Throughout history, speeches have been utilised by influential figures and pioneering individuals for a memorable impact. From their captivating content to their punchy delivery, certain speeches have become famous for their incredible power to create change and unity amongst audiences.
What unites the speakers behind the influential speeches is their bravery, passion, and expertise, ensuring every audience member is captivated.
Covering topics such as sustainability and racial equality, the speeches of the past have a timeless quality. Many current speakers are influenced by such inspirational figures, carrying forward their transformative methods into eloquent and powerful addresses of the current day.
Take a look at our pick of famous speeches with themes that remain relevant today.
- Greta Thunberg - Sustainability & Environment
- Martin Luther King Jr - Racial Equality
- Alex Borstine - Inspirational Females
- Winston Churchill - Mental Resilience
- Rami Malek - Diversity & Inclusion
Greta Thunberg - Sustainability & Environment
One of the youngest and most recent speakers to surface on the global circuit, Greta Thunberg made history when she spoke at the United Nations Climate Action Summit 2019. Bravely, the then 16-year-old addressed country leaders with her impassioned speech on the climate change crisis.
Outlining her fury at the responsibility being left to young people to save the planet, Greta not only gained the respect of all in attendance but started an international wave of campaigns, which has now been coined ‘The Greta Effect’.
With Greta’s words ringing louder than ever, her concern for the environment is one of the biggest challenges' countries will face in the next decade. Many businesses and individuals are striving to be more environmentally efficient, and contribute to the solution, not the problem, through initiatives like the bike to work schemes and reducing travel.
At Champions Speakers, we have an array of environment and sustainability speakers, that can support you in your corporate and personal sustainability goals, with their first-hand experience and passion for the planet.
Martin Luther King Jr - Racial Equality
Perhaps the most famous speech in history came from none other than Martin Luther King Jr on August 28th 1963. Repeating the phrase ‘I Have a Dream’ to over 250,000 people in Washington, the Civil Rights activist spoke about his ambitions for a fair society, where race no longer created division, and black people held equal rights to white people.
Over 50 years later, King’s vision has helped to pass progressive laws, saw him awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and inspired global movements to improve race relations.
Generations have passed since Martin Luther King Jr took a stand, but his message continues to motivate others in creating racial equality.
With the Black Lives Matter movement hugely prevalent today, there is no better time to get educated and act. In a corporate environment, striving for racial equality is essential, and supporting your employees from different backgrounds is not only good for your staff success but your business success too.
Alex Borstine - Inspirational Females
Taking her moment on the stage of the Emmy’s 2019, Alex Borstine decided to dedicate her win of the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series to all the women in the world. In a nod to female empowerment, Borstine mentioned her Grandmother, an inspiration to the actress, whose brave and bold move saw her survive the holocaust.
Encouraging other women to ‘step out of line’, similarly to her ancestors, Borstine’s message was clear, women can and will achieve anything.
The road to gender equality has spanned centuries and involved hundreds of inspirational females, that have broken down barriers and fought for their fellow women’s rights.
Whilst there is still a way to go, there are plenty of women that are inspiring positive change, with their achievements, and when booked for speaking engagements ignite motivation in their audiences, both male and female, to reach for success no matter the barriers. Browse our selection of inspirational female speakers, to transform your event.
Winston Churchill - Mental Resilience
One of the greatest ever leaders, Winston Churchill is renowned for the strength of his speeches, the voice that guided Britain through the Second World War.
The Prime Minister gave the now iconic speech, which gained the title ‘We Shall Fight on the Beaches’ in June 1940 in response to the Battle of France. Reiterating the resilience of himself and the country, Churchill instilled the mental strength in his people to continue the fight, a beacon of hope in a dark hour.
Resilience is an essential quality for success, both individually and corporate-wide, no achievement is without its hurdles, it’s how hurdles are responded to which defines the outcome. Since Churchill’s unwavering resilience at war, plenty of inspirational people have harnessed the quality of mental resilience, to overcome setbacks and reach success.
Available to book via Champions Speakers are our expert speakers in mental resilience, who can support your audience to achieve the attribute in their personal and professional lives.
Rami Malek - Diversity & Inclusion
Not only did Rami Malek portray Freddie Mercury, the openly bisexual and AIDS positive singer with aplomb, but he went on the win the Best Actor Oscar for his performance. In an acceptance speech that will be remembered as a key moment in awards history, Malek made no mistake of dedicating his accolade to the diversity the industry is striving for.
Having struggled with his own identity as a first-generation American with Egyptian immigrant parents, Malek has redefined the role of a Hollywood actor and paved the way for inclusion in a historically narrow career path, an inspiration to many.
Diversity and inclusion in professional industries have come a long way in recent years, but with 67% of job seekers considering it an important factor in their career, it’s vital to get it right.
There are endless benefits in a corporate environment to an inclusive culture, from happier and therefore more productive employees to extensive ideas input, businesses that champion diversity are thriving compared to those that aren’t.
Become a market leader in every aspect when you book one of our diversity and inclusion speakers, who will offer implementable advice to your team.
Book a Timeless Speaker
The right speakers with the right content are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression, meaning that when you book a speaker, you’re investing in not only the present but the future of your audience.
At Champions Speakers we offer only the best on the circuit: experienced, professional, and impactful, our speakers are available for all manner of occasions and topics.
Get in touch with one of our agents on 02071010553 or fill in our contact form to book today.