columbia University

After nearly two weeks of protests, demonstrators seized Hamilton Hall. By the end of the night, the police moved into to arrest them.

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By Alan Blinder

Columbia University is grappling with the fallout from its president’s promise to Congress that she would crack down on unsanctioned protests, and her decision to ask the police to clear an encampment on campus, resulting in the arrests of more than 100 students earlier this month.

On Tuesday, after protesters seized Hamilton Hall overnight, Columbia called in the police again and asked officers to remain on campus until May 17, after commencement.

“The events on campus last night have left us no choice,” Nemat Shafik, Columbia’s president, said in a letter to a New York Police Department official on Tuesday.

Police officers in riot gear made dozens of arrests and removed banners from Hamilton Hall’s facade overnight. An encampment near the building was cleared, leaving behind square indents on the grass on Wednesday morning. The campus was still closed on Wednesday to everyone but students who lived there and employees who provided essential services.

Dr. Shafik’s plea for the police presence came after almost two weeks of protests rocked the university, with demonstrators building (and rebuilding) an encampment, recriminations over the initial summoning of the police to campus on April 18, and accusations that Columbia has effectively allowed protesters, in some instances, to celebrate Hamas and target Jewish students for intimidation.

Last week, the university started offering hybrid classes, an acknowledgment that the disputes at the center of campus tension were unlikely to be resolved before the end of the school year. Commencement is scheduled for May 15.

On Friday, university leaders signaled that they were not eager to call in the police again.

“We called on N.Y.P.D. to clear an encampment once, but we all share the view, based on discussions within our community and with outside experts, that to bring back the N.Y.P.D. at this time would be counterproductive, further inflaming what is happening on campus, and drawing thousands to our doorstep who would threaten our community,” Columbia leaders, including Dr. Shafik, wrote. “Having said that, we also need to continue to enforce our own rules and ensure that those who violate the norms of our community face consequences.”

Columbia said Monday evening that it had started to suspend students who remained in the encampment, after they effectively declined an offer from the university to limit discipline. The Hamilton Hall occupation began hours later.

At around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, the police returned to Columbia and began arresting protesters.

How Columbia got here

Since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, American college campuses have been hubs of increased protest and debate. The scene at Columbia has been particularly contentious, with protests drawing hundreds of demonstrators, and some faculty members drawing attention for statements that critics considered to be antisemitic.

Columbia administrators, like their counterparts on campuses across the country, have struggled to fine-tune a response that balances discipline, free speech, academic freedom and institutional and national politics. For example, Columbia suspended two pro-Palestinian student groups after a walkout, and it has rewritten its protest policies, suspended some students and moved to cut or reduce ties to some faculty members.

The university’s approach was the focus of a congressional committee hearing on April 17. Over more than three hours in Washington, Dr. Shafik and other Columbia leaders tried to placate Republican lawmakers by acknowledging that they had been unprepared for the tensions of recent months and promising new crackdowns.

Although their answers appeared to please some lawmakers on Capitol Hill, they stirred unrest on campus, where protesters had built an encampment in the hours before Dr. Shafik’s testimony.

Columbia called in the police twice in April.

Less than 24 hours after the hearing adjourned, New York City police officers in riot gear entered the private campus at the request of Dr. Shafik and Columbia leaders. The police swept into the encampment to arrest defiant protesters and dismantle the demonstration, which was calling for the university to eliminate its financial ties to Israel. The authorities reported more than 100 arrests .

Many people welcomed the decision to call in the police to remove the tent protest in mid-April, and said that Dr. Shafik was well within her power to shut down unauthorized protests on private property. But the decision also provoked fresh outcry from students, faculty members, free-speech groups and critics of Israel, who argued that it was counterproductive to shut down a peaceful protest, particularly on a campus that is supposed to be a marketplace of ideas.

By the time many of the critiques rolled in, protesters had already started gathering again, chanting some of the same slogans — “We don’t want no Zionists here” and “Israel is a racist state” — that Dr. Shafik had suggested were creating “a harassing and intimidating environment for many of our students.”

Protesters pitched tents again, but this time the administration sought to negotiate with them.

Within two weeks, however, the negotiations broke down and protesters took over Hamilton Hall, an administrative building that has a long history of student takeovers. Columbia lost patience and brought the police back to campus. Dr. Shafik, in her letter to the Police Department on Tuesday evening, said the university had made its decision “with the utmost regret.”

Some protests unnerved Jewish students

Columbia cannot control what happens off its property, and the neighborhood around its campus has drawn significant attention in the aftermath of the arrests, with some reports of antisemitic harassment. School officials have said much of the incendiary language has come from outside protesters.

“Go back to Poland!” one masked protester who clutched a Palestinian flag shouted outside the Columbia campus gates, according to a video posted on X . Elsewhere online, a Columbia student said protesters had stolen, and then tried to burn, an Israeli flag, and that Jewish students had been splashed with water.

The Columbia chapter of Chabad, an international Orthodox Jewish movement, said that protesters targeted Jewish students with expletives as they left campus.

The White House condemned the episodes of antisemitic protest. A spokesman, Andrew Bates, said that “calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students and the Jewish community are blatantly antisemitic, unconscionable and dangerous.”

Elie Buechler, an Orthodox rabbi who works at Columbia, said that campus and city police officers had failed to guarantee the safety of Jewish students “in the face of extreme antisemitism and anarchy" and suggested that the students return home “until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved.”

That view was not universally shared. Hillel, the Jewish student organization on campus, called for increased security and said it was not urging Jewish students to leave.

Some on-campus activists distanced themselves from the agitators.

“There’s so many young Jewish people who are, like, a vital part” of the protests, said Grant Miner, a Jewish graduate student at Columbia who belongs to a student coalition calling on Columbia to divest from companies connected to Israel.

That group said in a statement, “We are frustrated by media distractions focusing on inflammatory individuals who do not represent us,” and added that the group’s members “firmly reject any form of hate or bigotry.”

Reporting was contributed by Liset Cruz , Colbi Edmonds , Luis Ferré-Sadurní , Erin Nolan , Sharon Otterman and Lola Fadulu .

Alan Blinder is a national correspondent for The Times, covering education. More about Alan Blinder

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Biden is the graduation speaker for Martin Luther King’s alma mater. It’s a moral disaster

The US president continues to support Israel in its onslaught on Gaza. Morehouse College’s most famous alumnus was anti-war

M orehouse College is a special place. The only all-male historically Black college in the world, it has alumni ranging from Dr Martin Luther King Jr, the most celebrated anti-war civil rights leader in history, to Theodore “Ted” Colbert III, the CEO of Boeing’s defense, space and security division, a key player in supplying the weapons technologies for Israel’s months-long campaign of military vengeance on Palestinians.

While there is much diversity among the ranks of this brotherhood, Morehouse – also my alma mater – places a primacy on moral leadership and service, and Dr King has been a critical avatar in these efforts. There is a prominent statue of him on campus, his likeness is depicted as a silhouette on official college brochures, the chapel on campus is named in his honor. His papers are held nearby at the Robert W Woodruff Library. Considering King’s anti-militarism, and the college’s embrace of him as a beacon on campus, the decision to invite Joe Biden to give Morehouse’s commencement speech to this year’s graduating class is a moral disaster. The US president’s staunch support of Israel in the face of its unrelenting assault on Palestinians in the Israel-Gaza war has sparked sustained protests throughout the country, most recently on multiple college campuses. And though some have tried to take King’s defense of Israel’s right to exist as evidence that he would affirm without qualification Israel’s present military campaign, his broader anti-militarism cannot be conveniently pushed aside, nor can his stated desire for a peaceful resolution in the region.

Israeli defense forces have killed more than 30,000 Palestinians since 7 October, more than 72,000 have been injured, and more than 1 million have been displaced and are vulnerable to hunger and disease. Meanwhile, US officials continue to say there is “no evidence” of genocide, even as experts say otherwise. For Biden’s part, he has not indicated that the US will stop sending weapons to Israel; and he has continued to direct his representatives at the UN to either abstain or vote against any ceasefire resolution brought before them.

This all reveals a striking distance between the Dr King who opposed war and violence and the imaginary Dr King who Morehouse’s president, David A Thomas, has conjured up. In an email to students, faculty and alumni announcing Biden’s acceptance of the speaking invitation, Thomas wrote: “drawing inspiration from Dr King’s vision of the Beloved Community, we recognize that personal, community, and international conflicts are inescapable. However, it is our moral duty to resolve these conflicts peacefully and to reconcile through an inclusive, joint commitment to goodwill and allyship.” Thomas might want to communicate this to Biden.

Biden’s refusal to halt military aid to Israel or to call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire has resulted in an electoral censure . Led by Arab Americans, thousands of Democratic primary voters across several states are selecting “uncommitted” on their ballots in protest. The president struggles with most of his key constituencies, most notably Black voters. It is likely that anxieties about the declining support among young Black voters weighed on Biden’s decision to accept the Morehouse invitation some seven months after it was extended. He seems to want to appeal to them for political support without boldly addressing the issues that routinely come up for them, such as crippling student debt and higher costs of living.

Meanwhile, students in the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) – a group of historically Black institutions including Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College and Morehouse School of Medicine – have been unequivocal in calling out their administrations’ ties to companies doing business with Israel. Coalitions such as the Student Intercommunal Coordinating Committee have also connected the issue of Palestine to the Stop Cop City movement, which aims to prevent the construction of a law enforcement training center in Atlanta. For their efforts, they have faced harassment, intimidation and the possibility of arrest. (More than 300 AUCC alumni have signed a letter urging the administrations to support students’ right to organize and protest on campus.)

A small but intrepid group called Faculty for Justice in Palestine – Georgia has joined students in calling AUCC administrations to account. In a recent statement calling on Morehouse leadership to rescind its invitation to Biden, group leaders wrote, “any college or university that gives its commencement stage to President Biden in this moment is endorsing genocide.” (Biden is also delivering the commencement address at West Point.)

Students around the country, including many in the AUCC, are standing in the tradition of Dr King. They do so in the context of a broader movement and crackdown – the most intense this country has seen since 1968. Biden has smeared these students – the very people he needs to secure his electoral prospects – as “antisemitic” and uninformed. College and university administrations set riot police upon them and threaten them with disciplinary action.

At precisely the moment when students all over the country are showing us the meaning of courage, Morehouse’s invitation to the president shows profound cowardice. The moral leaders in this moment have been clear all along. We should join them.

Jared Loggins is a professor of Black studies and political science at Amherst College.

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“I was definitely raised to be a Jewish leader of some kind.” With college campuses all over the US gripped by intense battles around free speech, antisemitism and Palestinian rights - the voices of young Jewish Americans have led the way.  One of the boldest and most prominent voices is that of Simone Zimmerman. Zimmerman was raised in a conservative Zionist household, taught to idolise and support Israel as the highest aspiration of all young Jewish Americans like her. But as she got older, she began to question whether there was another side to Israel she was being sheltered from - and when she sought answers, she was shocked at what she discovered. Prompted by conversations with Palestinians under occupation and Jewish activists, she went home and began to organise in an attempt to stop her government’s military support for Israel, and as she puts it, “live out the values of justice I was raised on”. On the frontlines of protests in campuses and halls of power, she suddenly found herself a target of accusations by pro-Israeli groups, who now called her “antisemitic” and a “jew hater” and threatening her online. After October 7, she became more determined than ever to challenge the beliefs in her community about Israel, and the reluctance by many to see the horrific reality of what’s happening in Gaza. This week on The Big Picture, we sit down with Simone Zimmerman to talk about her story, which has been documented in a provocative new documentary called ‘Israelism’, and whether we’re witnessing a turning point in how young Jewish-Americans see Israel, and how young Americans see their government’s support for the occupation. Check out the trailer for Israelism here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bondvm3hvGM&ab_channel=TikkunOlamFilms Check out Simone Zimmerman’s work with If Not Now here: https://www.ifnotnowmovement.org/ We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode, and any guests you'd like us to have on our show. Reach us by email at [email protected] or find us on instagram @BigPictureMee. You can also watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMyaP73Ho1ySj3cO0OSOHZAOgD1WTDixG

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Opinion No joke: Biden turns up the heat on Trump

Were he ever to consider a career in stand-up comedy, Joe Biden would be well advised to keep his day job. But delivering big laughs was not the president’s mission when he appeared Saturday night before a black-tie audience of 2,600 journalists and Washington power players at the White House correspondents’ dinner.

Almost from the start of his appearance in what is traditionally a lighthearted evening, Biden took the kind of personal swipes at his opponent that we have rarely heard from him. “The 2024 election’s in full swing and yes, age is an issue,” he said. “I’m a grown man running against a 6-year-old.”

Where he has ordered White House aides not to speak publicly about Donald Trump’s legal troubles, Biden himself mocked the seamy scandal that has the former president spending his days in a Manhattan courtroom. “I had a great stretch since the State of the Union. But Donald has had a few tough days lately. You might call it ‘stormy weather,’” Biden said, making an unsubtle reference to adult-film star Stormy Daniels, whose claims that she had an affair with Trump are at the center of the hush-money trial .

And toward the end, Biden chastised the media: “I’m sincerely not asking you to take sides. I’m asking you to rise up to the seriousness of the moment. Move past the horse race numbers and the gotcha moments and the distractions, the side shows that have come to dominate and sensationalize our politics, and focus on what’s actually at stake. … The stakes couldn’t be higher.”

Does this mark a pivot, a turn from the Uncle Joe geniality that has been Biden’s personal brand? It sounded like it to me. And it comes at a moment when, for the first time in a while, Team Biden is feeling a few things going their way in this election.

The polls in which the president has trailed his predecessor have narrowed a bit since Biden’s State of the Union address in March, but it’s not worth reading too much into slight shifts in the numbers. The race is close, and it appears likely to stay so all the way until November.

And Biden’s campaign is building a significant financial advantage over Trump’s, even as the former president’s legal bills mount.

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, the House Republicans’ sputtering impeachment drive against Biden has become an embarrassment.

But at least as important as any of that is the fact that a president who came to office promising to make Washington work again is showing some tentative progress in that regard. Most notable was his successful effort to bring House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) around on badly needed aid to Ukraine, which paid off spectacularly with a big bipartisan vote in favor of sending $61 billion to Kyiv.

Biden has had some other victories as well, including on funding to avert a government shutdown in March and, more recently, reauthorization of a government surveillance program that the MAGA forces on Capitol Hill were determined to kill.

Will voters give him credit for any of this? They might, but they haven’t yet. As Gallup reported last week , his average job approval rating in the 13th quarter of his presidency is mired at 38.7 percent, which is lower than any of his past nine predecessors at this point in their presidencies.

“With about six months remaining before Election Day, Biden stands in a weaker position than any prior incumbent, and thus faces a taller task than they did in getting reelected,” Gallup’s Jeffrey M. Jones wrote.

Meanwhile, Biden is struggling to hold together traditional Democratic constituencies, including non-Whites and young people, a challenge that is not getting any easier as college campuses are being roiled by protests over the war in Gaza and Biden’s support for Israel’s military campaign there.

Indeed, as guests in their formal attire made their way into the correspondents’ dinner on Saturday night, they were greeted by hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters shouting, “Shame on you!”

Given all of this, the best option for Biden now — perhaps his only one — is not to hope the country will begin to recognize his achievements. It is to start drawing a sharper, no-holds-barred contrast with Trump and what it would mean if he is allowed to return to the White House.

To quote one of the president’s own favorite phrases, that’s no joke.

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