Nelson Mandela's 1994 inaugural speech as president of South Africa was an extraordinary event.
Although he had been imprisoned for 27 years in the cause of equality, Mandela spoke without hatred, sounding just like Pericles: the desire of all people to have a fair chance in life.
"We shall build the society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity, a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world... Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world."
Terry Golway said that "The world will remember his inauguration as a milestone toward the creation of a new and hopefully more just global society. His speech was a testimonial to the power of determination, patience and forgiveness."
Great speakers follow the same formula of expressing words which will touch the heads, hearts and souls.
No comments:
Post a Comment