write a short speech about what you want to do in life

Awesome Life, Work, & Business

18 Short Speeches About Life

At first, I set out to craft a speech about life . But as I delved deeper into the topic, I realized that summing up the vast tapestry of life in a single speech is a tall order. Life is not just one color or a single note; it’s a vibrant spectrum, a rainbow of experiences, moments, highs, lows, lessons, and memories. Each hue represents a different chapter, emotion, or milestone that contributes to our unique stories.

I also recognize that high school students might come across these words. I fondly recall my own school days when teachers would challenge us to pen down our thoughts on life. Such assignments, seemingly simple on the surface, often pushed us to self-reflection and growth.

With these memories and audiences in mind, I present to you not just one, but multiple speeches on life. Through these, I aim to touch upon the myriad facets of our existence, hoping that each reader, regardless of their age or journey, finds a sliver of resonance, a hint of inspiration, or a moment of reflection.

Speeches About Life

Speeches about life resonate with all of us because life, in its vastness and complexity, is the shared journey we all navigate. It’s filled with rainbows of experiences, highs and lows, and tales of courage, fear, triumphs, and setbacks.

Through these speeches, we get a window into the varied perspectives, learnings, and stories of others. They offer a mirror to our own experiences, sometimes teaching us, sometimes validating our feelings, and often inspiring us to see our path in a new light.

Moreover, life speeches bridge the gap between generations.

From a teenager in high school to a professional in their prime, everyone can find a piece of wisdom or an echo of their own story in these words.

By discussing life, we unite in our shared human experience, finding solace in the thought that we’re not alone in our struggles or joys. This universality, this binding thread, is what makes speeches about life timeless and impactful.

I have delivered these speeches in Toastmasters . I share these speeches when I teach about life and leadership. I have written them in the hope that you too will be inspired to write your speech about life and be an inspiration to others.

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About the author.

Jef Menguin

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30 Famous and Short Inspirational Speeches (5 minutes or less)

• December 13, 2023

This post is all about the best short inspirational speeches.

If you are in need of a quick boost of inspiration and motivation, you will find that in this post. I am one of those people who loves to get motivated. That sounds weird, right?

Well, a lot of people these days tend to give motivation a hard time because they don’t believe that it has lasting effects. In other words, they believe that what’s most important is your own self-discipline, because that’s what you have to rely on when motivation isn’t there.

And while I do agree with that sentiment in general, I will never pass up a great motivational podcast or YouTube video! 😀 There’s just something about them that even if they might not have lasting effects, they do truly help pump me up in the moment to get work done. And that’s usually what matters to me the most when I am looking for them in the first place.

So, here are the very best short motivational speeches so you can get that quick fix of motivation that you’re looking for, and ultimately move closer to your goals and dreams.

Short Inspirational Speeches

Believe in yourself speeches.

If you lack confidence or you are doubting yourself, these short motivational speeches will help you to believe in yourself again.

1. Rocky’s Inspirational Speech to His Son | ROCKY BALBOA

In less than 5 minutes, you’ll watch Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) explain to his son that if he wants to have the life he desires, he needs to believe in himself. He needs to stop listening to the people that tell him who he is, and instead go be his own person, and stop looking for someone to blame when things aren’t working out for him because ultimately it’s on HIM. This is one of the greatest inspirational speeches of all time.

2. Find Your Purpose | David Goggins – Motivational Speech

David Goggins is truly incredible. A former Navy SEAL, he has broken records and ran more races than you’d imagine. But the one thing that really stands out about him is his mindset.

Listen to this video if you want to be great. He tells you exactly what you need to do to get there.

Also, if you’ve never read David Goggins’ book “Can’t Hurt Me” , I highly recommend it. He talks about his rough upbringing, and how he was able to essentially become an entirely new person to become a Navy SEAL.

3. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF – Motivational Video (ft. Jaret Grossman & Eric Thomas)

This video is all about how important it is to have the proper belief system. If you truly believe that you are one of the best, you will start acting that you are one of the best, and eventually you may just be one of the best.

4. DON’T LET YOUR DREAMS DIE – Motivational Speech

This YouTube short by Mel Robbins is so good, I had to share it. A light bulb went on in my head when I first watched this. If there is something that is always on your mind, don’t let it haunt you forever because you never put yourself out there to try it. Go and DO!

Motivational Speeches About Not Giving Up

The following short motivational speeches are all about not giving up on your dreams. If you are losing hope, these short motivational speeches will inspire you to keep going.

5. Brené Brown It’s Not The Critic Who Counts

This speech will give you chills, and it is packed with great lessons about life. Brené Brown is a researcher who went viral for a Ted Talk, and here she talks about how to overcome critics and to keep believing in yourself no matter what. If you are worried about what people think of you, you NEED to watch this.

6. Amazing Motivational Speech by Denzel Washington 

This is another video that gave me chills. The main theme of this famous speech is “ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship”. Stay consistent even when it’s hard. Easy task after easy task won’t get you to where you want to be.

7. Steve Harvey – Inspirational Speech | Motivational Short Video | Incredible You

This short motivational speech by Steve Harvey is short but impactful. If you are someone who stepped out of your comfort zone to pursue something really difficult, and you’re thinking about giving up, this speech may just prevent you from doing so.

8. Ed Mylett on The Power of One More

Ed Mylett shares the story of how his father stayed sober until his dying day, and how Ed himself uses that same philosophy to never give up. Personal stories like these are always the most inspiring.

By the way, if you REALLY want to push yourself and become the best, read Ed Mylett’s most recent book on this same topic, “The Power Of One More” .

Motivational Speeches If You’re Feeling Behind

Are you feeling behind in life? If so, let’s change that. Watch these videos to be reminded that you are on your own unique path. You have no competition other than your past self. These short motivational videos will help you believe that.

9. Before You Feel Pressure – WATCH THIS | by Jay Shetty

Jay Shetty talks to a school class about how there’s no one “perfect” life timeline to follow, and that we are all on our own clock. 

10. Kevin Hart Motivational Speech

If you’ve made mistakes in your life (haven’t we all) this is a great story from Kevin Hart (famous comedian and actor) that will remind you of the power of making mistakes and pushing through hard times.

11. Oprah Winfrey | 5 Minutes For The NEXT 50 Years of Your LIFE

In this video, Oprah talks about the importance of really knowing who you are and what you want in your life. She talks about surrounding yourself with great people, and how to have enormous success. “Let excellence be your brand.”

Listen To These If You Need Perspective

Sometimes in life, we get so caught up in the day to day that we forget what truly matters – the people we love. If you are having trouble with something in life, give these videos a listen, because they just might help you realize what is really important.

12. Arnold Schwarzenegger – Organize Your Day | 1 MINUTE MOTIVATIONAL VIDEO

Are you the kind of person who always complains that you don’t have enough time to do something? If so, you’re not alone. We are all busy humans, running around doing a million things. But if you aren’t prioritizing what you know you should be doing, listen to this video.

13. How to Judge Your Life Using 3 Simple Questions | Brendon Burchard Speech| Goalcast

Have you ever heard of Mortality Motivation? It’s essentially what it sounds like… being motivated by the impending reality of your death. It sounds a little morbid, but it’s actually quite beautiful and it can be really beneficial if you harness it for good.

In this video by motivational speaker Brendon Burchard, he shares how a car accident when he was 19 gave him mortality motivation and changed everything for him.

14. FALL, SUFFER AND LEARN | MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH BY OPRAH WINFREY

This speech by Oprah was given to Harvard graduates, and it’s a unique speech because she talks about failing, even after the major success of her television show for over 20 years.

It’s refreshing to hear that even the most successful people fail. What really matters, though, is what you do with your failure. Do you learn from it and move on? Or do you give up?

15. YOU VS YOU – Best Motivational Video

This is a pretty intense video about competition. If your #1 competition is someone else, you need to change your perspective. Your only competition is YOU. The only thing preventing you from moving forward is you.

16. The Speech That Brought This Entire School To Tears

This is a speech about a man who never really paid much attention to his mother, until she passed away. It’s an emotional reminder to cherish the time you have with your loved ones, because you never know if the next time you see them will be the last time.

In my opinion, this speaker embodies many qualities of the best motivational speakers because he really knows how to capture the audience’s attention and pull on their heart strings.

17. 5 Minutes to Start Your Day Right! – MORNING MOTIVATION

This motivational speech is by a Navy SEAL who will remind you to start each day with a task completed, respect everyone, take risks, step up during tough times, and never give up. If you do these things, the next generation, and the generations that follow, will live better lives than we live today.

18. The Real You – Jim Carrey

This video is one of the best motivational speech examples because it reminds you of something so important: sometimes we can be so focused on earning more money, gaining fame, and becoming admired that we lose ourselves or we lose sight of what’s really important to us in the process.

Jim Carrey talks about how he is a great example of that. He got all of the money, fame, and admiration, and admits that that wasn’t really who he was. Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that money and fame, or even getting to the top of the corporate ladder, while nice, aren’t going to be the thing that brings you fulfillment when it’s all said and done.

19. Ed Mylett Motivational Speech

I posted another motivational video by Ed Mylett above, but if you don’t know much about him, prepare to have your world rocked. He’s probably my absolute favorite motivational speaker because he is successful and he works hard, but he’s also (seemingly) a kind, family guy who’s been through a few things.

In this video, he talks about being “the one” that changed his family tree. Take a listen because I’m sure it’ll get you thinking on whether or not you can be “the one” in YOUR family.

P.S. If you love personal growth content, you should check out Ed Mylett’s podcast . I listen to it every week and it is one of my favorites.

20. If You Feel LOST, LAZY & UNMOTIVATED In Life, WATCH THIS! | Tony Robbins Motivation

If you are someone who is constantly blaming others or your circumstances for your unhappiness, you need to listen to this video by Tony Robbins . Bad things happen to us all, it’s up to you to focus on what you can control.

Great Inspirational Speeches About Hard Work

How hard do you think you work? Could you be doing more? If there’s a little voice inside of your heart that knows you could be doing more and better, these motivational videos about the value of hard work will help you push yourself.

And a side note: your chances of having good luck increase the harder and longer you work.

21. You’re Not Tired, You’re Just Weak – David Goggins Motivation

If you’re feeling lazy or like you don’t want to do something, watch this video til 2:25 . It will give you the push you need to put your head down and do the work. It’ll remind you to keep pursuing your goals and to keep challenging yourself. Key takeaway: push yourself beyond your perceived limits.

22. Hard Work & Patience – A Gary Vaynerchuk Original Film

If you want to be motivated to work hard, listen to Gary Vaynerchuk. Gary Vaynerchuk is a creative genius known for his marketing tactics. This famous motivational speech is all about playing “the long game”, as in, working for a long time and having patience instead of working hard for a short period of time and expecting to win quickly.

23. OBSESSION – Best Motivational Speech

This is one of my favorite short motivational speeches because it makes me feel a little more normal for being “weird”. I’m the kind of person who chooses to work on the weekends instead of hanging out with people. Crazy, right? But it’s because I’m working toward a dream of mine and it’s something that’s really important to me. The most important thing to remember: it’s okay to devote yourself to something. It’s the only way to get what you want in life.

24. WORK LIKE HELL – Best Motivational Video

This is a series of motivational speeches about doing a little bit more and outworking your competition. I’m not going to lie – I’m up late writing this post and listening to this very video is what’s motivating me to keep going.

25. The video EVERY woman should watch!

Whether or not you’re a Rachel Hollis fan may be up for debate (and that’s okay!) but I happen to think she’s a great motivational speaker. This entire speech will inspire you to work hard and take massive action – today.

26. NEVER SURRENDER – Powerful Motivational Speech (by Kobe Bryant)

This one minute video by the late Kobe Bryant is one of the most famous short speeches. I read a book recently by his former personal trainer and I learned that Kobe really outworked everyone. He talks about a quote in this video that really stuck with him, and I think it’s great advice if you’re the kind of person who needs motivation to keep working hard.

Motivational Speeches About Working Smart

Have you ever heard the saying “work smarter, not harder”? That saying is all about ensuring that the work you are doing is actually efficient. Are you getting to where you want to go with all of the work that you are putting in? Are you getting closer to your goals and your dreams? Or are you sprinting like a hamster on a wheel and just running in circles?

Here are great videos on the importance of working hard but also working intentionally.

27. SET SYSTEMS RATHER THAN GOALS – Motivational Speech – James Clear

A goal gives you a sense of direction, but if you don’t spell out precisely how you are going to get to a goal, it is useless. You must develop systems. Listen to this James Clear video to gain valuable life lessons.

By the way, James Clear is an author who wrote perhaps my favorite book of all time: “Atomic Habits” . It’s life-changing if you haven’t read it yet.

28. Matthew McConaughey | 5 Minutes for the NEXT 50 Years of Your LIFE

This is one of the best motivational speeches of all time about how to live a great life for YOU. It’s filled with little pieces of wisdom that’ll really get you thinking about how you live your life and in what direction you want to go.

29. Visualization is the key – Bob Proctor

Do you believe in the Law of Attraction? If not, I have to say I’m surprised! I’ve experienced it in my own life more than once, and it is incredibly powerful. Here’s a great video that sums up the power of visualization, and if you want to learn more about the Law of Attraction or manifestation in general, read this post .

This video shows the true power of words, thoughts, and feelings that you have.

30. How to Stay Motivated – Carla Harris

Here is a YouTube short with very practical advice from Carla Harris on HOW to stay motivated. It’s all about having a vision!

This post was all about short inspirational speeches. Which one was your favorite?

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6 Speech Examples About Life

Life is a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of joy, sorrow, triumph, and growth.

It’s a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, where every experience shapes us into the individuals we are meant to become.

Speech Examples About Life

In moments of uncertainty or doubt, we often seek wisdom and inspiration from those who have navigated the path before us.

Through the power of speech, we can connect with others, share our stories, and ignite the spark of motivation within ourselves and those around us.

So sit back, relax, and let these heartfelt speeches about life guide you on your own extraordinary journey.

Speech 1: Embracing Change

Change is inevitable. It’s the one constant in this ever-evolving world we live in. Sometimes, change comes knocking on our door uninvited, catching us off guard and leaving us feeling unsettled. Other times, we actively seek change, driven by an insatiable desire for growth and transformation.

Regardless of how change enters our lives, it is up to us to decide how we will respond. Will we resist it, clinging desperately to the familiarity of the past? Or will we embrace it, recognizing that change is the catalyst for personal development and new opportunities?

The truth is, change can be frightening. It pushes us out of our comfort zones and forces us to confront the unknown. But it is in these moments of discomfort that we discover our true strength and resilience. By embracing change, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and unlock our potential for greatness.

So when change comes knocking, don’t hide from it. Answer the call with courage and curiosity. Trust in your ability to adapt and grow. Embrace the journey, even when the path ahead is uncertain. For it is through change that we become the best versions of ourselves and create the lives we truly desire.

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This inspirational speech encourages the audience to embrace change as a catalyst for personal growth and new opportunities. It acknowledges the fear and discomfort that often accompanies change but emphasizes the importance of facing it with courage and curiosity. This speech is suitable for audiences facing significant life transitions, such as graduations, career changes, or personal milestones.

Speech 2: The Power of Perseverance

Life is not always easy. There will be times when you feel like giving up, when the challenges before you seem insurmountable, and the road ahead appears endless. In these moments, it’s crucial to remember the power of perseverance.

Perseverance is the unwavering determination to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity. It’s the inner strength that pushes you to take one more step, even when your legs are tired and your spirit is weary. It’s the voice inside your head that whispers, “Keep going,” when everything else is telling you to quit.

The journey to success is rarely a straight line. It’s filled with detours, obstacles, and setbacks. But it is through these challenges that we grow, learn, and become stronger. Every failure is an opportunity to learn, every setback is a chance to reassess and pivot, and every victory is a testament to your resilience and determination.

So when life gets tough, remember the power of perseverance. Embrace the challenges, learn from the setbacks, and keep pushing forward. Success is not about perfection; it’s about progress. And with perseverance as your guiding light, there is no limit to what you can achieve.

Commentary: This motivational speech highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. It encourages the audience to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and to keep pushing forward, even when the road ahead seems daunting. This speech is suitable for audiences facing significant challenges or setbacks, such as students, entrepreneurs, or individuals pursuing personal goals.

Speech 3: Finding Your Purpose

In this vast and complex world, it’s easy to feel lost and uncertain about our place in it. We often find ourselves wandering through life, searching for meaning and purpose, wondering what our true calling might be.

But here’s the truth: your purpose is not some elusive, mystical concept that you must spend your entire life seeking. It’s not a hidden treasure that only a select few are lucky enough to find. Your purpose is something that already exists within you, waiting to be discovered and nurtured.

Your purpose is the unique combination of your passions, skills, and experiences. It’s the way in which you choose to make a positive impact on the world around you. It’s the legacy you leave behind through the lives you touch and the difference you make.

Finding your purpose is not always easy. It requires introspection, self-awareness, and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. It may involve trying new things, taking risks, and facing your fears. But the journey of self-discovery is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences you will ever have.

So take the time to explore your interests and passions. Reflect on the moments in your life when you have felt most alive and inspired. Surround yourself with people who encourage and support your growth. And trust in the journey, knowing that every step you take is bringing you closer to your true purpose.

Remember, your purpose is not a destination to be reached but a lifelong journey of self-discovery and impact. Embrace it with open arms, and watch as your life unfolds in ways you never could have imagined.

Commentary: This introspective speech encourages the audience to embark on a journey of self-discovery to find their unique purpose in life. It emphasizes that one’s purpose is not an elusive concept but rather a combination of their passions, skills, and experiences. This speech is suitable for audiences seeking direction and meaning in their lives, such as recent graduates, individuals at a career crossroads, or those experiencing a mid-life crisis.

Speech 4: The Gift of Failure

Failure. It’s a word that strikes fear into the hearts of many, a concept that we’ve been taught to avoid at all costs. From a young age, we’re conditioned to believe that failure is a sign of weakness, a mark of inadequacy, and a reflection of our worth as individuals.

But what if I told you that failure is not something to be feared but rather a gift to be embraced? What if I said that failure is not the opposite of success but a necessary step on the path towards it?

You see, failure is not the end of the story. It’s a chapter in the book of your life, a plot twist that adds depth and dimension to your journey. Failure is a teacher, a mentor, and a guide. It shows you what doesn’t work so that you can discover what does. It reveals your weaknesses so that you can strengthen them and your strengths so that you can leverage them.

Failure is not a permanent state but a temporary setback. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and adapt. It’s a chance to reassess your goals, your strategies, and your priorities. It’s a reminder that success is not a destination but a journey, and that every obstacle you encounter along the way is an opportunity to become a better version of yourself.

So the next time you experience failure, don’t run from it. Embrace it. Learn from it. Grow from it. Use it as a stepping stone to propel you towards your dreams. Remember that every successful person you admire has failed countless times before achieving their goals. They didn’t let failure define them; they let it refine them.

In the end, failure is not something to be ashamed of but something to be proud of. It’s a badge of honor, a testament to your courage, resilience, and determination. It’s proof that you’re willing to take risks, to step outside of your comfort zone, and to pursue your passions with every fiber of your being.

So embrace the gift of failure. Let it shape you, mold you, and transform you into the person you were always meant to become. And know that every failure brings you one step closer to the success you so deeply desire.

Commentary: This thought-provoking speech challenges the common perception of failure as something to be avoided and instead presents it as a valuable learning experience and a necessary step on the path to success. It encourages the audience to embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as a tool for personal growth and development. This speech is suitable for audiences facing setbacks or disappointments, such as entrepreneurs, athletes, or individuals pursuing ambitious goals.

Speech 5: The Beauty of Vulnerability

In a world that often equates vulnerability with weakness, it’s easy to believe that we must always project an image of strength and perfection. We hide our flaws, mask our insecurities, and present a carefully curated version of ourselves to the world, afraid that revealing our true selves will lead to judgment, rejection, or ridicule.

But what if I told you that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength? What if I said that by embracing our vulnerabilities, we open ourselves up to deeper connections, greater empathy, and more meaningful relationships?

You see, vulnerability is the courage to be ourselves, fully and authentically, without fear of judgment or rejection. It’s the willingness to share our stories, our struggles, and our successes with others, knowing that in doing so, we create space for them to do the same. It’s the recognition that we are all imperfect beings, navigating this complex and sometimes messy journey of life together.

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we create a bridge of understanding and compassion between ourselves and others. We invite them to see us as we truly are, flaws and all, and in doing so, we give them permission to do the same. We foster a sense of belonging, a feeling of being seen, heard, and valued for who we are, not just for what we achieve.

Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a mark of courage. It takes immense strength to be open and honest about our fears, our doubts, and our insecurities. It requires a willingness to step outside of our comfort zones and risk being hurt or rejected. But in doing so, we create the opportunity for growth, healing, and transformation.

So embrace your vulnerability. Share your stories, your struggles, and your triumphs with others. Be open and honest about who you are and what you’re going through. Know that in doing so, you are not only helping yourself but also inspiring others to do the same.

Remember, vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. It’s the key to unlocking deeper connections, greater empathy, and more meaningful relationships. It’s the path to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Commentary: This powerful speech challenges the notion that vulnerability is a weakness and instead presents it as a strength and a path to deeper connections and personal growth. It encourages the audience to embrace their vulnerabilities, share their stories, and foster a sense of belonging and understanding with others. This speech is suitable for audiences seeking to build more authentic relationships, overcome fears of judgment or rejection, or cultivate greater self-acceptance and empathy.

Speech 6: The Power of Gratitude

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of more – more success, more wealth, more recognition, more achievements. We often focus so intently on what we lack that we forget to appreciate all that we already have.

But what if I told you that the key to a happier, more fulfilling life lies not in the constant pursuit of more but in the simple practice of gratitude? What if I said that by cultivating a deep sense of appreciation for the blessings in your life, you can transform your outlook, your relationships, and your overall well-being?

Gratitude is the act of acknowledging and appreciating the good things in your life, no matter how big or small they may seem. It’s the practice of focusing on what you have rather than what you lack, of counting your blessings rather than your burdens.

When you make gratitude a daily habit, you begin to shift your perspective from one of scarcity to one of abundance. You start to notice the little things that bring joy and meaning to your life – a beautiful sunset, a warm hug from a loved one, a kind word from a stranger. You become more present in the moment, more attuned to the beauty and wonder that surrounds you.

Gratitude also has the power to transform your relationships with others. When you express appreciation and thanks to the people in your life, you strengthen your connections and foster a sense of positivity and goodwill. You create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that extends far beyond your immediate circle.

But gratitude is not just about feeling good in the moment. It’s also a powerful tool for resilience and growth. When you face challenges or setbacks, gratitude can help you maintain a sense of perspective and hope. It can remind you of the strengths and resources you have to draw upon, the people who support and believe in you, and the lessons and opportunities that lie ahead.

So make gratitude a daily practice. Take a few moments each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for, no matter how small they may seem. Express your appreciation to others through words and actions. Cultivate a mindset of abundance and positivity, even in the face of adversity.

Remember, gratitude is not just a feeling but a choice. It’s a powerful tool for transforming your life and the lives of those around you. By embracing gratitude, you open yourself up to greater joy, connection, and fulfillment. You become a force for good in the world, spreading light and positivity wherever you go.

Commentary: This uplifting speech highlights the transformative power of gratitude in fostering happiness, strengthening relationships, and building resilience. It encourages the audience to make gratitude a daily practice, focusing on the blessings in their lives and expressing appreciation to others. This speech is suitable for a wide range of audiences, from corporate teams seeking to boost morale and positivity to individuals looking to cultivate a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Life is a tapestry woven with threads of joy, sorrow, growth, and change.

These six speech examples about life offer a glimpse into the many facets of the human experience – from embracing change and persevering through challenges to finding purpose, learning from failure, embracing vulnerability, and cultivating gratitude.

As you navigate your own journey through life, may these speeches serve as a source of inspiration, comfort, and guidance.

Remember that you are not alone in your struggles and that every challenge you face is an opportunity for growth and transformation.

So embrace the journey, trust in the process, and know that with courage, resilience, and a grateful heart, there is no limit to what you can achieve.

Speech Repository

5 Short Speeches about Life’s Challenges

Life throws curveballs at us when we least expect them. These unexpected twists can leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed, and questioning our ability to cope. But here’s the thing: challenges are part of the human experience. They shape us, teach us, and ultimately make us stronger.

This article presents five speeches that address various life challenges. Each one offers a unique perspective on facing adversity, finding inner strength, and moving forward with resilience. Whether you’re dealing with personal setbacks, professional hurdles, or seeking inspiration to overcome obstacles, these speeches will resonate with you and provide valuable insights. Let’s explore how words can empower us to face life’s toughest moments head-on.

Short Speeches about Life’s Challenges

These speeches cover a range of topics related to overcoming life’s difficulties. They offer encouragement, practical advice, and fresh perspectives to help you handle tough times.

1. Embracing Change: A Path to Personal Growth

Good evening, everyone.

Change can be scary. It pushes us out of our comfort zones and into unfamiliar territory. But change is also the catalyst for growth and new opportunities.

Think about a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. The process isn’t easy. The caterpillar must build a cocoon, dissolve its body, and rebuild itself entirely. It’s a complete upheaval of its existence. Yet, without this dramatic change, the butterfly would never emerge and take flight.

Your life changes are like that cocoon. They might feel uncomfortable, even painful at times. You might question if you’re making the right choices or if you’ll come out okay on the other side. But just like the butterfly, you’re in the process of becoming something more than you were before.

Embrace the discomfort. Let it push you to develop new skills, explore new passions, and discover strengths you never knew you had. Each change you face is an opportunity to reinvent yourself, to become a better version of who you are.

The most beautiful butterflies often come from the most challenging transformations. So spread your wings and fly. The sky’s the limit when you embrace change as a path to personal growth.

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This speech uses the metaphor of a caterpillar’s transformation to inspire listeners to embrace change positively. It’s suitable for motivational seminars, personal development workshops, or as an opening address for corporate change management initiatives.

2. Overcoming Failure: Your Stepping Stone to Success

Hello, friends.

Failure. It’s a word that often makes us cringe. We’ve all been there – that moment when things don’t go as planned, when we fall short of our goals, when we feel like we’ve let ourselves or others down.

But what if I told you that failure isn’t the end of the road? What if failure is actually an important part of your journey to success?

Think about a baby learning to walk. They fall down countless times. But with each tumble, they learn something new – how to balance better, how to shift their weight, how to get back up. Those “failures” are essential steps in mastering the skill of walking.

Your failures work the same way. Each setback teaches you valuable lessons. Maybe you learn what doesn’t work, so you can focus on what does. Perhaps you discover hidden strengths as you pick yourself up. Or you might realize you need to adjust your approach or seek help from others.

Failure also builds resilience. It toughens you up, helping you bounce back stronger each time. And let’s be honest – success tastes so much sweeter when you’ve overcome obstacles to achieve it.

So the next time you face a setback, try shifting your perspective. Instead of seeing it as a roadblock, view it as a stepping stone. Ask yourself: “What can I learn from this? How can this experience make me better?”

Embrace your failures. Learn from them. Use them as fuel to propel you forward. Because ultimately, it’s not about how many times you fall – it’s about how many times you get back up and keep going.

Your biggest failures might just be setting you up for your greatest successes. So keep pushing, keep learning, and keep growing. Your future self will thank you for it.

Commentary: This speech reframes failure as a positive learning experience and a necessary step towards success. It’s appropriate for graduation ceremonies, business conferences, or team-building events where encouraging resilience and perseverance is key.

3. Finding Strength in Adversity

Dear friends,

Life can be tough. Sometimes, it feels like we’re constantly swimming against the current, facing one challenge after another. These moments test our resolve, push us to our limits, and make us question our ability to keep going.

But here’s a truth I want you to hold onto: you are stronger than you think.

Picture a piece of coal. Under normal conditions, it’s just a black rock. But subject it to intense heat and pressure, and something remarkable happens. The coal transforms into a diamond – one of the hardest, most valuable substances on Earth.

You are like that coal. The challenges you face – the heat and pressure of life – are transforming you. They’re revealing your true strength, your resilience, your ability to adapt and overcome.

Every obstacle you face is an opportunity to grow stronger. Every setback is a chance to prove to yourself just how capable you are. Every tough day is building your mental and emotional muscles, preparing you for even greater things ahead.

So when life gets hard, think of the diamond. Think about how the pressure you’re under is shaping you into something extraordinary. You may not see it now, but you’re becoming more resilient, more compassionate, more resourceful with each passing day.

Face the challenges head-on. Ask for help when you need it, but never doubt your inner strength. You have reserves of power within you that you haven’t even tapped into yet.

And on those days when you feel like giving up, look back at how far you’ve come. Recall all the times you thought you couldn’t go on, but did. You’ve overcome 100% of your bad days so far. That’s an incredible track record.

You are strong. You are resilient. You are capable of amazing things. The adversity you’re facing today is just preparing you for the incredible future that awaits.

Believe in yourself. Keep pushing forward. Your inner diamond is waiting to shine.

Commentary: This speech uses the metaphor of coal turning into a diamond to illustrate how adversity can strengthen us. It’s well-suited for motivational talks, support group meetings, or as an inspirational address during difficult times in a community or organization.

4. The Power of Perseverance

Good day, everyone.

Have you ever felt like giving up? Like the mountain in front of you is too high to climb? Like the odds are stacked against you, and it’s easier to just throw in the towel?

If you have, you’re in good company. We all face moments when the path forward seems impossible. But it’s in these moments that perseverance becomes our greatest ally.

Perseverance isn’t about never falling down. It’s about getting up every single time you do. It’s about taking one more step when every fiber of your being wants to quit. It’s about believing in your goals, even when no one else does.

History is filled with examples of people who refused to give up, despite overwhelming odds. Thomas Edison failed thousands of times before inventing the light bulb. J.K. Rowling faced rejection after rejection before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team before becoming one of the greatest players of all time.

What set these people apart wasn’t talent or luck. It was their unwavering perseverance. They kept pushing forward, learning from each setback, and refusing to let failure define them.

You have that same power within you. Every time you choose to keep going, you’re building your perseverance muscle. You’re proving to yourself that you’re capable of overcoming any obstacle.

So how do you cultivate perseverance? Start by setting clear goals. Know what you’re working towards and why it matters to you. Break big challenges into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate small victories along the way. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your dreams.

And most importantly, be kind to yourself. Perseverance isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Some days, perseverance might mean taking a huge leap forward. Other days, it might mean simply holding your ground. Both are victories.

Every great achievement in history started with a single step, followed by another, and another. Your journey is no different. Keep taking those steps, no matter how small they might seem.

Your perseverance today is paving the way for your success tomorrow. So keep pushing, keep believing, and keep moving forward. Your future self will thank you for never giving up.

Commentary: This speech emphasizes the importance of perseverance in achieving one’s goals, using historical examples to illustrate the point. It’s appropriate for career development seminars, entrepreneurship conferences, or as a pep talk for teams facing long-term challenges.

5. Turning Setbacks into Comebacks

Ladies and gentlemen,

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at us. One moment, we’re on top of the world, and the next, we’re face-down in the dirt. Setbacks can come in many forms – a lost job, a failed relationship, a health crisis, or a dream that didn’t pan out as we hoped.

These moments can feel devastating. They can shake our confidence, make us question our abilities, and tempt us to give up on our goals. But what if I told you that these setbacks are actually setting you up for an incredible comeback?

Think about it. Every setback carries within it the seeds of future success. It’s an opportunity to reassess, to learn, to grow, and to come back stronger than ever.

When you lose a job, you gain the chance to explore new career paths or finally start that business you’ve been dreaming about. When a relationship ends, you have the opportunity to rediscover yourself and what truly makes you happy. When you face a health crisis, you learn the importance of self-care and develop a new appreciation for life.

The key is in how you respond to these setbacks. Do you let them define you, or do you use them as fuel to propel you forward?

Here’s how you can turn your setbacks into comebacks:

First, allow yourself to feel. It’s okay to be disappointed, angry, or sad. These emotions are natural and shouldn’t be bottled up. Feel them, express them, but don’t let them consume you.

Next, shift your perspective. Instead of asking “Why me?”, ask “What can I learn from this?” Every setback has a lesson to teach if you’re willing to look for it.

Then, take stock of your strengths. Remind yourself of past challenges you’ve overcome. You’ve bounced back before, and you can do it again.

Now, set new goals. Use this setback as a starting point for a new chapter in your life. What do you want to achieve? What changes do you want to make?

Finally, take action. Small steps are fine. What matters is that you’re moving forward.

Some of the world’s greatest success stories came after major setbacks. Steve Jobs was fired from Apple before returning to make it one of the most valuable companies in the world. Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first TV job before becoming a media mogul. Your setback today could be setting the stage for your greatest triumph tomorrow.

So embrace your setbacks. Learn from them. Grow through them. Use them as stepping stones to reach new heights. Because it’s not about how hard you fall – it’s about how strong you rise.

Your comeback starts now. Are you ready?

Commentary: This speech reframes setbacks as opportunities for growth and future success. It provides practical steps for turning negative experiences into positive outcomes. This speech is suitable for corporate events, personal development seminars, or as a keynote address at conferences focused on resilience and overcoming adversity.

Final Thoughts

Life’s challenges are inevitable, but they don’t have to define us. Instead, they can be the catalysts that propel us towards personal growth, resilience, and ultimate success. The speeches presented here offer different perspectives on facing adversity, from embracing change and persevering through tough times to turning setbacks into comebacks.

The power to overcome lies within you. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to discover your inner strength, learn valuable lessons, and emerge stronger than before. As you handle life’s ups and downs, let these speeches serve as reminders of your innate ability to rise above any obstacle.

Face your challenges head-on, armed with perseverance, a positive mindset, and the knowledge that every difficulty you overcome is shaping you into a more resilient, capable version of yourself. Your greatest triumphs often lie just beyond your toughest challenges. Keep pushing forward – your future self will thank you for it.

16 Most Life-Changing Motivational Speeches & What You’ll Gain from Them

It’s all very well reading about ways to get ahead in life, but no account will ever reach you in quite the same way as hearing someone speak about their own experiences. While these people may be household names now, it wasn’t always that way, and this collection of some of the best motivational speeches will move you and inspire you to make your own dreams come true.

From Arnold Schwarzenneger talking about how he filled every moment of every day with steps to fulfil his ambition of becoming Mr. Universe, to J.K. Rowling’s life as an impoverished single mother, these speeches will fill you with the drive and determination to reach your full potential, and not let anything stand in your way.

Some are long, and some last just a few minutes, but each one will make you want to grab life with both hands and go for what you want, whatever it is.

“Most people have done all that they’re ever going to do – they raise a family, they earn a living, and then they die.”

That’s what we’re supposed to do, right? Wrong! Life is made for greater things, and you are meant for greater things.

When Les Brown was a child, he was labeled ‘educable mentally retarded’, and until a chance encounter with another teacher, he believed that he would amount to nothing. But this one teacher planted the seeds in Les’ head which would blossom and grow, and eventually make him one of the best motivational speakers of all time.

This speech will give you permission to rise above other people’s opinions, to break free of their prejudices, and make a success of whatever you do. Watch ‘It’s Not Over Until You Win! Your Dream is Possible’ and take those first steps towards following your passion and making your dream come true.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f0nIhDpXuU

“Stress doesn’t come from the facts, stress comes from the meaning that we give the facts.”

Life is about choices. Every day we’re faced with hundreds of choices, and this speech by Tony Robbins will help you see that it’s the choices, not the conditions, which shape our lives.

Take a moment during this speech to pause and reflect on some choices you have made in the past, and really think about the direction your life took because of them, both good and bad. Tony Robbins explains in his inimitable way that we have the choice to focus on what we want, and that when we focus, we can achieve whatever we want.

Part of Tony’s speech explains how, when the economy is down, some people thrive and some people crash and burn, and the COVID 19 pandemic is the perfect example. Small businesses took a huge hit, and while some of them threw up their hands in despair and said ‘that’s it, it’s over for us’, others adapted, and saw it as an opportunity to expand, diversify, and turn the situation to their advantage.

And that’s the cornerstone of this video – how we react, how we adapt, and how we choose is the difference between success and failure.

“So every rep that I do gets me closer to accomplishing the goal to make this goal – this vision – into reality.”

Be inspired by Arnold Schwarzenneger as he talks about his goal of becoming Mr. Universe. Never wasting a second of his day, Arnie worked in construction, spent 5 hours in the gym, and went to acting classes, all of which took him further along his journey to making his dream come true.

We all have a propensity to waste time, but if you have a goal, if you have a passion that smolders away, take a leaf out of Arnie’s book and make sure that everything you do propels you forward.

And don’t be afraid to fail.

“Your conviction and your convenience don’t live on the same block.”

If you are a fan of The Secret, you will be familiar with Lisa Nicholls. In this video, Lisa tells Tom Bilyeu how she was willing to leave everything and everyone behind in order to grow into the version of herself that she knew she wanted.

Lisa explains how, as a young mother, she was forced to wrap her baby in a towel for two days because she had no money for diapers, and how it was at that moment that she vowed never to be that broke or that broken again.

Change, success, drive…they’re all inconvenient and disruptive, and Lisa Nicholls demonstrates that wonderfully in this emotional and highly motivating interview in which she declares “your story is not meant to be your fortress, your story is meant to be your fuel.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toQmqLwNtho

Eric Thomas had a dream, a goal, and that goal was to be the best motivational speaker in the world. He didn’t achieve this by giving 70%, or 80%…he didn’t achieve it by staying in bed late in the mornings. He achieved it by giving 100% every minute of every day.

Listen to Eric’s words, hear the passion in his voice, and feel the lessons he is giving to you if you want to be the best at whatever you do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtuHZC-ObA8

“If we don’t take control of our environment, it takes control of us.”

This short piece by Tony Robbins has been designed to show you that you are in control of your own environment. Whether you realize it or not, what goes on around you has a massive influence on the way you feel and the way you act.

By taking leadership of your own life, you can defy outside influences and set your own tone for the day ahead, regardless of whatever or whoever is exerting pressure from the outside.

Follow Tony’s example of taking 10 minutes for yourself at the start of every day – for gratitude, prayer or wishes for family and friends, and a recap of what you want to accomplish that day, and your day will continue on that same path of thankfulness, hope, and goals.

“Your mind doesn’t know the difference between something you vividly imagined and something that’s real, literally!”

If you want to emulate the way successful people behave, take these 10 billionaires’ habits and adopt them yourself for 21 days.

Billed by Jim Kwik as being ‘like a magic pill’, these habits will rewire your brain into thinking and behaving like some of the world’s most successful people.

In this 8 minute clip, Jim shares how, for instance, your brain reacts the same way when you imagine your dog walking in as it does when your dog actually walks in, and this can apply to anything. What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

As much as this applies to positive things, it also can be applied to negative things, so if you imagine failure, that’s what you will get. Fill your mind with thoughts of success and that’s what will happen.

None of these habits are difficult to accomplish, but in doing so you will change your entire mindset into one of a hugely successful person, no matter what you want to achieve in life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fzGPwY40Cw

“Don’t leave crumbs.”

If this sounds more like a housekeeping hint and less like a motivational affirmation, you’re 50% right. Our lives do need housekeeping, and not leaving crumbs – i.e. regrets – which will come back and rob your tomorrow of joy, is one of the chores you need to do on a daily basis.

Matthew McConaughey delivers a powerful speech in a gentle way at the University of Houston Commencement Address.

Discussing the five rules he lives by, he will show you how to avoid falling into a trap of entitlement, and why ‘Unbelievable’ is the stupidest word in the dictionary.

With some invaluable life lessons contained inside a highly watchable speech, Matthew McConaughey is an unlikely but very inspiring speaker who has stayed humble despite all his successes.

“There are a lot of sharks in the world; if you hope to complete the swim, you will have to deal with them. So if you want to change the world, don’t back down from the sharks.”

Spoken with eloquence and quiet assuredness, this six-minute speech draws on US Navy Admiral William McRaven’s experience of survival in the Navy Seals.

He explains how making your bed, while seemingly insignificant and even pointless, will set a series of tasks in motion which will ensure that at best, the first job of the day is done, and at worst, you have a neat, tidy bed to fall into at the end of a trying day.

The world is full of people who want to bring you down (the sharks) but if you stand your ground, they will eventually swim away, leaving you to go on to bigger and better things.

“Sometimes life’s gonna hit you in the face with a brick…don’t lose faith.”

Steve Jobs, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Apple Inc. was hit in the face with more than one brick during his 56 years on earth. From being given up for adoption as a baby, to being fired from the very company which he founded, he never let anything get in his way.

In this commencement speech at Stamford University in 2005, Steve explained how his love for what he did spurred him on to rebuild his life in spectacular fashion.

Life dealt a further blow when, in 2003, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

This speech focuses on three stories which, when combined, show how life offers opportunities for change and growth, no matter how dire the circumstances.

Steve Jobs never graduated college, but when he died in 2011, aged just 56, he had a net worth of US$7 billion. He achieved this by doing what he loved, and in this speech he will inspire you to do the same.

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously than you might as well not have lived at all. In which case, you fail by default.”

Let J. K. Rowling inspire you with this 2008 commencement speech at Harvard University. Extolling the virtues of failure and imagination, she tells the graduates how being at rock bottom set her free to pursue her dreams of being an author.

As poor as it is possible to be without being homeless, she created the world of Harry Potter and went on to amass a fortune of £795 million, but that without her failures in life, she would never have had the opportunity to do so.

Let her words become your own mantra, and view every failure in your life as a future success.

“We shine, because baby you just can’t dim the sun.”

A beautiful antidote for anyone who has ever felt or been told that they are ‘too much’, Gina Hatzis’ winning Speaker Slam speech of 2018 will give you permission to be unashamedly you.

Although written by a woman for women, this powerful and sometimes humorous speech about being your own authentic self will inspire anyone – man or woman – to shine and never dim their own light to suit other people.

“The first step you need to take is just that…step.”

If you are in need of a short, sharp burst of motivation, listen to this speech by ex Navy Seal, Jocko Willink.

Running for less than three minutes, this recording will inspire you to take a step into whatever you want to achieve. Awarded both the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for service, Jocko Willink is no stranger to taking those brave steps, having come face to face with Iraqu insurgents in Ramadi. He will spur you on to put one metaphorical foot in front of the other, and will leave you in no doubt as to what you need to do to achieve your goals.

“On the other side of your maximum fear are all of the best things in life.”

If you like your motivation with a side order of laughter, watch Will Smith as he talks about fear. Agreeing to skydive on a night out with friends, Will realizes that he actually has to go through with it.

Discussing how fear ruins things (he couldn’t sleep or eat before the jump), Will also discloses that beyond fear was the most blissful experience of his life, and how that principle can be applied to anything in life.

“Only those that can see the invisible, can do the impossible.”

Tyrese Gibson knows success, and in this speech he talks about how it can be achieved, by anyone who wants it.

Actor, singer, author, model…Tyrese seems to have the Midas touch, but he didn’t get it by luck. Follow his words as he gently but passionately guides you along the path you need to take if you have goals and dreams in life.

“I refuse to be another man who lived and died, and wasn’t significant’”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzl3CQXMRVo

“If it is written, so shall it be.”

When Steve Harvey’s teacher crushed his dreams of being on TV, the one person who believed in him was his father. He told him to put a piece of paper with his dreams on in his drawer, and to read it every morning and every night.

His dreams came true.

It didn’t always come easy for Steve Harvey though – he spent years living in his car when he had nowhere else to go, but the one thing he never lost was his ambition and determination to see his dreams through to fruition.

A firm believer in the Law of Attraction, Steve still has vision boards and still commits his dreams to writing, and encourages you to do the same in this speech that made Obama cry.

These motivational speeches, and many more like them, show how having guts, determination, and a vision will get you anywhere you want to go, no matter your beginnings in life. These inspirational speakers have suffered loss, sickness, and unbelievable hardships, but the one thing that got them through was their desire to win and their belief that they could.

Immerse yourself in their words of wisdom, and take that next step into your best life.

More on Motivation

• 8 Rituals to Cultivating True Self-Motivation That Lasts
• 10 Monday Morning Habits for a Successful Week
• Motivational Quotes

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Short Motivational Speeches

Motivational speeches are excellent tools to teach, inspire, and even just to tell others what to do. However, not many of us have the time to devote to writing long or complicated motivational speeches. The ability to write a short, sweet, and inspiring motivational speech is a very useful one, and it’s one that will come in handy throughout your life, especially in places of leadership.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to several useful motivational topics, the most important parts of a good motivational speech, and meaningful situations that motivational speeches can be used in.

Importance of Motivational Speeches

Motivational speeches are not something you have to give. Regardless of whether you’re a leader, someone else in a position of power, or otherwise, motivational speeches are completely optional. If you don’t have the time, energy, or inclination to give a motivational speech, it’s likely that nothing will change. However, you may be missing out on a powerful inspirational tool for employees, friends, or others.

If you’ve listened to a motivational speech yourself, you’ve probably felt the impact it can have on you firsthand. They can be the source of great change in your motivation, faith, and thoughts. As such, motivational speeches are particularly useful for bosses, directors, and other leaders. If they’re something that you can employ for yourself, they’re not an opportunity that you should neglect.

Why Do We Need Motivation?

Motivation plays a vital role in our everyday lives. However, motivation isn’t a given, either. We often need a bit of a push to keep us motivated, or we sometimes need a reminder of why we’re working so hard in the first place. When we lose our motivation, our performance in various areas is lost, too.

Furthermore, motivation is something that binds us together. Every single human being on Earth has felt motivated to do something at some point in their life, all the way back to the first humans who were motivated by the urge to hunt and mate. A well-crafted motivational speech is relatable, inspiring, and reminds us about these things that we fight for.

For the workplace especially, motivation is critical. If employees aren’t inspired to work at their full working capacity, the business isn’t making all the money it could be. Certain causes and non-profit organizations are also in the business of motivating people to turn their lives around.

Many aspects of our lives depend on motivation . Some examples of this are:

While keeping your employees, charges, friends, or peers motivated isn’t your responsibility, sometimes it can be in your best interest. We’ll explore that further in the rest of this article.

Crafting a Motivational Speech

A motivational speech requires several key components to be successful and effective. In the following sections, we’ll go over the most important steps involved in creating a successful, impactful, and succinct motivational speech.

Finding a Topic

Finding a topic for your motivational speech is the very first thing you should do. Your topic should relate to your problem at hand or the issue you’re looking to address, of course. For example, if you’re an employer who is hoping to inspire your employees to work more productively, that should be your topic and your inspiration. If you’re a guest speaker looking to encourage smokers to quit, that will be your source.

Picking a topic for your motivational speech isn’t particularly complicated. The purpose of your speech will be to address a problem , after all. However, how you proceed from there is much more difficult. The next step will be to explain your purpose to your audience. How you do this is primarily up to you. If you’re the straightforward type, it can be as simple as telling your audience that the purpose of your speech is to get them to do something.

However, if you desire to be more creative, you also have the option of being a bit more subtle. You can try different things like:

• Revealing your purpose at the end of your speech
• Hinting at but not revealing your purpose
• Forcing your audience to deduce your purpose from personal stories or other clues
• Letting your audience take their own wisdom or purpose from your speech or story

Telling a Story

A significant part of a motivational speech is the inclusion of a story. After all, the draw of a motivational speech is a story for the listeners to compare themselves to and take something away from. If a story isn’t included in your motivational speech somehow, it’s no different than a lecture.

Since we’re concerned with creating short and succinct motivational speeches here, you must be careful which stories you choose. If you don’t have a relevant story to share that’s short enough for your purposes, doing online research or asking friends for something is also a good idea. The story doesn’t necessarily have to be yours to be effective. You just have to make it relatable and relevant.

Barring length, which we’ve already addressed, not every story is effective for a motivational speech. The audience needs to be able to relate to the story, and the story itself needs to relate to the topic at hand, or else there’s no point in telling it. Additionally, if your story doesn’t further the point you’re trying to make, it will simply use up more of the time you have to speak.

If possible, using a personal story or a story of someone close to you is best, because this is the type of story that you will relate to the most. When you relate to the story emotionally, you will be a much more effective speaker, and the audience will recognize this and respond to it. If you don’t have an applicable personal story, find something online that moves you and inspires you on its own, then work that into your speech.

As a last resort, you can consider making up a fictional story to tell your audience, but this isn’t always an applicable strategy. For example, if an employer were to make up a story to tell their employees, it wouldn’t be particularly useful, applicable, or even helpful. In the worst case, the employees might take the story as a threat of what might happen to them if they didn’t show greater performance.

Whether you’re looking to scare your employees or not is up to you, but that’s not the purpose of a motivational speech. A motivational speech is meant to inspire people to take positive action, not scare them into behaving with veiled threats.

Finding Your Audience

Your audience is as much an integral part of your speech as the body of the speech itself is. If your audience cannot relate to your speech, it will have less of an effect or it won’t have one at all. In the same way, trying to relate too hard to your audience can be a death sentence, too. Age is a particularly difficult one to follow, but there are hundreds of more variables that presenters need to keep in mind, too, such as:

• Knowledgeability of the audience
• Cultural factors and cues
• Financial availability of the audience
• Geographical factors

The delivery method you use to relate to your audience plays a role, as well. Particularly infamous is when older speakers try too hard to engage and relate to younger audiences. Avoid the trap of using too much hip lingo and trying to act like a younger generation; the same can apply for older generations, too. As long as you represent yourself well and speak respectfully and engagingly with your audience, your delivery will go over well.

To relate to your audience, rather than falling prey to the traps we mentioned above, consider what your audience needs instead. What is your audience getting out of your speech? Is your audience a group of employees who were forced to come to this speech, or is it a group of students who voluntarily came to listen to you?

Your speech is as much about your audience as it is about you. What can you offer to the audience by speaking to them? What do you want to offer to the audience? Is your speech being given to solve an existing problem, or is its purpose to impart wisdom? These questions and more are essential things to ask yourself as you decide how to deliver your speech.

Tie Things Together

It’s very important to make sure the different parts of your speech all tie together when you’re crafting it. The greater points in your speech should relate to your story, your story should relate to your audience, and your final points should relate to everything mentioned above. This is doubly important since your motivational speech is meant to be short and sweet.

If your speech is all over the place or doesn’t tie together, your audience will not respect it and are unlikely to learn anything from it. Moreover, if your speech doesn’t make sense, your audience will likely zone out long before you’re done giving it.

Just as important as tying everything together is tying things together well. While overdoing things with your speech is a no-no, leaving it boring and clinical isn’t always appropriate, either. Your opening, ending, and overall tone should be compatible with your audience and the message you’re trying to convey.

Start Strong

The importance of the opening to a speech can never be underestimated. What kind of opening works best depends mostly upon your audience, however. Finding this perfect opening sequence is a crucial part of catching your audience’s attention early on and holding that attention for the duration of the speech.

Picking a great opening to your speech is an excellent way to make it memorable, engaging, and interesting to your audience. If you really want to make an impact on your audience, this is the way to do it. Several effective strategies for crafting an effective opening are:

• Asking your audience some thought-provoking questions
• Citing a surprising or unbelievable statistic or fact
• A meaningful or inspiring quote
• A short and sweet anecdote

Since your motivational speech will be short, its opening is all the more important. You have even less time to introduce your audience to the topic, get them hooked, and pave the way for the rest of the speech. It’s also worth noting that, if your audience needs background on a topic or idea in order to understand it, it’s important to provide that right away in a short motivational speech.

Be Succinct

Even in a longer motivational speech, it’s important to get right to the point and get your message across to your audience. No audience appreciates their time being wasted, so your motivational speech should be brief, to-the-point, and as condensed as possible without losing understanding, ease of conveyance, or meaning.

Your speech needs to be structured, easy to understand, and meaningful. This means avoiding excessive prose or sentences that don’t add to your point. Your structure should be clean, logical, and easy to follow regardless of the topic. Don’t decorate your speech much or at all. The purpose of your speech is to prove a point or to address a problem, after all.

When creating your speech, you should always be honest and real. If you write things into your speech that you don’t believe or subscribe to, your audience will know. If you can’t relate to or at least empathize with your own concepts, you may want to think about adjusting the subject of your speech. A normal speech might be able to get away with this, but a motivational speech depends very much upon being honest and touching the heart.

Your speech should feature a call to action, as well. What problem are you trying to solve? Is the issue you’ve identified wildlife preservation? If that’s the case, perhaps your call to action should be for people to volunteer and donate their time towards saving our wildlife. Whenever you’re giving a motivational speech, make sure there is a course of action mentioned within to give your audience an easy route to follow.

Encourage your audience to engage with what you’ve talked to them about thus far. If your audience is a group of employees under your care, call them to work harder, find a solution to a problem, or improved conditions in the workplace for the benefit of the place as a whole. If your audience is a group of recovering smokers, call for quitting by reminding them of how their health is at stake.

Be Evocative

When you’re looking to engage and hook your audience, playing to their emotions is essential. Throughout your speech, you should be sure to use emotional language, use stories that evoke emotion, and help your audience relate to you emotionally as much as possible.

When your audience connects with you and your speech emotionally, that creates your best possible chance to hold your audience’s attention, change the way they think, and influence the way they act going forward from the speech.

Emotions are an undeniable catalyst for inspiring action. Since this is the end goal of a motivational speech, you should thus try to evoke strong emotions in your audience whenever possible. Whether your speech plays on happiness, sadness, anger, or outrage, speaking to these emotions is an excellent way to craft your speech.

Besides involving your audience’s emotions , it should involve their thoughts, too. Your speech should be designed around making your audience think in addition to making them feel. Present questions that your audience must think about twice to decide what they really believe, and keep them thinking even after your speech is finished.

This might seem like a tall order when you’re only creating a short speech, but making your audience think is essential. It can provide several benefits, such as:

• Making your audience think about how they might be able to address your problem
• Making your audience think about your points, come up with counterpoints, or consider solutions
• Forcing your audience to consider how the issues you’ve presented might affect them

Write to Speech

The way you write work that will not be spoken out loud can be very different than work that is meant to be spoken. Often the case is that work that’s not meant to be spoken doesn’t work as well when it’s spoken out loud. Thus, when you’re writing something that will be spoken as its end result, you should pay attention to this and make sure it works when spoken, too.

An excellent way to practice this and prepare your speech to be spoken out loud is to rehearse your speech as you write it. Saying your speech to yourself before the day of is an excellent way to catch wordy trip-ups or other issues before they matter.

If you can, take things a step further and practice your speech in the mirror, too, as this is an excellent way to improve your own charisma as you work. Charisma only works to improve your audience’s involvement in your speech, so maximizing this skill should always be encouraged.

Do Your Research

There is absolutely no substitute for doing a thorough research when you’re crafting your motivational speech. If you skimp on your research and site unreliable or made-up facts during your presentation, your uncertainty will show through in your demeanor. What’s more, if a member of the audience catches a bad fact that you deliver, they might tune out, or worse, call you out on it during or after the speech.

You should also be prepared to cite things like clinical trials, the results of experiments, and any important metrics when giving your speech. Even if you don’t mention these citations out loud during the speech itself, you should be prepared to give them after the speech if any audience members are interested.

Being caught without your sources is an excellent way to fall into uncertainty or be discredited by your listeners. In the same way, make sure that you pull your statistics from reputable sites, as well. Sources and statistics are completely useless to you if they’re unreputable or fake, to begin with.

Watch Your Language

When you’re crafting your speech, the language you use within it needs some special attention. The language you use might vary depending on your audience, but there are also a few more rules that you should follow. For example, try to avoid jargon within your speech as much as you can. If you must resort to specialized words or if you desire to teach them to the audience, make sure to provide background.

Leaving your audience unsure of what you’re talking about is an excellent way to lose them and waste the remainder of your speech. If your audience doesn’t feel like they can keep up with you, they will quickly zone out and think about other things.

Always respect your audience by using the best level of language that they can understand, but that still respects their intelligence. After all, you would use far different language when talking to a three-year-old than you would when talking to a teenager, right?

Delivering Your Speech

Once you’ve created the perfect short motivational speech, you’re still not quite done. If you want your speech to have maximum impact, the way you deliver it is just as important as the way you write it. There are many things you can do to maximize the delivery of your speech, and we’ll go over the best of these methods in this section.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Like we stated above, practicing your speech yourself is an excellent way to fine-tune how well you give it. Doing this in front of a mirror provides an extra bonus, or alternatively, you can give your speech in front of a video camera or in front of friends or family that you trust. Over time, practicing this way will improve the way you act and feel as you deliver your speeches, even going as far as boosting your own confidence.

Confidence while giving a speech is essential. Even if you have trouble with crowds, you should at least be confident in your delivery and confident in your material. While you practice your speech, though, be very careful not to craft a fake demeanor to use while you give your speech. Your audience will notice this, and they will be far more receptive to your speech and your message if you’re genuine and honest instead.

Prepare and Prepare Again

Even beyond practicing, there really is no replacement for preparing for any contingencies for your speech. You might lose your notecards on the day of, other speakers might run over time, or key people might fail to show up. You should be prepared for these scenarios and more when you’re going in to present your speech. Consider making preparations like:

• Making extra sets of notecards
• Preparing a shorter version of your speech
• Preparing a longer version of your speech
• Having questions on hand to address the audience with when your speech is over
• Preparing for different noise levels in your venue

No one is a naturally perfect speaker. Excellent speakers are as good as they are because they take the time to prepare and practice again and again. While you may be able to give an average or good talk even if you skimp on practice and preparation, you will never be able to give an excellent talk this way.

The Delivery

Delivering your speech is an integral part of making it impactful, motivating, and relatable. If you sound unimpressed with or uninspired by your own speech, after all, your audience will inevitably feel the same. You should sound knowledgeable and confident in your material, but still passionate and even emotional about your chosen topic.

An excellent way to practice delivering the speech you want is to record yourself speaking, then play it back. You can deliver your speech in front of friends or family, too, but hearing it from your own mouth is especially helpful. Doing this is an excellent way to take a closer listen to your tone of voice, your vocal excitement and passion, and how well you’re getting your point across.

Examples of Short Motivational Speeches

1. matthew mcconaughey – this is why you’re not happy.

2. Peter Dinklage ‘Don’t Wait’

3. Lou Holtz ‘The 3 Rules to a Less Complicated Life’

4. Will Smith Self-Discipline Motivational Speech

5. Oprah Winfrey Motivational Speech

6. Jim Carrey Motivational Speech

A short motivational speech is a wonderful thing. Even a short speech can have an incredible, lasting effect on its listeners if it’s crafted and delivered the right way. What’s more, a motivational speech is an excellent way to address problems, brainstorm solutions, and get everyone involved in something and on the same page.

Of course, a motivational speech first and foremost duty is to motivate, and when done right, it doesn’t lack at this, either. If you take the proper time and care to craft your speech properly, in addition to knowing and respecting your audience, choosing a good story, and isolating a relevant topic, you will most assuredly be successful in crafting an effective speech that will absorb and motivate your chosen audience.

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