as I do quite a bit of public speaking I have been trying to hone my rhetorical skills. One thing that really helps me is listening to great speeches: "I have a dream", "Yes we can", etc. So I just wanted to ask around which speeches/speakers you would recommend watching or listening to?
I'm also open to reading suggestions, if you know any good books on the subject.
Thanks :-)
I will paraphrase what one of the professional speakers says in his chapter - the goal is to not get standing ovations and speak to your audience but to speak with your audience.
https://www.amazon.com/Speaking-Secrets-Masters-Techniques-P...
The Toastmasters WCPS (World Championships of Public Speaking)
One example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v26CcifgEq4
In case you don't already know the secret of public speaking or storytelling or connecting with people, the secret is vulnerability.
> It takes relationships to make relationships. And, in general, to make relationships, you have to allow vulnerability. Vulnerability is the difference between a conversation that starts, "How about this weather we're having?" and a conversation that starts, "Oh my God, let me tell you about how I just fell in a puddle in front of a group of nuns." The former is so boring that it makes listeners want to crawl under a table; the latter creates a spark and a list of follow-up questions. These are two extreme examples, but generally, the more of yourself you put out there, the more others will have to connect with.
http://www.nerve.com/advice/miss-information/miss-informatio...