sample of inspirational speech for students

The Most Inspiring Speeches That Motivate Students

We thrive on motivation and inspiration as people. As students, we need as much inspiration as we can to get through some of the toughest years of our lives. Succeeding in life is a goal for many and success means different things for us all. The road to success comes with a lot of ups and downs and it is in the moments when things do not go so well, that we look for inspiration. Perhaps you cannot quite figure out your reflective essay format and spend hours researching how to write a reflective essay. You might be in finals week with a load of studying to do and feel like you are going to fail before you even started. There are many reasons we look for inspiration. If you need a little inspiration right now, here are some of the most inspiring speeches you have to listen to.

2005 Stanford Commencement Speech – Steve Jobs

This is probably the speech of all speeches for students looking for inspiration. Steve Jobs was one of the most successful people in the world and to have this speech available to us is a great gift he left behind for generations of students. Steve Jobs encouraged students to go for their dreams and to see opportunities in setbacks. We are afraid to follow our dreams these days because we always are told to rather choose a career that is stable and secure. Perhaps we should take some advice from this speech and just go for what we want.

2008 Harvard Commencement Speech – J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling has succeeded in the face of adversity. As a single mother living on welfare, she managed to become one of the best authors of all time. The success she has managed to achieve makes us not only admire her, but also pay close attention to what she has to say or teach. If she could do what she did, you can find those reflective essay tips that you’ve been searching for. She said that we need to both embrace and learn from our failures. By doing that we will truly get to know who we are and also what we want in life. That is the perfect speech to inspire students because we are still trying to figure out who we are and sometimes our failures can make us feel like we are not good enough. She embraced her own failures and never gave up. That is just as important to remember.

2008 Stanford Commencement Speech – Oprah Winfrey

This lady is one of the most powerful women in the world and she has become that by working hard and not giving up when everything seemed to be going against her. We admire her courage and her respect for all individuals, no matter what the situation may be. She spoke about the chance she took by leaving school to become a news anchor. The chance she took paid off well, I’d say. Oprah also mentioned that she finally completed her degree and how important education is. She opened a school in South-Africa, which shows how much she truly values education. The lessons we can learn from her life is immense and inspires students to this day.

2012 Strayer University – Martin Luther King III

The son of Martin Luther King Jr made an ever important speech to the class of 2012 at Strayer University. It was both inspiring and motivating. As a civil rights activist, he knows exactly what hard work is and what it means to stand for what you believe. He mentioned how important education is and how the students of this University is making his father’s dream of higher education for all, come true. He also said that the future belongs to the educated individuals and to those who are ready to meet both the opportunities and the challenges of tomorrow. That is some powerful stuff if you really think about it. We need to know that what we are doing is not in vain and that it sets us up for a better future. This speech gives you the will to continue and the inspiration to never quit.

Look within yourself and take from these speeches what works for you in this moment and going forward. How can the lessons they teach inspire you to do better and become more successful. Standing at this point in your life, you need to want to succeed in order to find inspiration. It may seem like the journey is taking forever, but anything that is great takes time to create. This is your story and you are in charge of how the story ends. What do you want to achieve? Is anything holding you back? Answer those questions, listen to these speeches and soon, you’ll be moving forward.

Comments (4)

• Pingback: Inspirational Speeches for College Students: Unlocking the Power of Motivation – Msn2U.com
• Pingback: One Pitch Changes Everything - Life Lessons - My Four and More

Fantastic examples and speeches of some of the greats. Everyone should look at these videos and find inspiration and ecnouragement. But, Oprah, wow! Also, there are useful things that can motivate you and show you how to get into an Ivy League School https://www.crimsoneducation.org/admission-support/ivy-league . Sometimes people need just a little bit of support.

I wish any of these people had spoken at my graduation. We had a guy who had worked for NASA & I thought, ‘Oh, he might be really interesting.’ Nope. He spoke in a monotone, had nothing to say about NASA or space or the future, & put everyone to sleep, lol.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You cannot copy content of this page. I own all rights to this content and it may not be copywriten.

Motivational speech for students [1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Minutes]

1 minute motivational speech for students.

Dear students and teachers! School can be hard sometimes and that it’s normal to feel a little worried. I want you to remember, that you have the power to do truly amazing things! Problems and difficulties should not stop you from moving forward. Keep going, believe in yourself, and take every chance to learn new things and get better at what you already know. Do not lose sight of your goals, and always have faith in your own skills and expertise. Think of every day as a new journey, a chance to learn new and interesting things. Use these chances to grow as a person and try to become the best version of yourself. Remember that in your own story, you are like a superhero. Because of this, go out and show everyone how awesome you really are! Please don’t give up; keep working hard, and you will see the many amazing things that are possible. Have faith in yourself and keep working hard no matter what! You have the power to deal with problems!

I hope you all will consider and will follow my advices and always put yourself in hard work.

Thank you all.

Use Quotes of some internationally famous personalities in speech

• “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.”
• “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
• “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”
• “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
• “It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.”
• “Don’t count the days, make the days count.”
• “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'”
• “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
• “Strength does not come from the body. It comes from the will.”
• “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
• “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
• “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”
• “You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.”
• “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
• “Success is most often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.”
• “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

2 Minutes motivational speech for students

My dear teachers and students! I’m here to provide you with a brief pep talk to encourage and motivate you.I want you to realise right now that you are capable of greatness. You have the fortitude, tenacity, and intelligence to overcome whatever difficulties you may encounter and accomplish your objectives.

Never undervalue your abilities. You have the ability to control your future since you are the master of your own destiny. Never believe someone who tells you that you can’t do something; with determination and hard effort, you can do anything.

Keep in mind that mistakes are acceptable. Each person does. However, what matters is how you employ the lessons you acquire from them to advance yourself. Use setbacks as opportunities to grow stronger and more resilient rather than letting them hold you back.

So venture forth and use all of your strength to pursue your aspirations. Never lose hope and have faith in yourself. The world is eagerly awaiting your impact, and I am confident that you have what it takes to be successful.

Keep in mind that you are strong, capable, and meant for greatness. So go forth and bring it about!

5 Minutes motivational speech for students

Hello everyone

I am aware that studying can occasionally be challenging. It might be exhausting to feel such intense pressure to achieve well in school. However, I want you to keep in mind that each of you is able to accomplish great things. You possess the abilities, intelligence, and tenacity necessary for success.

The secret is to keep working hard and remaining focused. Don’t let obstacles or failures demotivate you. Instead, consider them as chances to improve and learn. And always keep in mind to take pauses and look after yourself. Your physical and emotional well-being are equally as significant as your academic endeavors.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, so keep moving forward. You will succeed if you have faith in your own ability and self-worth. You can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it.

I have faith in you and know you are capable of great things. So get out there and utilize your education to the fullest. Good fortune!

Examples of sentences that can be used in starting of this speech

Examples of sentences that can be used in closing of this speech, more speeches.

• Speech on women’s empowerment
• Speech on social media
• Speech on environment
• Speech on gender equality
• Speech on poverty
• Speech on Global Warming
• Speech on Environmental Pollution
• Speech on Earth Day
• Speech on Discipline
• Speech on Human Rights
• Speech on Education
• Motivational speech for students
• 2-minute Self-introduction speech examples
• Speech on Mahatma Gandhi
• Speech on freedom fighters
• Speech on APJ Abdul Kalam
• Speech about friendship
• Speech about Technology
• Speech on Parents
• Speech on Health
• Speech on Health and Fitness
• Speech on Health and Hygiene
• Speech on Mental health
• Speech on Yoga
• Speech on Doctor
• Speech about Life
• Speech on sports
• Speech on Racism
• Speech on Population or overpopulation
• Speech on Overcoming Fear
• Speech about Family
• Speech on Mobile Phones
• Speech on water conservation
• Speech on Honesty
• Speech on Culture
• Speech on Unity in diversity
• Speech on Peace
• Speech on Time
• Speech on Success
• Speech on Leadership
• Speech on Nature
• Speech on Career
• Speech about Music
• Speech on Democracy
• Speech on Noise Pollution
• Speech on Air Pollution
• Speech on Gratitude
• Speech on Time management
• Speech on Dance
• Speech on Climate Change
• Speech on Artificial Intelligence
• Speech on Cyber security
• Speech on Teamwork
• Speech on Goal Setting
• Speech on Plastic Waste Management
• Speech on Feminism
• Speech on Bhagat Singh
• Speech on Books
• Speech on Laughter is the Best Medicine
• Speech on Swami Vivekananda
• Speech on Road Safety
• Speech on Cyber Crime
• Speech on Energy Conservation
• Speech on Online Education
• Speech on Quaid-e-Azam
• Speech on Allama Iqbal
• Speech about Rainy Day
• Speech about Teachers’ day
• Speech about Graduation
• Speech about Love
• Speech about Football
• Speech about Money
• Speech about Anxiety
• Speech about Politics
• Speech about Nelson Mandela
• Speech about Kindness
• Speech about Cleanliness
• Speech about Deforestation
• Speech about Agriculture
• speech about Cricket
• Speech about Unemployment
• Speech about Birthday
• Speech about Patience
• Speech about the Value of Time
• Speech about Positive Thinking
• Speech about Knowledge is Power
• Speech about Games
• Speech about Indian Culture
• Speech about Appreciation
• Speech about Farming
• Speech about Debut
• Speech about Purpose
• Speech about Hardwork
• Speech about Thank you / Thankfulness / being thankful
• Speeches about Communication
• Speech about Dreams and ambitions 
• Speech about Confidence
• Speech about traveling and Tourism
• Speech about Corruption
• Speech about the millennial generation
• Speech about Success and Failure
• Speech about Environmental Awareness
• Speech about Life Goals
• Speech about Stress
• Speech about the Life of a Student
• Speech about Social Issues
• Speech about Mom
• Speech about God
• Speech about Plants
• Speech about Fashion
• Speech about Basketball
• Speech about Business
• Speech about Smile
• Speech about Animals
• Speech about Passion
• Speech about Youth Empowerment
• Speech about Youth Leadership
• Speech about Responsibility
• Speech about Plastic Pollution
• Speech about Courage
• Speech about Homework
• Short Speech about Engineering
• Speech about Positive Attitude
• Speech about Dad
• Speech about my Favourite Teacher
• Speech about Electricity
• Speech about pen
• Speech about Family Problems
• Speech about Compassion
• Speech about Achievement
• Speech about Challenges
• Speech about Modern Technology
• Speech about Opportunity
• Speech about Anti Corruption
• Speech about Nursing Profession
• Speech about Innovation
• Speech about Wisdom
• Speech about Air
• Speech about Change in the World
• Speech about Quality Education
• Speech about Dedication
• Speech about Motherhood
• Speech about Clean Environment
• Speech about National Integration
• Speech about Body Language
• Speech about an Event
• Speech about Healthy Habits
• Speech about Listening
• Speech about Humour
• Speech about Memory
• Speech about the Importance of Sports and Games
• Speech about Happy Life
• Speech about Growing up
• Speech about Soldiers
• Speech about Television
• Speech about my Favourite Book
• Speech about Mother Nature
• Speech about Moral Education
• Speech about Mathematics
• Speech about Perseverance
• Speech about Oral Communication
• Speech about My Pet
• Speech about Determination
• Speech about Studies
• Speech about community
• Speech about best friend
• Speech about depression
• Speech about marriage
• Speech on Natural disasters
•  Speech on 15 August
• Persuasive Speech on bulling
• Speech on life

Related Posts:

• E-Utility Service Provider, Android Project for CS and SE students
• Discrete Mathematics MCQs for Software Engineering Students
• Discrete Structure MCQs for Computer Science Students
• Remarks for students
• Common Mistakes in Every Final Year Projects - Most students have done
• Universities for low marks students Admission in Pakistan

Admission Open – batch#11

• Admission Motivation Letter Template

• Sample Motivation Letter Template for Students

• How to write Motivation Letter/Email

• Sample Motivation Letter Template for Mortgage

• Sample Motivational Speech for Youth with Templates

• Motivation Letter Sample for Postdoc

4+ Motivational Speeches For Students Sample in PDF & Doc

Motivational speeches for students is the driving factor in every student life, and it helps people perform better. If we are motivated, we put in all our efforts to complete a task. This true for people of all age groups, whether it be students, teachers, employees, etc.

Generally, motivational sessions are held at schools, colleges, and offices to inspire the audience. So if you are invited to deliver a speech or want to inspire your near ones, we have provided you here with various moti vational speeches for students . Read on the full article below to download and print a motivational letter .

Motivational Speeches For Students PDF

Students are at a stage in their lives where they can achieve more in life. They generally have the energy and enthusiasm they need to channelize it in the right direction. Sometimes students might get influenced by wrong things in life and need to be put on the right track. So schools generally conduct motivational sessions from time to time to inspire the students to become better human beings.

Best Motivational Speeches For Students

Here are some sample motivational speeches for students in PDF format. So these can be easily printed and shared. You can use these templates to prepare your speech for students.

Short Motivational Speeches For Students

Students have a lot of pressure to cope nowadays as expectations from family members are generally high. So they try their best to excel in every field, whether education, sports, etc. In this competitive age, staying motivated is very important to achieve your goals. But many of the students might lack motivation or will to perform a task or take part in an activity. The biggest reason why students feel demotivated is when they don’t get good marks in exams. So in such situations, motivation is very important to boost self-confidence and inspire them to perform better the next time.

To help you give a compelling motivational letter speech for students, you can take the help of the short motivational speeches which create your own motivational speech. can be downloaded and printed. You can use these to take ideas to create your own motivational speech.

Motivational Speeches For Students in English

College students have different goals and priorities than school students. Their goal in life is to establish their career paths and apply them to their dream jobs. Also, their major goals remain to perform well academically and get their degrees. So to stay focused on their goals and face the challenges that come on their way, the college students need to stay motivated.

Consequemtly if you are willing to give a motivational speech at the college, you can download and print these Sample Motivational Speeches For College Students which are presented here. Those speeches are presented in PDF and Word format so they can be easily drafted and printed. So you can utilise those templates to give a compelling speech to college students. Examples for motivation letter has also been provided.

Motivational Speeches For High School Students

High school students have more academic pressure and other responsibilities than junior school students. So they might take time to get accustomed to the new environment and academic pressure. Everyone student might not be able to make plans and organize their schedules and hence feel demotivated to do achieve more. Hence schools conduct motivational sessions for the students so they approach their daily life and studies with a positive note and enthusiasm.

If you are looking for motivational speeches for high school students you can also locate the finest illustrations right here. These motivational speeches for students free to download and printed so you can take any ideas and inspiration from them.

A motivation email to the sales team is also provided and is very helpful.

You may also like

About the author.

Editorial Staff

Recent posts.

• Free Sample of Volunteer Motivation Letter Templates In PDF
• Free Sample of Motivation Letter For Summer School Template
• Motivation Letter Sample For Postman
• Free Sample of Motivation Letter For Learnership Template in PDF

Navigatiion

• Privacy Policy

Motivational Speech For Students

Table of Contents

In the journey of life, motivation is the fuel that propels us forward, especially for students aiming to achieve their dreams. Motivational speeches have the power to inspire, uplift, and instill a sense of purpose. In this blog, we’ll explore a few motivational speeches tailored for students, each lasting about two minutes.

Fill Out the Form for Expert Academic Guidance!

Please indicate your interest Live Classes Books Test Series Self Learning

Verify OTP Code (required)

I agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy .

Fill complete details

Target Exam ---

Also Check: Motivational Quotes for Students

Long and Short Motivational Speeches For Students

Whether you are looking for a 2 minute motivational speech for students, an inspirational speech, a motivational speech for success in life, or a short motivational speech, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we have provided some sample motivational speeches for students that will help ignite their passion, inspire perseverance, and drive them towards achieving their goals.

Also Check: Motivational Slogans | Motivational Stories for Students | Speech on Success | Education Quotes

Short Motivational Speech For Student by Teacher

Title: “The Power of Perseverance”

Dear students,

Today, I want to talk to you about the power of perseverance. Life is not always smooth sailing; it’s more like a roller coaster with its ups and downs. But remember, it’s the bumps and twists that make the ride exciting and memorable.

When you face challenges or setbacks, it’s easy to feel discouraged. However, it’s during these tough times that your true strength shines through. It’s the moments when you refuse to give up that define your character and set the stage for your success.

Think of every obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to your goals. Remember, every successful person you admire faced failures but never let them define their journey.

Believe in yourself, your abilities, and your dreams. Surround yourself with positive influences and keep moving forward. The path to success may be long and challenging, but with perseverance, dedication, and a positive attitude, you’ll overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.

Best Motivation Speech for Students

Title: “Embrace Change and Innovation”

In a world that’s constantly evolving, embracing change and innovation is essential for success. Change may seem intimidating, but it’s also the source of growth and progress.

Imagine a world where nothing ever changed – it would be stagnant and unexciting. But change brings new opportunities, experiences, and discoveries. It’s a chance to break free from the ordinary and explore the extraordinary.

As students, you have the unique advantage of being naturally curious and adaptable. Use these qualities to your advantage. Embrace change as a chance to learn and innovate. Be open to new ideas and experiences.

Remember that many of the world’s greatest achievements came from those who dared to think differently, who dared to challenge the status quo. So, don’t fear change; welcome it with open arms. Embrace innovation, and you’ll find yourself on a path to success that’s filled with endless possibilities.

One Stop Solutions for School Preparation

Motivational Speech in English For Students

Title: “The Power of Positive Thinking”

One of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal is your mind. The way you think can shape your reality. That’s why I want to emphasize the importance of positive thinking.

Positive thinking isn’t about denying the challenges or difficulties in life; it’s about approaching them with a constructive and optimistic mindset. When you think positively, you become more resilient and better equipped to face adversity.

Also Check: Speech on Knowledge is Power

Start each day with a positive affirmation. Believe in your abilities and your potential. Visualize your success and let that vision drive you forward. Surround yourself with positive influences, people who uplift and inspire you.

Remember that setbacks are a part of life, but they don’t define your future. Instead of dwelling on failures, use them as stepping stones to your goals. With a positive mindset, you’ll not only overcome obstacles, but you’ll also attract opportunities and success.

Long Motivational Speech for Students by Teacher

Ladies and gentlemen, dear students,

Today, I stand before you not just as your teacher but as someone who believes in your immense potential and the bright future that awaits you. Each one of you possesses unique talents, dreams, and aspirations. I’m here to share a motivational message that I hope will inspire you on your educational journey.

First and foremost, I want you to understand that learning is a lifelong adventure. It doesn’t stop when you leave these school walls or graduate from college. Learning is a continuous process, and the more you embrace it, the more you grow and succeed in life.

Also Check: Speech on Self Discipline and Its Importance

As your teacher, my role is not just to impart knowledge but to ignite a spark within you, a curiosity that drives you to explore, question, and innovate. Remember, the great inventors, scientists, writers, and leaders of our world were once students just like you. They dared to dream, to think differently, and to challenge the status quo.

In the face of challenges, don’t be discouraged. Instead, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His perseverance led to the invention of the light bulb, which has illuminated the world ever since.

Every one of you has the potential to achieve greatness. But it’s essential to believe in yourself, to have faith in your abilities, and to set clear goals. Visualize your success, work diligently, and never underestimate the power of hard work and dedication.

In the fast-paced world we live in, adaptability is crucial. Embrace change and innovation. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore new horizons. Remember that progress often stems from those who dared to take risks and embrace the unknown.

Also Check: How Inspirational Movies are Related to Education

Finally, always be kind, compassionate, and respectful to others. Success is not just about personal achievements; it’s about making a positive impact on the lives of those around you. Help and support one another as you journey through life.

In closing, I want you to know that I have faith in each one of you. You have the potential to achieve your dreams and make a significant difference in the world. So, go forth with confidence, embrace every opportunity, and remember that your teachers are here to support you every step of the way. Your future is bright, and I can’t wait to see the incredible heights you’ll reach. Dream big, work hard, and never stop learning. Thank you.

Also Check: 50 Most powerful Motivational Quotes for students and Kids

These motivational speeches for Students are a reminder that as students, you have the power to shape your destiny. Perseverance, embracing change, and cultivating positive thinking are the keys to unlocking your potential and achieving success in life. Use these motivational speeches as a source of inspiration as you embark on your journey of personal growth and achievement. Remember, the best is yet to come!

Motivational Speeches For Students FAQ’s

What is the best motivational speech for students.

Determining the best motivational speech can be subjective as different speeches resonate differently with individuals. Some popular speeches for students include Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address, J.K. Rowling's Harvard Commencement Speech, and Randy Pausch's 'The Last Lecture.'

What are the top 3 inspirational speeches?

The top three inspirational speeches often cited include Martin Luther King Jr.'s, I Have a Dream speech, Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address, and Winston Churchill's , We Shall Fight on the Beaches speech.

How do you start a motivational speech for students?

Starting a motivational speech for students involves capturing attention with an engaging opening, possibly sharing a personal story or a powerful quote, addressing the audience directly, setting a positive tone, and stating the purpose or theme of the speech clearly.

How to write a motivational speech for students by a teacher?

To craft a motivational speech for students, teachers can start by understanding their audience, incorporating personal anecdotes or relatable stories, using positive and encouraging language, addressing challenges students might face, offering practical advice, and concluding with a call to action or inspiration.

How do you motivate students in a school speech?

When delivering a speech to motivate students in school, it's crucial to connect emotionally, use engaging visuals or stories, offer practical examples of success, set achievable goals, emphasize the importance of persistence, and reinforce positivity and belief in their abilities.

Related content

Get access to free Mock Test and Master Class

Register to Get Free Mock Test and Study Material

Offer Ends in 5:00

Select your Course

Please select class.

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• Speech Writing /

Short and Long Motivational Speech for Students

• Updated on  
• Jun 20, 2024

A wise man once said, ‘Success is the sum of all efforts, repeated day in and day out.’ This might sound like a motivational quote but there is a hidden message in it. Your success will take your time and effort but there will come a time when you will realise that your end goal was not success, but a successful life. Motivational speeches from successful and learned people encourage us to achieve our goals. Here are some motivational speech samples for school students.

Short Motivational Speech for Students

Also Read: 30 Best Motivational Speech for Success in Life

Long Motivational Speech for Students

Also Read: Success in Life Speech

A.1 ‘Success is the sum of all efforts, repeated day in and day out.’ Motivational speech is a kind of speech which inspires and energizes the audience. Its purpose is to encourage the listeners to take action towards their goal by overcoming the challenges and improving their lives.

A.2 Life is full of challenges, yet they are necessary for one’s own growth. Challenges do not define you; rather, how you handle them does. Self-belief, along with hard work, can lead to great success. Success does not come easily; it takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance to achieve the goal. Your journey will have many setbacks that will cause you to question your decisions, but with clear goals in your mind and the power of resilience, you will be able to bounce back towards the right path.

A.3 In the motivational speech for the students, talk about the challenges faced by the students, the power of self-belief, the value of hard work, the importance of setting clear goals, and the significance of resilience. 

Popular English Speech Topics

For more information on such interesting speech topics for your school, visit our speech writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

Bhumika Sharma

A writer with a fresh perspective on thoughts, I have an year of experience in writing the blogs on various topics. Here, you will find my blogs for the students and education purpose.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Connect With Us

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

Don't Miss Out

World leading higher education information and services Home News Blogs Courses Jobs function vqTrackId(){return'0a14b8cb-e32a-4bc4-ab7d-ff2b3cfe7090';}(function(d,e){var el=d.createElement(e);el.sa=function(an,av){this.setAttribute(an,av);return this;};el.sa('id','vq_tracking').sa('src','//t.visitorqueue.com/p/tracking.min.js?id='+vqTrackId()).sa('async',1).sa('data-id',vqTrackId());d.getElementsByTagName(e)[0].parentNode.appendChild(el);})(document,'script'); function vqTrackPc(){return 1;} (function(d,e){var el=d.createElement(e);el.sa=function(an,av){this.setAttribute(an,av);return this;};el.sa('id','vq_personalisation').sa('src','//personalisation.visitorqueue.com/p/personalisation.min.js?id='+vqTrackId()).sa('async',1).sa('data-id',vqTrackId());d.getElementsByTagName(e)[0].parentNode.appendChild(el);})(document,'script');

5 best motivational speeches for ambitious students.

| October 13, 2020 | 0 responses

Even the most ambitious and motivated students sometimes suffer from a lack of energy. When homework assignments, deadlines, and sleepless nights are piling up, it gets harder and harder to stay positive and focused on your goals.

If you feel drained and need a dose of inspiration, you are in the right place. You will find below a list of amazingly uplifting motivational speeches that will help you overcome your insecurities, boost your self-confidence, realize what you really want, and move mountains to get it. And if you need time to listen to these inspiring addresses and talks, but the workload is too heavy at the moment, remember tha t you can always turn to the professional assistance of a write my essay service experts.

1. Penn’s 2011 Commencement Address by Denzel Washington (“Fall forward”)

Many celebrities have delivered commencement addresses at the leading American universities, but Denzel Washington stands out among them all. This iconic actor and director managed to touch the hearts of the graduates with his warm humor, candor, and wisdom. Washington’s memorable address is built around one powerful message, “Never be discouraged. Never hold back. And when you fall in life, remember this: fall forward.” “Fall forward” is a potent metaphor that the actor uses to teach young people to embrace failure and learn to see it as a step on the way to success. Every young person has a gift to share with humanity and make the world a better place. Washington urges you to discover this gift, do what you feel passionate about, and not be afraid to fail. “Don’t be afraid to fail big, to dream big, but remember dreams without goals are just dreams and they ultimately fuel disappointment,” says the great actor. This address is about being disciplined, working hard, taking risks, and achieving success. So, if you are looking for an ultimate motivational speech, look no further.

2. North Central College’s 1965 Commencement Address by Edith Sampson (“Choose One of Five”)

This wonderfully inspiring but also provocative speech is not too well-known, but, believe us, it is a true hidden gem. It was given by Edith Sampson, an American lawyer, judge, and the first Black U.S. delegate to the United Nations, at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, back in 1965. While more than 50 years have passed since the day this speech was first delivered, it is still as relevant and poignant as ever. Recently it has been revived by the Almeida Theatre in their project Figures of Speech . We highly recommend Andrew Scott’s brilliant reading of Edith Sampson’s address. It is not an easy speech to listen to. In fact, it is a multiple-choice test, and who loves tests? The single question you have to answer is this: “What do you do with your education now that you have it – and now that it is beginning to become obsolete even as you sit here?” Which of the five alternatives offered by Sampson will you choose? This speech will provoke you, challenge you, maybe even upset you, but also empower you to become your best self.

3. “8 Secrets of Success” by Richard St. John

This iconic TED-talk is not only inspiring and hilarious but also practical and quite short. In only 3 minutes Richard St. John manages to share with the audience the ultimate recipe for success. To accomplish this, St. John spent ten years researching success and interviewed more than 500 amazing individuals who had achieved great heights in various spheres of human activity. Having discovered the 8 traits that these outstanding people have in common, the researcher is ready to share this knowledge with you. St. John’s quest started with a very simple question asked by a high school student. “What leads to success?” If you want to hear the answer, listen to this TED-talk , and reboot your motivation.

4. The University of Houston’s Speech by Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey, an Academy Award-winning actor, is a person from whom you would expect a spectacular address merging humor and superb acting into one dazzling performance. And he definitely does shine in his role as a motivational speaker standing on the podium in front of the excited graduates. But he also does much more. He delivers a powerful and serious speech in which he shares with all the young people 13 life lessons that have guided the actor up to this day. This address is extraordinary, honest, and raw. It is easy to sense that McConaughey earnestly believes in what he is talking about – a possibility for everyone to reach a place where “what we want is also just what we need.”

5. “Want to change the world? Start by being brave enough to care” by Cleo Wade

“Want to change the world? Start by being brave enough to care,” a mesmerizingly beautiful and moving TED-talk by Cleo Wade , possesses both qualities: it is a great treat for your eyes and ears, but also a heartfelt and honest appeal to you to become an advocate for love and acceptance in these turbulent times. In her poem, Wade is meditating on kindness, generosity, justice, and peace. She offers us reference points we can all rely on in times of uncertainty and doubt. After all, you do not have to be a politician to change the world. A poet can do it, a student can do it, any human being who cares can make this world a better place. “However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at,” said Stephen Hawking . And this is the truth that physics and lyrics share.

How to Make A Powerful Motivational Speech For Students

Are you ready to take your motivational speech game to the next level? Whether you’re a teacher, coach, or just a super enthusiastic person, being able to deliver an epic speech can have a huge impact on inspiring and energizing your audience. If you want to learn how to motivate like a boss and make those students of yours pumped, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to discover the secrets to crafting a speech that will leave everyone ready to conquer the world!

Table of Contents

Why speeches matter.

Speeches are more than just a platform to share information. They are a powerful tool to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Think about it, who doesn’t love a good speech? It has the potential to touch hearts, change perspectives, and ignite a fire within the listener.

In a classroom or a sports field, a well-crafted speech can energize students, boost their confidence, and inspire them to push their limits. It helps create a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels motivated to give their best shot.

It provides a platform for a relaxed and engaging discussion, allowing students to connect with the content on a personal level. A well-crafted speech, coupled with relevant informal speech topics , has the potential to leave a lasting impact, shaping the way students perceive themselves and the world around them.

So, get ready to dive deeper into the art of crafting an epic speech that will leave your students pumped and ready to take on the world!

Up The Energy With Your Unique Style

Now that you understand the power of a well-crafted speech, it’s time to bring your unique style into the mix. Remember, the delivery is just as important as the content itself.

One way to amp up the energy is by injecting your personality and enthusiasm into the speech. Don’t be afraid to let your passion shine through. Smile, use gestures , and maintain eye contact with your students. Let them feel your genuine excitement and belief in what you’re saying.

Another way to add some flair is through the use of storytelling. Instead of simply stating facts and instructions, weave your message into a captivating story that will capture their attention. This will not only make the speech more memorable but also resonate with your students on a deeper level.

And finally, don’t be afraid to get creative. Use humor, props, or even music to enhance your speech. The goal is to make it an experience that your students won’t forget.

So, put on your creative hat and let your unique style shine through. Remember, it’s your passion and authenticity that will truly make your speech epic and get your students pumped up for what’s to come.

Finding Inspiration To Keep The Crowd On Their Toes

Often, the key to delivering an epic speech lies in finding inspiration that will keep your audience on their toes. One way to do this is by incorporating quotes from famous figures or influential leaders who have overcome challenges and achieved success. Their words of wisdom can provide a powerful boost of motivation and resonate with your students.

Additionally, consider sharing personal stories or anecdotes that demonstrate perseverance, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles. By sharing your own experiences, you create a sense of relatability and authenticity, making your speech even more impactful.

Another great way to keep the crowd engaged is by using interactive elements. Incorporate activities or group discussions that allow students to actively participate and reflect on the message you’re delivering. This not only encourages engagement but also fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the content.

Remember, finding sources of inspiration and incorporating interactive elements will not only make your speech more exciting but will also leave a lasting impression on your students. Get ready to deliver a speech that will ignite their motivation and leave them inspired to conquer any challenge that comes their way.

Give Them Something To Talk About – Make It Interactive!

One surefire way to make your speech epic and get your students pumped is to make it interactive. Don’t just stand up there and talk at them, get them involved! This can be as simple as incorporating activities or group discussions into your speech.

For example, you could start by asking a thought-provoking question related to the topic you’ll be discussing. Encourage students to share their opinions and experiences, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. You could also have small group discussions where students can brainstorm ideas or problem-solve together.

Another interactive element you can add is the use of visuals or multimedia. Incorporate slideshows, videos, or even live demonstrations to help illustrate your points and keep the audience engaged.

By making your speech interactive, you’re giving your students a chance to actively participate and engage with the material. This not only helps them better understand and retain the information but also creates a memorable and exciting experience for everyone involved.

So don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box when crafting your epic speech. Make it interactive and give your students something to talk about long after the speech is over.

Your Speech, Their Motivation

Once you have delivered a speech that gets your students pumped, it’s important to leverage that motivation and turn your students into advocates for what you’re teaching. You want them to spread the excitement and inspire their peers.

One way to do this is by giving your students a platform to share their thoughts and feedback. Encourage them to write blog posts, create videos, or even host their mini-talks about the topic you discussed. This not only gives them a chance to reflect on what they’ve learned but also empowers them to become leaders in their own right.

Consider incorporating opportunities for peer-to-peer teaching and collaboration. Assign group projects or discussions where students can work together to deepen their understanding of the subject matter. This not only fosters collaboration but also allows students to teach and inspire each other.

By allowing your students to take ownership of their learning and become advocates for the material, you’re not only fostering a sense of empowerment but also spreading the motivation beyond the confines of your speech. So encourage your students to become your allies in motivating and inspiring others.

Time To Mic Drop

This guide provides tips for educators to create an epic speech that motivates students. It emphasizes the importance of confidence, connection, and engaging visuals. Teachers should stand tall, speak with conviction, and let their passion shine through. The speech should relate to students’ interests, aspirations, and struggles, using personal anecdotes and open dialogue.

Visuals, such as slides, videos, and infographics, can enhance the message and create an experience. The final tip is to leave students with a call to action, inspiring them to apply their learning to their lives.

Related Post

Why should you consult a language pathologist, a step-by-step guide to writing graduation speeches, the art of political speech: a guide, recent blog.

Top 5 Motivational Speeches for Students

15 min read

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Any questions? Book free call with study expert

As a student, finding the motivation to pursue higher studies can be challenging. You need to consider the program you want to enrol into, the cost of yearly tuition, the difficulty of the program and accommodation. And as technology continues to evolve, students are facing a difficult time finding the motivation to study.

Motivation plays an essential role in individuals’ academic careers, and the best way to find that is through speeches. Motivational speech for students can help them learn about the challenges that many successful people face when reaching where they are today. They offer more insight into how they dealt with certain situations and how they made time for things that were really important. Consequently, they will want to work hard like motivational speakers.

We have a list of the top five motivational speeches to inspire students and help them focus on their studies.

These motivational speeches from well-known personalities will help you inspire and motivate you for your studies. You can learn how they dealt with various issues in their life and came out on top of it.

Steve Jobs at the Stanford University

The founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, is no stranger to problems and issues surrounding his life. Yet, he accomplished incredible things in technology that revolutionized the industry. When speaking at Stanford University, Jobs emphasized trusting your gut.

He talks about the connection between the previous events in your life and how everything has a link. Jobs’ speech about success tells students how they can focus on achieving big things in life. His speech can help you learn how he dealt with the challenges in his life and went on to achieve something big.

J.K. Rowling at Harvard University

J.K. Rowling talking about her struggles at Harvard University is another inspirational speech for students. The writer’s brilliant work includes the fantastic story of Harry Potter. She worked on her story for years to ensure it was perfect.

In her speech at Harvard, she tells her story and how students should not succumb to their fears of failure. Instead, they should use their imagination and try to achieve great things until they succeed. Rowling did many temporary jobs before getting recognition for her work.

She struggled as a single mother but persevered through these tough times. In her speech, she also motivates students to use their imagination in the best possible way.

Susan Cain at TEDx

Introverts might be unable to connect or socialize with other people in society and they tend to stay in their comfort zone, which many believe makes it difficult for them to grow. However, Susan Cain presents a different point of view in her motivational speech.

She says introverts bring exceptional skills and abilities to the table and should receive encouragement for it. Becoming an entrepreneur requires creativity and people skills. But Cain explains how every person should have an environment where they can think and work with productivity. So, if introverts can work in isolation and bring out their best game, then it should not be a problem.

Orientation Session, Get a taste! All your kick start needs and more

Bill Gates at Harvard University

The founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, gave an inspiring speech to students. One of the key takeaways of his speech is how he addresses his father, saying, “I would come back for his degree.” Gates is one of Harvard’s most successful dropouts, who went on to bring a revolution in the tech sector.

In his speech, he tells students to see the world beyond education. Gates focuses on the importance of education and how it is a privilege for many people. Yet, he tells students to learn about the wider world and the challenges they will face ahead. Here is the link to his complete speech.

Jim Carrey at the 2014 MUM Graduation

Lastly, Jim Carrey’s speech at the 2014 MUM Graduation is an incredible speech that every student should listen to. Jim has always entertained us with his movies and his positive energy on-screen inspires many to be like him.

However, he faced many challenges in his early life before reaching the pinnacle of success. His speech has a profound message that tells us how we can come out of our fears and choose love. His speech stands out for his excellent use of humor, similar to what you would see in his movies.

He tells the story about his father and how he could have become a great comedian. Yet his father chooses his accounting job over his passion. Later, his father lost his job, which was supposedly much safer than becoming a comedian.

Therefore, Jim pointed out in his speech to not be afraid of pursuing your dream as there is no saying whether you will succeed or fail.

Check Out These Motivational Speeches in English Today

These speeches about life from celebrities and tech giants will help you learn about their challenges and how they dealt with them. These motivational speeches in English can help students who have a difficult time focusing on their studies. So, you can check out these videos today and inspire yourself to achieve your goals tomorrow.

Reference Links:

• https://ischoolconnect.com/blog/5-speeches-will-change-every-students-life/
• https://speakerflow.com/10-motivational-speech-examples-to-inspire-you-today/
• https://world.edu/5-best-motivational-speeches-for-ambitious-students/

I spent a fall semester in Valencia

Finding the Valencia program was fate. I still feel like it's a rare, undiscovered secret that only I was privileged enough to explore and call home. It fulfilled a combination of desires for me. I knew I wanted to learn Spanish, and had boiled it down to Spain because unlike South or Central America, I'd have access to traveling throughout Europe and North Africa. ‍

From there, I realized I wanted a city of a decent size. Madrid and Barcelona were the other two Spanish cities for which programs were offered. I'd been to Madrid and enjoyed it very much, but I didn't like that it was so far inland. I heard Barcelona was amazing, but its main language was Catalan.

Then I came across Valencia, Spain's third largest city, located east on the Mediterranean coast. With about 800,000 people, it was an ideal size for being able to experience that large metropolitan vibe while still being able to run into familiar neighborhood faces. Valencia is also the birthplace of paella, and boasted some of Spain's best cuisine (in my humble opinion) ‍

I knew I wanted to learn Spanish

The littoral outlet for well-heeled Deià, a village that has been home to Mick Jagger, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Richard Branson and poet Robert Graves who is buried there, Cala Deià may be small (200m wide), far from sandy beaches but the water is crystal clear, the rocky outcrops imposing and the atmosphere convivial. A mixture between the fresh caught seafood from the adjacent sea and the best rice dishes, as well as the sweet delectables like buñuelos and the sugary almond treat turron. But dessert for me tended to be fruit, as I took advantage of the region's  incredible bounty (the Valencia orange being one of the most delicious fruits I've ever had -- that perfect balance between sweetness and citrus acidity).

My plans for the near future

As of now, I am set to graduate in June from CUNY Hunter College with a bachelor's degree in Media Studies. I've already made plans, while not yet fully developed, to take some time off after undergrad and return to Spain. ‍ I am going to try and find a job or internship somewhere in the vast field of media. My mind's run agog with possibilities: finding a job or internship, teaching English, or even enrolling in a Spanish university for graduate school. In a perfect world, I would be a foreign correspondent based in Madrid for The New York Times.  favourite beach, Cala Deià, can be found here, one of the most bewitching inlets on Mallorca’s entire coastline with the clientele to match.

Do I need a high level of Spanish to study at a Spanish university?

Yes, in most universities you will have to take a test to confirm your linguistic ability. Universities may also consider the student's résumé to verify your ability.

Do I have to speak Spanish to live in Spain?

No, most cities in Spain are very international. Barcelona, for example, is a very cosmopolitan city and over 52% of the local residents speak English, which makes it very easy for you to fulfill your everyday needs in English. We do, however, offer Spanish courses for beginners or advanced students if you wish to learn the language – your cultural immersion will be more insightful speaking the local language.

Is a Spanish University degree accredited in my home country?

Most public and private Universities in Spain provide a globally accredited degree. To ensure it is valid in your country you will need to request information about the specific University/School where you intend to study.

Can I study in Spain completely in English?

Yes, there are many study options in English for Bachelor,Master/MBA or PhD in Spain. Alternatively there are bilingual courses in English and Spanish available, if you want to learnSpanish while you are here.

What are the costs of living in Spain?

Highly depends on the city. On average you can calculate with a monthly budget of 500€-1000€ which covers: - Accommodation: the price ranges depending on which kind of accommodation you are looking for, rooms in shared apartments(200-600€), studio flats (400-1000€), student residency (400-1000€)or entire flats (600-1300€). - Food & Transportation: Monthly average is (100-400€) which covers groceries, public transportation and restaurants. - Medical insurance: 50€/month (incl. Dental).

Is a Spanish University degree accredited  in my home country?

Most public and private Universities in Spain provide a globally accredited degree . To ensure it is valid in your country you will need to request information about the specific University/School where you intend to study .

Highly depends on the city. On average you can calculate with a monthly budget of 500€-1000€ which covers: - Accommodation: the price ranges depending on which kind of accommodation you are looking for, rooms in shared apartments(200-600€), studio flats (400-1000€), student residency (400-1000€)or entire flats (600-1300€). - Food & Transportation: Monthly average is (100-400€) which covers groceries, public transportation and restaurants . - Medical insurance: 50€/ month ( incl . Dental).

Study in Spain

Ryan Rosser

Master’s program, 2021

Any questions? You can book a call with expert

Recommended articles.

March 18, 2024

April 12, 2023

Achieve Your Educational Goals with Personalized Guidance

Learn about admission requirements, deadlines, costs and the necessary steps to make your study abroad dream a reality!

Explore +3,000 programs in our A.I. course finder and check if you are eligible!

Shortlist your study options and receive personalized guidance from certified Study Abroad Experts.

10 Great American Speeches for the 7-12 Classroom

Readability and Rhetoric Ratings of Literary and Informational Texts

Image Source  / Getty Images

• Lesson Plans
• Grading Students for Assessment
• Becoming A Teacher
• Assessments & Tests
• Elementary Education
• Special Education
• Homeschooling
• M.A., English, Western Connecticut State University
• B.S., Education, Southern Connecticut State University

Speeches can inspire students. Teachers in every subject area can use the texts of inspirational speeches to increase their students' background knowledge about a variety of topics. Speeches also address the  Common Core Literacy Standards for Science, History, Social Studies, and Technical Subject Areas as well as the  Standards for English Language Arts . They also guide teachers to ensure that their students understand word meanings, appreciate the nuances of words, and steadily expand their range of vocabulary and phrases.

Here are 10 great American speeches that helped define America during its first two centuries with a link to word count, readability level, and an example of a prominent rhetorical device that is contained within each text. 

The Gettysburg Address

traveler1116  / Getty Images

Abraham Lincoln gave this speech , which began with the famous line, "Fourscore and seven years ago . . .," at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery near the battlefield in Gettysburg. The address occurred four and a half months after the  Battle of Gettysburg .

Delivered by : Abraham Lincoln Date : November 19, 1863 Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Word Count: 269 words Readability score :  Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease  64.4 Grade Level : 10.9 Rhetorical device used : Anaphora : Repetition of words at the start of clauses or verses.

"But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground."

Abraham Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

Alexander Gardner / Stringer / Getty Images

The dome of the United States Capitol was unfinished when Lincoln delivered this Inaugural Address beginning his second term. It is notable for its theological argument. The following month, Lincoln was assassinated.

Delivered by : Abraham Lincoln Date : March 4, 1865 Location: Washington, D.C. Word Count: 706 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 58.1 Grade Level : 12.1 Rhetorical device used :   Allusion : A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. 

"It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged." 

Keynote Address at the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention

PhotoQuest / Getty Images

The  Seneca Falls Convention  was the first women's rights convention organized to "discuss the social, civil, and religious condition and rights of woman."

Delivered by :  Elizabeth Cady Stanton Date : July 19, 1848 Location: Seneca Falls, New York Word Count:  1427 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 64.4 Grade Level : 12.3 Rhetorical device used :  Asyndeton (" unconnected" in Greek): A stylistic device used in literature to intentionally eliminate conjunctions between the phrases and in the sentence, yet maintain grammatical accuracy. 

"The right is ours. Have it we must. Use it we will."

George Washington's Response to the Newburgh Conspiracy

Print Collector / Contributor / Getty Images

When the officers of the Continental Army threatened to march on the Capitol to demand back pay, George Washington stopped them with this short speech. At the conclusion, he took out his glasses and said, “Gentlemen, you must pardon me. I have grown old in the service of my country and now find that I am growing blind.” Within minutes, the officers-eyes filled with tears-voted unanimously to express confidence in Congress and their country.

Delivered by : General George Washington Date : March 15, 1783 Location: Newburgh, New York Word Count:  1,134 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 32.6 Grade Level : 13.5 Rhetorical device used :   Rhetorical Questions : Asked for effect or to lay emphasis on some point discussed when no real answer is expected. 

"My God! what can this writer have in view, by recommending such measures? Can he be a friend to the Army? Can he be a friend to this Country? Rather, is he not an insidious Foe?"

Patrick Henry 'Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death'

 benoitb / Getty Images

Patrick Henry's speech was an attempt to persuade the Virginia House of Burgesses, meeting at St. John's Church in Richmond, to pass resolutions favoring Virginia joining the American Revolutionary War.

Delivered by : Patrick Henry Date : March 23, 1775 Location: Richmond, Virginia Word Count:  1215 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 74 Grade Level : 8.1 Rhetorical device used : Hypophora:  Asking a question and immediately answering it.

"Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other."

Sojourner Truth 'Ain't I A Woman?'

National Archives / Getty Images

This speech was delivered extemporaneously by Sojourner Truth , who was enslaved from the time of her birth in New York State. She spoke at the Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio, 1851.  Frances Gage , the president of the convention, recorded the speech 12 years later.

Delivered by : Sojourner Truth Date : May 1851 Location: Akron, Ohio Word Count: 383   words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 89.4 Grade Level : 4.7 Rhetorical device used : Metaphor:  To make an implicit, implied, or hidden comparison between two things or objects that are poles apart from each other but have some characteristics common between them. Metaphor of pints and quarts to discuss the rights held by Black women in comparison to others.

"If my cup won't hold but a pint, and  yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?"

Fredrick Douglass 'The Church and Prejudice'

Photos.com / Getty Images

Douglass was enslaved from the time of his birth on a Maryland plantation, but in 1838, at age 20, he self-liberated in New York. This lecture was one of his first major anti-enslavement oratories.

Delivered by : Fredrick Douglass Date : November 4, 1841 Location: Plymouth County Anti-Slavery Society in Massachusetts. Word Count:  1086 Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 74.1 Grade Level : 8.7 Rhetorical device used : Anecdote : A short and interesting story or an amusing event often proposed to support or demonstrate some point and make readers and listeners laugh. Douglass tells the story of a young lady recovered from a trance: 

"...she declared she had been to heaven. Her friends were all anxious to know what and whom she had seen there; so she told the whole story. But there was one good old lady whose curiosity went beyond that of all the others—and she inquired of the girl that had the vision, if she saw any Black folks in heaven? After some hesitation, the reply was, 'Oh! I didn't go into the kitchen!'"

Chief Joseph 'I Will Fight No More Forever'

Buyenlarge / Getty Images

Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, pursued 1500 miles through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana by the U.S. Army, spoke these words when he finally surrendered. This speech followed the final engagement of the Nez Perce War. The transcript of the speech was taken by Lieutenant C.E.S. Wood. 

Delivered by : Chief Joseph Date : October 5th, 1877 Location:   Bears Paw (Battle of the Bears Paw Mountains), Montana Word Count:  156 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 104.1 Grade Level : 2.9 Rhetorical device used : Direct Address : The use of a term or name for the person spoken to, as in securing the attention of that person; use of a vocative form.

"Hear me, my Chiefs!"

Susan B. Anthony and Women's Right to Vote

Underwood Archives / Getty Images

Susan B. Anthony gave this speech on multiple occasions after her arrest for casting an illegal vote in the presidential election of 1872. She was tried and then fined $100 but refused to pay.

Delivered by : Susan B. Anthony Date : 1872 - 1873 Location:  Stump Speech delivered in all 29 postal districts of Monroe County, New York Word Count: 451 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 45.1 Grade Level : 12.9 Rhetorical device used : Parallelism : The use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same; or similar in their construction, sound, meaning or meter.

"It is an odious aristocracy; a hateful oligarchy of sex; the most hateful aristocracy ever established on the face of the globe; an oligarchy of wealth, where the right govern the poor. An oligarchy of learning, where the educated govern the ignorant, or even an oligarchy of race, where the Saxon rules the African, might be endured; but this oligarchy of sex, which makes father, brothers, husband, sons, the oligarchs over the mother and sisters, the wife and daughters of every household..."

'Cross of Gold' Speech

This "Cross of Gold" speech thrust William Jennings Bryan into the national spotlight where his dramatic speaking style and rhetoric roused the crowd to a frenzy. Reports from those in the audience noted that at the conclusion of the speech, he thrust his arms wide, a visual representation of the speech's last line. The next day the convention nominated Bryan for President on the fifth ballot.

Delivered by : William Jennings Bryan Date : July 9, 1896 Location:  Democratic National Convention in Chicago Word Count:  3242 words Readability score : Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease 63 Grade Level : 10.4 Rhetorical device used : Analogy : A comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from it.  Gold standard to a "crown of thorns" to "crucify mankind." 

"....we shall answer their demands for a gold standard by saying to them, you shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns. You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold ."

National Archives for Education

The National Archives for Education offers thousands of primary source documents—including speeches—which can be used as teaching tools to bring history to life.

• 6 Speeches by American Authors for Secondary ELA Classrooms
• 20th Century American Speeches as Literary Texts
• 11 Pros and Cons of Using Movies in Class
• Daily Planning Questions: Tools for the Secondary Classroom
• T.E.S.T. Season for Grades 7-12
• Pets in the Classroom
• How to Teach Theme
• The Id, Ego, and Superego as Literary Citicism
• The Whys and How-tos for Group Writing in All Content Areas
• Write Lesson Plans
• 3 Real World Exit Slips for Formative Assessment
• 5 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month in the Classroom
• Idioms Used in Elections
• Engage Students With a Four Corners Debate
• Grading for Proficiency in the World of 4.0 GPAs
• Topics for a Lesson Plan Template

Home › Inspirational Graduation Speeches

Inspirational Graduation Speeches

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. See our disclosure for more info.

Do you have a graduating son or daughter? A high school or college graduation is a major milestone in life that should not be ignored. The graduation ceremony celebrates hard work and encourages students to move into the world to achieve great things. This hopeful message is further cemented through an inspirational graduation speech.

As you celebrate graduation day and wish your student good luck, consider the following commencement advice you can share as well as inspirational quotes for a happy graduation.

Here are the best graduation speeches and inspirational message graduation quotes to inspire you and change your life.

Page Contents

1. Barack Obama – Howard University, 2016

You have to go through life with more than just passion for change; you need a strategy. I’ll repeat that. I want you to have passion, but you have to have a strategy. Not just awareness but action. Not just hashtags, but votes. Barack Obama

During his graduation message, Barack Obama spoke with hope. He urged the graduating students to be hardworking yet pragmatic as they sought justice, equality, and freedom. Howard University is one of the nation’s most distinguished and historically Black universities.

In 2020, Barack Obama also shared a graduation message to the Class of 2020 as part of Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020 . These students had to learn to overcome obstacles and challenges that classes before them had not had to deal with due to the pandemic.

The disappointments of missing a live graduation, those will pass pretty quick…What remains true is that your graduation marks your passage into adulthood—the time when you begin to take charge of your own life. It’s when you get to decide what’s important to you: the kind of career you want to pursue. Who you want to build a family with. The values you want to live by. And given the current state of the world, that may be kind of scary. Barack Obama

Obama goes on to offer hope and support as graduating students set out to navigate a very new landscape and shape a new world.

2. David Foster Wallace – Kenyon Graduation Speech, 2005

There are these two young fish swimming along, and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says, “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually, one of them looks over at the other and goes, “What the hell is water? David Foster Wallace

In this commencement address, Wallace reminds us that we often forget, or take for granted, the most obvious things around us. He acknowledges it’s difficult to stay aware of what’s happening in the world, especially when you’re too busy dealing with the monologue inside your head.

That’s what a college education is about, according to him. It’s learning how to think and exercising some degree of control over your thoughts so you can choose what to pay attention to.

Our thoughts affect our realities, and the ability to choose how you “construct meaning from experience” will determine the lenses from which you see the world and how you react in return.

3. Natalie Portman – Harvard Graduation Speech 2015

Sometimes your insecurities and your inexperience may lead you, too, to embrace other people’s expectations, standards, or values. But you can harness that inexperience to carve out your own path, one that is free of the burden of knowing how things are supposed to be, a path that is defined by its own particular set of reasons . Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman majored in psychology at Harvard University because she believed it would help her acting. She graduated in 2003. In her commencement speech at the 2015 graduation ceremony, she spoke of her own self-doubt and gave an inspiring, funny , and wisdom-filled speech for the graduating class.

Portman said even though she was a successful student and went on to find success as an actress, she still struggled with her own worth but eventually learned to set her own goals.

4. Ellen DeGeneres – Tulane University, 2009

Never follow anyone else’s path, unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path and by all means you should follow that. Don’t give advice, it will come back and bite you in the ass. Don’t take anyone’s advice. So my advice to you is to be true to yourself and everything will be fine. Ellen Degeneres

This is one of the funniest graduation speeches ever! All humor aside, this speech shows why  it’s better to be true to yourself instead of trying desperately to be a second-rate version of someone else.

For years, Ellen thought being bisexual might prevent her from being a successful stand-up comedian, but it’s just not the case. Ellen proved that you could be successful, whoever you are, if you worked hard and learned from your past experiences— even one as sad as the death of a loved one.

5. Charlie Munger – University of California Law School, 2007

*Skip to 4:08 for the actual speech

You’re not going to get very far in life based on what you already know. You’re going to advance in life by what you’re going to learn after you leave here. Charlie Munger

Education doesn’t stop after you graduate from college. It doesn’t stop after you finish your MBA or PhD either. Munger says, “Wisdom acquisition is a moral duty. It’s not just something you do to advance in life.”

It’s a moral duty because it’s only through continuous learning that we can add to the vast knowledge of man kind. If we stopped learning, progress in all industries—computers, finance, engineering, biology, stops as well.

6. Michelle Obama – Eastern Kentucky University, 2013

If you’re a Democrat, spend some time talking to a Republican. And if you’re a Republican, have a chat with a Democrat. Maybe you’ll find some common ground, maybe you won’t. But if you honestly engage with an open mind and an open heart, I guarantee you’ll learn something. And goodness knows we need more of that, because we know what happens when we only talk to people who think like we do — we just get more stuck in our ways, more divided, and it gets harder to come together for a common purpose. Michelle Obama

As far as inspirational speeches go, Michelle Obama’s speech is very actionable. Her advice is simple (not easy), talk to each other with an open mind.

Different religion, race, political stand, it doesn’t matter. We can all learn from one another.

7. Jim Carrey – Maharashi University of Management, 2014

This is one of my favorite motivational speeches because Jim Carrey is such a good example of his message.

So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. My father could have been a great comedian, but he didn’t believe that that was possible for him, and so he made a conservative choice. Instead, he got a safe job as an account. Jim Carrey

Carrey’s father lost his accounting job when he was 12, and it was then he realized that failure is inevitable , whether you’re doing what you want or not. If that’s the case, you might as well take a stab at doing something you love.

8. J.K Rowling – Harvard Commencement Address, 2008

I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realized, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter and a big idea. J.K. Rowling

This is probably one of the most inspirational videos for writers and creatives everywhere.

Rowling was suffering from depression when he wrote the Harry Potter books. But through grit and patience with herself, she was able to complete the first Harry Potter Manuscript and, stay motivated to continue even when feeling down. Thanks to her drive and imagination, the world has Harry Potter !

9. Bono – University of Pennsylvania, 2004

In case you don’t know him, Bono is the lead singer of the famous band U2. Of course, being the rock star he is, he leads his speech by saying, “My name is Bono, and I am a rock star.”

In his speech, he urges graduates to carefully consider their big idea, in saying:

What are you willing to spend your moral capital, your intellectual capital, your cash, (and) your sweat equity in pursuing outside of the walls of the University of Pennsylvania? The world is more malleable than you think, and it’s waiting for you to hammer it into shape. Bono

Being a rock star, I thought Bono would talk about the perils of fame, the road to stardom or something to that effect. But instead, he talked about big ideas and changing the world.

10. Amy Poehler – Harvard University, 2011

Life is like a heist that requires good drivers, an explosives expert, a hot girl who doubles as a master of disguise, and this is a hard and fast rule. If the Rock shows up, they’re on to you . Amy Poehler

During her commencement speech at Harvard University in 2011, Amy Poehler expressed her surprise at the invitation to do so. She delivered a speech with jokes, advice, and insight as she looked out at the graduates.

She told them to head out into the world with love, light, joy, and laughter. Finishing off her speech in true Amy Poehler fashion, she also says, “please don’t forget to tip your waitresses.”

11. Meryl Streep – Barnard College, 2010

This is your time, and it feels normal to you, but really there is no normal. There’s only change, and resistance to it and then more change . Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is an actress most famous for Sophie’s Choice , The Devil Wears Prada , and Mamma Mia . She was asked to deliver the commencement speech to Barnard College in 2010. Her speech was dripping with extreme personality, honesty, and bluntness.

Streep shared her own personal stories and emphasized the importance of empathy. The audience was all women, so the speech was directed at them, but she shared many graduation messages that applied to everyone.

12. Kerry Washington – George Washington University, 2013

You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that writes the story you were meant to tell . Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is an actress, producer, and director. In 2018, she was named the eighth highest-paid television actress and has won several awards, including the President’s Award.

In her commencement speech at George Washington University in 2013, she urged graduates to go beyond their comfort zones and live their own stories.

How to Create Your Own Inspirational Graduation Speech

Do you need to write your own inspirational speech or curate the perfect graduation message? Here are a few tips on how to do just that, so you can inspire others like the commencement speeches above.

Start With a Quote

Start with a relevant quote. This sets the overall tone of your speech and grabs your audience’s attention. A good example of this is a quote by David Brinkley, “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”

Provide Scenarios

Now that you have drawn in the audience, present a what-if scenario to encourage the audience to continue following your thought process.

You can also provide a scenario encouraging the audience to put themselves directly into it. Suggest that they imagine doing something and ask what they would do if it doesn’t go as planned.

If you are giving a graduation message, ask where they see themselves years down the road or what they picture success as. You can then offer advice and insight based on your own experience.

Ask Questions

You should also ask questions, whether they are literal or rhetorical. When you present a question to someone, the person intuitively answers it, keeping them engaged with what you have to say.

Pause for Silence

When giving an inspirational speech, it also helps to pause for a few seconds after important points. This pause allows the audience to react to what you have to say and settle down before you continue with your next statement. The pause is also a good way to draw attention to what you want to say.

What Makes an Inspirational Graduation Speech?

The best graduation speech should have a very uplifting message that leads with education and wisdom. The graduation speech should focus on the graduates’ achievements and accomplishments. It should highlight the sacrifices that may have been made.

When writing a graduation or inspirational speech, ensure a strong theme or message is conveyed to keep your audience’s focus and attention.

Do you remember the speaker on your graduation day? What pearls of wisdom did he or she share?

Related Reading : Don’t forget what you worked so hard on in school! Check out our 150 Education Quotes for Teachers and Students , too. These gems are good for any graduation card when offering congratulations.

Natalie Seale

3 thoughts on “Inspirational Graduation Speeches”

Am really inspired by these brief messages,indeed education has no boundary; therefore, I say to you,” education is immeasurable, regardless of what disciplines or background we find ourselves.

These are very inspiring. My favorite is from J.K. Rowling. Thanks for sharing

Actually Very Inspiring ……thanks for sharing

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

Unleashing Success: Motivational Speech to Inspire Students

Table of Contents

Success is a journey, not a destination. It is a continuous process of striving, learning, and growing – something every student should aspire for.

There’s that satisfaction that comes from achieving our goals and making progress toward our dreams. Success takes different forms for different people, even for students. Learning  how to write a speech about success  will give you a chance to impact students to pursue success.

You can share your own experiences and insights on what it takes to be successful. A great speech will encourage students to focus on what will make them exemplary in society. This article will teach you how to write a speech about success .

What does success mean?

Success means different things to different people. It mostly depends on the context and the individual’s personal goals and values. Generally, success is the accomplishment of a desired goal or aim or the attainment of a level of excellence in a particular area.

Success is often seen as the opposite of failure. It is the achievement of a desired goal or outcome, while failure is the inability to achieve the same. However, it is essential to note that sometimes, failure is an inherent part of the process of success. It is through the experience of failure that we learn and grow.

Success is the result of overcoming failure. We can achieve success through trying and failing, learning from our mistakes, and trying again. Success is the ability to learn, grow from failure, and continue striving toward our goals despite setbacks and challenges.

How to Write a Speech about Success

1. choose a topic.

First, decide what you want to talk about. What does success mean to you? Do you want to discuss success in a specific context? Narrowing your focus will help you create a clear and cohesive speech .

2. Determine your audience

Consider who you will be speaking to. What are their interests, experiences, and goals? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your message and language to be more relevant and engaging.

3. Research and gather information

Gather information that you can use to support your ideas. Look for examples or statistics to help illustrate your points and make your speech more interesting and convincing.

4. Create an outline

Organize your information and ideas into a clear structure. A good outline will include an introduction, several central points, and a conclusion. Have a good transition between speech sections to help guide your audience through your speech.

5. Write your speech

Using your outline as a guide, start writing your speech. Use clear and straightforward language. Avoid jargon or complex vocabulary that your audience may not understand. Make sure to include a strong opening and closing to grab your audience’s attention and leave a lasting impression.

6. Practice and revise

Once you have a draft of your speech, practice it out loud. This will help you identify any awkward phrasing or pauses and allow you to make any necessary revisions. Having someone else listen to your speech and provide feedback is also a good idea.

7. Deliver your speech

Make sure to arrive early on the day of your speech and make final preparations. This may include setting up your equipment or reviewing your notes. Take deep breaths and try to relax. When you’re ready to start, speak clearly and confidently.

You can engage with your audience by:

• Making eye contact.
• Using appropriate gestures to add emphasis and energy to your speech.
• Asking questions to get your audience to participate in your speech. 
• Using storytelling to illustrate your point.

A Long Speech on Success

Dear students,

Today, I want to talk to you about the concept of success and how it relates to your studies and future goals.

Success is a term that is often used and talked about, but it can be challenging to define. Some people might equate success with fame and fortune, while others might describe it as achieving personal goals or positively impacting the world.

As students, it is natural to think about success in terms of grades and academic achievements. However, success is about so much more than just getting good grades. It is about finding your passion and pursuing it with dedication and hard work. It is about developing skills and knowledge to help you achieve your goals and make a difference in the world.

So, how do we achieve success as students? The key is to set clear goals and to work towards them consistently. It is also important to surround ourselves with supportive and positive people who encourage us to pursue our dreams and never give up.

Success also requires a growth mindset–the belief that we can improve and learn new things through effort and practice. This means being open to new ideas and challenges and learning from mistakes.

Finally, success cannot be achieved overnight – it requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. But the rewards of success – accomplishment, personal growth, and fulfillment – are more than worth the effort.

So let’s embrace the journey of success and strive to be the best versions of ourselves in our studies and future endeavors. Thank you.

Short Motivational Speeches on Success

• Success is not an accident, but a deliberate choice fuelled by your passion and determination to make it happen. Overcome challenges you face with unwavering fortitude, and never give up on pursuing your dreams. 
• Belief in yourself and your capabilities. Nurture a positive mindset that allows you to stay focused and confident when taking risks toward success. Give yourself credit for your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem!
• Develop a realistic plan that builds upon steps towards achieving your long-term goals. With each minor victory, celebrate your progress and persist through adversity until you achieve ultimate success. 
• Surround yourself with supportive people who are experienced or knowledgeable in what you want to accomplish. Listen to their advice, yet trust your instincts as well. Be wary of ‘yes’ men and focus instead on honest feedback. 
• Visualize success. Believe that you will reach your goal and take comfort from this mental image whenever doubt or fear arises. Remember that success is attainable if you work diligently and maintain an unwavering conviction. 

More Short Motivational Speeches on Success

• Embrace failure as a learning experience. Use these moments to develop resilience while developing new tactics to bring you closer to success.
• Utilize available resources wisely. Invest time into researching successful approaches taken by others. Also, seek out mentors who have achieved great heights within their field.
• Think proactively and take action; identify potential issues before they manifest themselves and look for ways to reduce the risk associated with these problems. Cultivate valuable relationships with relevant stakeholders, facilitating smoother transitions during change periods.
• Remain humble throughout all facets of life, even after reaching success. Emphasize gaining wisdom rather than material gain since knowledge is power and humility is strength. 
• Continuously strive for self-improvement by setting ambitious personal goals. Feel free to step outside your comfort zone to acquire new skills – approach each challenge as a chance for growth and development!

Wrapping Up

Many people think that just one achievement is enough to change their lives. However, success is a process – one that is never-ending. You must continually strive to accomplish greatness today, tomorrow, and the day after.

A success speech is a powerful tool to motivate others to succeed . If you’re tasked with delivering such a speech to an audience, you want to give it your all. Let your speech be the inspiration they need!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Write A Speech Articles

How to write a great welcome speech.

Writing an effective welcome speech is a form of art. It requires a delicate balance of knowledge, wit, charm, and…

• Write A Speech

Effective Guide: How to Write a Salutatorian Speech

Writing an effective salutatorian speech is a challenging yet rewarding experience. It takes creativity, dedication, and plenty of practice to…

Key Guide: How to Write a Great Memorial Speech

Writing a memorable memorial speech that captures the life and legacy of your loved one can be an incredibly daunting…

Better Guide: How to Write a Funny Valedictorian Speech

Writing a funny valedictorian speech can be both challenging and rewarding. For those who have the knowledge, experience, and wit…

Writing A Unique & Memorable Wedding Ceremony Speech

People around you, whether family, friends, or acquaintances, will get married someday. And you might be tasked with delivering the…

Success is a journey, not a destination. It is a continuous process of striving, learning, and growing–something every student should…

12 Best Motivational Speech For Students And Success In Life

Positive words can build people up. Negative words can influence poor performance while positive words can inspire men and women to become exceptional in their chosen fields. This truth is timeless about words. Students need encouraging and inspiring words to do well in their studies.

In this article, you will find the best motivational speech for students and success in life. These speeches are timely and highly inspiring for anyone hungry to become successful anywhere in the world. If you have a student at home, these words will help you to be of great encouragement to him/her in their studies.

Short Motivational Speech For Success In Life

Look around you, there are great opportunities that you can take advantage of. Most people would prefer to give excuses about their poor background and other factors that limit their chances of becoming successful. Avoid that crowd mentality for your own good. You truly can be different.

You have to develop the right perspective about life. One such perspective is the belief that there are opportunities around you. What you need to start chasing your dream is not beyond your reach. No matter how big your dream is, the basic things you can start with immediately are within your reach.

I understand that it is very possible to have something you can use and not recognize the worth of that thing. This is the case for many people who are running to different places searching for favorable opportunities. I know you are one of such people, you should take a moment and think about your immediate environment and what you might be missing.

You do not want to see others make the most of what you should have explored that you ignored within your reach. Start today to do the needful as you maximize all your privileges.

If successful people avoid excuses you should avoid excuses if you want to also become successful. Those who have achieved success repeatedly did not do so by living a life that has excuses if they were always giving excuses they would not have achieved anything worthwhile in life by any means.

The basic way to rise to the top is by learning from those who are already at the top in their respective industries, fields, and careers. You have some successful people that you admire, right? Listen to them, read their books, and check their posts on social media, do they make excuses for failure?

It is so easy to make excuses your bosom friend. There are a thousand and more excuses to give for underperforming and not even performing at all. At the end of the day, you will realize that they were people who had worse situations that they could have used as excuses for leaving a life of mediocrity.

Those who become successful go all out to break barriers in other to become great and achieve their dreams. They made sacrifices and kept routines to grow and improve their capacity to embody greatness in ways that inspire others.

To become successful, avoid excuses with everything in you. Do all you can every time and improve your capacity to do more so that you can expand your influence.

Short Motivational Speech For Students

3. A Successful Student

What you are doing now that you are a student will prove who you will become after you are done with school. If you are playing now rather than learning and getting good grades, you will most likely not turn out to become a great person in the future. The law of cause and effect states that our rewards in life will always be in exact proportion to our contribution.

You will not always be a student. At some point, you will be required to graduate. When that time comes, you will be proud of yourself if you have been a very good student. The future depends on how well you are preparing for it now .

When you stay around the wrong company, you will be influenced negatively. Before long, you will start doing the things they do that them a bad influence on society. Protect your academics, protect your life, and protect your dreams by staying away from bad company.

A friend who gives you the wrong advice is not a good friend. Think logically so that you can analyze all your friendships with your fellow students. If any of them is not doing things rightly, you should avoid being close to that person for your own good.

The seeds you sow today will reap the fruits in the future. The company you keep will either make you or mar you. You might not see any bad effect of keeping the wrong people around you now. But I assure you that the effects will be obvious with time. To avoid regrets, only build friendships with those who can help you succeed in your academic and life at large.

The future belongs to you if you prepare for it with the right company daily.

Written Motivational Speeches For Students

5. You Can Be Better

The more improve your capacity, the more you will be able to do for yourself, your family, your colleagues, and humanity at large. People are waiting for you but this version of you has to give way to the next better version of you that is currently locked up inside you. As you continue to work hard and work smartly you will be unleashing your greatness in phases. Your good will get better and the cycle will continue .

Never forget what I have shared with you today. Being a student is not all there is. One day you will be done with your studies. Keep getting better in your chosen course. The sky will be one of the many heights you will reach if you keep improving yourself.

Here you are as of today. Shortly, you, will graduate and leave this place for good. That is the prayers of your parents and well-wishers. I know you desire to grow and make adequate progress as you make the right sacrifices. If you can dream it, you can have it.

Regardless of how large your dream is, you can achieve it. allow anyone around you to tell you that you won’t be able to accomplish your set goals daily towards reaching your dreams. Anyone who tells you that is a liar. Don’t believe him/her. Believe in God who has given you the limitless potential to accomplish your dreams and believe in yourself.

Look around you, some people were once students but now they are highly respected individuals winning big in their respective industries. If they could rise from different backgrounds to the top, you can rise from your background to the top of your dream life. If you ever doubt yourself, read the stories of great people like Bill Gates, Nelson Mandela, Lebron James, and the like.

Quit thinking that your dreams are too big for you to achieve. Allow your imagination to soar. Reach for the sky in your mind and exceed it. Remove every mental barrier that might make you doubt if you will ever do what you want to do with your amazing life. Until you can dream big without any limitations in your mind, you are denying your true strength as a human. Every human is made up of superpowers.

Let today be a new beginning in your life. Start dreaming if you have not started. If you already have big dreams, you can hold on to your dream. Work on it every single day of your life until you reach your desired destination.

1 Minute Motivational Speech For Students

7. Choose Carefully

Decisions are what determines what we become eventually. Most people don’t pay attention to all their daily decisions which is why they are not becoming the best versions of themselves. You must think differently if you will become everything that you want to be even as a student.

Sometimes you might have good and right options. If you don’t know the difference between what is good and what is right, you might end up picking the wrong option. That something is good does not mean it is right for you at that particular time in your life. For example: While it is good to wear expensive clothes, as a student who is still depending on parental support to go through school, that should not be your priority. Every money you get should be to empower yourself to become a better student.

Buying more needed textbooks and paying for extra classes would transform your life more than how expensive clothes bought with the same funds will make you feel. People will admire your expensive clothes but they won’t value you the way they would if you had great intellectual capacity as a student. Your priorities must be right if you want to lead a great life.

8. Think and Grow Big

Some of them that are big in different organizations today started when they were students like you. They could have given excuses like some of you are already making excuses for limiting yourselves. Rather than allow where they were to define them as students, they broke free in their minds and saw the life they now live. You too can break free from limited thinking into big thinking that is limitless.

If you think big and put in the work, nothing is strong enough to limit your growth and success stories. You will be able to do a lot with your life repeatedly just by thinking big and making sure you accomplish the great goals you set for yourself over time. I will amaze you how much your life and perspective can change radically when you start thinking big.

The collective growth of humanity is dependent on all humans. I know we all dream big, we will grow big. This allows us to create businesses, structures, and technologies that will protect lives, foster great relationships, and keep us all on the right path.

Relevant topic : final exam wishes for students

2 Minute Motivational Speech For Students

Let them inspire you to greatness. Learn all you can from them while you still have the privilege of being their students. You will not always remain a student under the same teacher in your educational journey. At some point, you will have the leave one phase for another. Make each phase of your learning a great experience by listening to your teaching.

As you listen, give it your all. A rapt attention shows you know why you’re in school. It shows you are not joking with the resources your parents have committed to ensure you get a quality education. Some parent did not get a good education but that has only inspired them to do all they can for their children to go to schools

You are not learning if you are not listening. As you listen take note of the key points. Those are likely the answers to exam questions. I would not advise you to listen to your teachers so that you can pass your exams, that is a small part of the benefits. The best practice to imbibe is to listen to learn how things are. If you understand the subject you will pass your exam and still apply what you have learned outside your school environment.

The time you have to be in school, use it wisely. Your teachers are your instructors, mentors, and knowledge bank. Listen to them attentively every time they come before you and other students in your class to teach. Listen to them, they are helping you prepare for your great future.

10. Listen to Your Parents

It is priceless to have parents who are doing so much for you to have the resource that enables you to go to school. So many children are not in day-to-day because of either a lack of parents or a lack of financial capacity for those who have parents. You are privileged to be getting the quality of education you need because of the hard work of your parents.

Your parent might not be as informed as you are in the tech revolution. They might not know how to use social media like you. They might not even know who the leading club footballers are around the world but they have experiences that they have learnt valuable lessons from. Those lessons have made them wiser and in the affairs of life.

As you listen to them, you will learn powerful life-changing lessons that will increase the speed of your success. You will be able to avoid mistakes that they made. Your time, energy, and other resources will be channeled better into meaningful projects and activities.

This is one of the reasons you have to be a good child at home. By being obedient and hard-working, you make it easy for your parents to share valuable wisdom with you that will propel you to great heights in life.

Choose to listen to your parents. You will be great. They will guide you with their words, funds, wisdom, and every other in their possession. Be that child that makes his/her parents proud all the time by listening to them and allowing them to help you through life. Your life will certainly be better for it.

5 Minute Motivational Speech For Students

Time is valuable. Time is not a joke. It is a gift that must be handled with care. If you are not using it well it will pass you by. It has no respect for your excuses even if they are genuine excuses for not doing what you were supposed to do.

You have to quickly make up your mind that you will make the most of your time no matter the challenges that come your way. Life will always try to put you in a box where you will find legitimate reasons to slow down or give up, don’t give in to that deception. No matter the situation you can move forward using your time to create great values for yourself and the world at large.

Time does not organize your life by itself. You use time to organize your life for good. Look at the things you want to achieve at different times in your life. Sit down with a pen and notebook. Write down how you will manage your hours, days, weeks, months, and years. Feel free to adjust the plans as you go forward.

Yes, the plans are subject to change as the need arises. The only thing that is not acceptable for a great future is a life that mismanages time effortlessly. As long as you have a plan for what you will do after lectures each day if you keep to them, you won’t be roaming around places like other students who are still ignorant of how valuable time is

Before going to bed every night, plan the productive activities you will do the next day and allocate time to every single one of them. As you wake up every morning look at these plans and be determined to ensure your day goes as planned. There might be days you would need to attend to urgent ab important tasks that might not be on your list. Go ahead! Attend to those tasks and quickly get back to work each day with a plan.

You are a big superstar that the world is waiting for. By properly using your time you will become what you are passionate about becoming. Unleash your greatness daily with a good plan for your precious time.

Failing is not an end but a means if you refuse to give up. A man/woman can fail 99 times and achieve success when he/she tries again. That is remarkable. It takes a lot of faith to keep doing what you are failing at. If Michael Jordan gave up because of how badly he performed when he started playing basketball then he would not be globally celebrating today.

After failing, try again. If it does not work, try again. Keep trying until you triumph. Refuse to give up when you can try one more time. If it still does not work, try again. You can change strategy but don’t give up on your worthy pursuit because you are failing at it.

Doing the same thing will most likely lead to the same result. As you rise after falling, look for what to do differently. You might need to change your cycle of friends for you to get through to the next phase of your life. Don’t be sentimental about it if you truly want to become successful. Taking your life seriously is your primary duty.

Have you failed before? Rise above your past failure and try again. You can start a new project. Avoid thinking it would look like the previous one. However, if it fails again, start again. Pick yourself up and implement your ideas better than you did the last time

If you handle a faker with the right mindset, you will become successful at the end of the day. Think forward regardless of the challenge you are faced with. Failure is not final, success is not far. Keep pushing, greatness beacon.

Share this:

Similar posts, 70 words of proud congratulations for passing exams quotes, 70 prayers and best wishes for exam for students for him or her, 60 prayers and best exam wishes for students from teachers and principal, 115 sample positive comments for teacher observations and evaluations, 60 words of appreciation for teachers from principal and parents, 50 thank you greetings and wishes for teachers from students, leave a reply cancel reply.

Inspirational Speech

Inspirational speech generator.

Life, as you know and experience has always been hard. You may have tried various things to make yourself motivated no matter how big the waves of challenges and problems are crashing upon you. You may have encountered or listened to an inspirational speech before which may have helped and inspired you to continue winning in life. Now, you may want to create one for yourself but you do not know where exactly you should be starting. This article will help you in making one with the help of these six speech examples .

What Is an Inspirational Speech?

Let’s define inspirational speech by separating the two terms.

What is an inspiration? According to the Oxford Dictionary, inspiration means the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

What is a speech ? Merriam-Webster defines speech as the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking.

Now, if we combine the two together: inspirational speech is a kind of speech that persuades or convinces people that they can succeed and win in life. Inspirational speeches would often include success and uplifting stories and real-life situations and experiences that the speaker thinks the people listening to it will be moved and inspired to do greater and better things in their life.

Sample Inspirational Speech

Size: 95.8 KB

Transcripts of Famous Inspirational Speeches

Size: 59.3 KB

Alumna Inspirational Speech

Size: 384.4 KB

What Makes an Inspirational Speech Successful?

An inspirational speech drives people to change for the better. If you want to make your inspirational speech successful, you have to make sure that you drive them to change. Here are three simple tips that will make your inspirational speech successful:

Share Your Personal Story

Always include your personal story in your speech. Although we are living in different lives, chances are, there are a lot of people who can relate with your struggles and some would also want to prepare when they are expecting to experience the same struggle as yours. When you share your personal story, you do not only touch the topics they can relate with but you can also touch their hearts and feelings and nothing can be as moving as when your feelings are touched.

Tailored to the Audience

An inspirational speech is only effective if the audience you are delivering the speech to can relate to it. You cannot expect to inspire people with the age bracket of 12-15 years old and your inspirational speech is all about college fresh graduate dilemmas. Before you are going to write for your speech make sure that you ask the organizers what the theme of the event is as well as the age bracket of the audience.

Make Every Point Connected and Relevant

You cannot also expect inspiring people when the points of your speech are all over the place. In your introduction, give at least three points and give a brief talk about it but on the body, elaborate more and in the conclusion, make sure you repeat the three points again, summarize everything and do not add more ideas. An inspirational speech that is well-crafted can not only inspire people but it will also make them understand more.

How to Give an Inspiring and Memorable Speech

Now, you may have a little knowledge of how to make your inspirational speech successful but your question now is, how do you exactly make your inspirational speech actually inspiring and memorable for your audience? Here are five simple tips that will make your inspirational speech inspiring and memorable:

1. Grab your audience’s attention

This is an old trick in the book but this trick always works wonders. Why? Because your inspirational speech is for your audience. You can grab their attention by starting your inspirational speech with a mind-blowing quote o question, your personal story, a joke, or play a moving video. You can do everything as long as you do not bore your audience at the start of your inspirational speech.

2. Always be upbeat.

Another possible thing that could make you lose your audience’s attention is when you would be delivering your inspirational speech lousy and uninteresting. Be upbeat especially in the introduction part of your inspirational speech. Sure, you have a sad story to tell but share that in the middle of your inspirational speech when you have already caught their attention in the introduction part of your inspirational speech. You are to deliver an inspirational speech and you are not there to sing a lullaby and make people sleep.

3. Do not literally read your inspirational speech in front of your audience.

Reading your inspirational speech on a paper in front of your audience inspires them to do one thing: when it’s their turn to deliver a speech one day in their lives, they will think it’s all right to deliver a speech on a paper. Reading your inspirational speech on a paper can make you less credible. Some people might question your credibility, and would ask whether you really are fit to deliver a speech or not. There might be times when reading it on a paper is all right like when you would deliver a graduation speech. But it is really best if you memorize your inspirational speech. You can always make use of a power point presentation if you have a hard time memorizing. And additionally, practice makes perfect so before presenting your inspirational speech, you must always practice practice, and practice.

4. Share your personal story.

This is a repetitive tip but this, like grabbing your audience’s attention, is an old trick in the book but always works wonders. Everyone loves to listen to stories especially from people who are known for the struggles or field. Even if people do not exactly relate to it, people would still love to listen to stories. Make sure you include only the ones sensible and relatable with your main points, or else people would think your speech is all over the place, and they would not be able to understand it anymore.

5. Make the audience want more.

This tip does not necessarily mean you leave your audience hanging with your inspirational speech. It means that you would drive your audience to want more ideas, information, and lessons about your inspirational speech. A sign that you left them wanting for more of your wisdom is right after your inspirational speech or the entire event, they would come up to you, ask you a lot of questions, and ask for any way to contact you. End your speech with a round of applause or a bang and never ever leave them with nothing to bring and that is the learning they can generate from your inspirational speech.

Motivational Speech Sample

Size: 177.7 KB

Simple Inspiration Speech Example

Size: 1.6 MB

Success and Failure Inspirational Speech

Size: 578.8 KB

Elements of an Inspirational Speech

Make sure you always include the following elements in your inspirational speech so that you will be able to write a successful, effective, and of course, inspirational speech:

1. Optimism

An optimistic inspirational speech would give and ignite hope to its readers. Make sure that your motivational speech truly delivers this element. One proof that your speech has successfully included this element in your inspirational speech is when right after your speech, your audience is filled with so much hope in their eyes that they are very much willing to change for the better or to continue becoming better because they have been inspired by your speech.

2. Call to Action

Your inspirational speech must always provide objectives that would call your audience to action. It is pointless to feel inspired but you do not actually act out what you have learned about. Also, make sure that what you are trying to call to action is something anyone can act out and are achievable. You may also see special occasion speech .

3. Passionate and Personal

A passionate inspirational speech often comes sincerely from the heart and mostly, the things that come from the heart are often based on experience. Making an inspirational speech out of personal experience makes our heart pour out These are the kinds of inspirational speeches move, appeal, and inspire people.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Create an Inspirational Speech on following your dreams.

Write an Inspirational Speech about the strength of diversity.

16 Best Graduation Speeches That Leave a Lasting Impression

Some of the most impactful and inspiring sentiments are shared during graduation speeches delivered by the leaders we look up to. Graduation speeches from celebrities , entrepreneurs, authors and other influential thinkers are motivational, inspiring, thought-provoking and just might make you reach for the nearest tissue. After four years of hard work, stress, and exhausting self-discovery, lucky graduates are privy to a life-changing speech to top it all off.

Here, we rounded up up 16 of the best graduation speeches of all time, including words of wisdom from Natalie Portman, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and more.

1. Steve Jobs: Stanford, 2005

"You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."

2. Michelle Obama: Tuskegee University, 2015

"I've found that this journey has been incredibly freeing. Because no matter what happened, I had the piece of mind knowing that all of the chatter, the name-calling, the doubting...all of it was just noise. It did not define me, it didn't change who I was, and most importantly, it couldn't hold me back."

3. Natalie Portman: Harvard, 2015

"I just directed my first film. I was completely unprepared, but my own ignorance to my own limitations looked like confidence and got me into the director's chair. Once there, I had to figure it all out, and my belief that I could handle these things, contrary to all evidence of my ability to do so was half the battle. The other half was very hard work. The experience was the deepest and most meaningful one of my career."

4. Amy Poehler: Harvard University, 2011

"What I have discovered is this: You can't do it alone … Listen. Say 'yes.' Live in the moment. Make sure you play with people who have your back. Make big choices early and often."

5. Meryl Streep: Barnard College, 2010

"This is your time and it feels normal to you but really there is no normal. There's only change, and resistance to it and then more change."

6. David Foster Wallace: Kenyon College, 2005

"Twenty years after my own graduation, I have come gradually to understand that the liberal arts cliché about teaching you how to think is actually shorthand for a much deeper, more serious idea: learning how to think really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think. It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose how you construct meaning from experience. Because if you cannot exercise this kind of choice in adult life, you will be totally hosed. Think of the old cliché about quote the mind being an excellent servant but a terrible master."

7. Barack Obama: Howard University, 2016

"You have to go through life with more than just passion for change; you need a strategy. I’ll repeat that. I want you to have passion, but you have to have a strategy. Not just awareness, but action. Not just hashtags, but votes."

8. Kerry Washington: George Washington University, 2013

"You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that can write the story that you were meant to tell."

9. Conan O'Brien: Dartmouth College, 2011

"There are few things more liberating in this life than having your worst fear realized. Today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality … Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen."

10. J.K. Rowling: Harvard, 2008

"I stopped pretending to be anything than what I was. My greatest fear had been realized. I had an old typewriter and a big idea. Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life."

11. Oprah Winfrey: Harvard University, 2013

"Learn from every mistake because every experience, encounter, and particularly your mistakes are there to teach you and force you into being more who you are. And then figure out what is the next right move. And the key to life is to develop an internal moral, emotional G.P.S. that can tell you which way to go."

12. Joss Whedon: Wesleyan University, 2013

"You have, which is a rare thing, that ability and the responsibility to listen to the dissent in yourself, to at least give it the floor, because it is the key—not only to consciousness–but to real growth. To accept duality is to earn identity. And identity is something that you are constantly earning. It is not just who you are. It is a process that you must be active in. It's not just parroting your parents or the thoughts of your learned teachers. It is now more than ever about understanding yourself so you can become yourself."

13. George Saunders: Syracuse University, 2013

"Do all the other things, the ambitious things … Travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes, swim naked in wild jungle rivers (after first having it tested for monkey poop)—but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness."

14. Nora Ephron: Wellesley College, 1996

"Be the heroine of your life, not the victim."

15. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Wellesley College, 2015

"As you graduate, as you deal with your excitement and your doubts today, I urge you to try and create the world you want to live in. Minister to the world in a way that can change it. Minister radically in a real, active, practical, get your hands dirty way."

16. Admiral William H. McRaven: University of Texas at Austin, 2014

"If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right."

• The 8 Best Movie Graduations of All Time
• The Six Products You Need to Look Great in Your Graduation Pics
• 27 Movies You Need to See Before Graduation—No Excuses

Enjoy this post? Rate it!

TED Talks | 6 Inspiring Speeches Every Student Should Watch!

Some speeches can change your life, and ted talks do just that. these 18 minute presentations are packed with insightful information designed to inspire and challenge you. as a student, being exposed to tips, information, and guidance from industry mentors can be a great way to foster learning skills. read on to find some brilliant mentors along the blog, table of contents, arel moodie – the secret to student success , kelli sandman-hurley – what is dyslexia , tim urban – inside the mind of a master procrastinator , margaret heffernan – dare to disagree , susan cain – the power of introverts , drew dudley – everyday leadership, key takeaways .

An acronym for Technology, Entertainment, and Design — TED is a platform that brings together industry professionals from across the globe. TED Talks have now evolved to become the gold standard for presentations in the consumer, education & business realms. 

Presentations on the TED platform use effective ways to communicate complex topics in an easy-to-understand way to a target audience. With the vast amount of topics available, choosing talks that inspire you can be beneficial for your academic career. 

Keep reading to discover 6 incredible TED Talks recommended for students! 

• A TED talk that is based on the concept of grit, Arel Moodie delivers an inspiring presentation about the struggles of student life. 
• From elementary school to college, Moodie discusses his struggles, highlighting the peaks & valleys that characterize any student journey. 
• Moodie uses his 18 minutes to share his experiences on the reality of growing up in a New York neighborhood. 
• The unique elements of his story will resonate with you. The message he delivers has a broader perspective to inspire any student who is willing to learn.

• Dyslexia is a condition that affects a significant portion of the student communities around the world (1 in 5 people). 
• It is, therefore, ‌likely that the peers you interact with may grapple with the struggles of having dyslexia. 
• Kelli Sandman-Hurley uses the TED Talks platform to explain the difficulty of language processing and the spectrum that dyslexia presents. 
• This is a talk that will help you recognize and celebrate the neurodiversity of student brain development. 
• Sandman-Hurley also emphasizes the use of labels in the student community, and how uniqueness does not require any conformity.

• Arguably one of the most popular TED Talks among the student community, this is a presentation by blogger Tim Urban. 
• If you struggle with meeting deadlines primarily because of your procrastination, this talk will help you recognize the why behind your inaction. 
• In this hilarious and interactive presentation, Urban discusses anxiety with unnecessary procrastination. 
• As a part of the talk, you will take away several simple time management tips to help improve the quality of your output. 

• Margaret Heffernan was the former CEO of 5 independent businesses and has now evolved to become a leader in ‌women entrepreneurship. 
• In this motivational speech for students, Heffernan explains the importance of standing up for what you believe in or what you believe is right. 
• She goes on to explain that disagreement is not always a bad thing! In fact, bringing up a topic you disagree on is a contributor to the success of a group or team. 
• This is primarily because disagreements bring to light key issues that need discussion, significantly eliminating any weaker points in strategy. 

• Extroverts are recognized for their ability to be the life of the party. They are often seen and heard quite easily. 
• Modern society may emphasize extroversion, but if you are an introvert, you may be wondering — what can I bring to the table?
• Susan Cain challenges the societal perception of extroversion by discussing the power of knowing your inner self. 
• Throughout the presentation, Cain traces the cultural path of extroversion’s value over introversion. Her arguments include personal and historical examples to better connect with you. 
• With this talk, you will soon begin recognizing the balance needed between extroversion and introversion – allowing you to embrace all aspects of becoming a social being. 

• Drew Dudley is a leadership author whose quick wit and humor will keep you engaged with his words till the end of his talk. 
• In this TED talk, Dudley urges students to redefine what it means to be a figure of leadership. 
• Leadership is often seen as the quality presented by someone whose aim is to change the world; a prestige that is often earned. 
• However, Dudley brings to light how everyday circumstances can give you unique opportunities to bring out the leader in you. 
• With anecdotes and examples, a key piece of knowledge that you will take away from this talk is the power of being a leader in your everyday life. 

• TED Talks have evolved to become an online platform bustling with discussions and speeches by industry leaders and mentors. 
• As a student, engaging with inspiring and thought-provoking content is a great way to increase your knowledge, awareness, and exposure to life skills. 
• TED Talks often cover a wide range of topics across different industries. You can be sure to find a myriad of topics that interest and fascinate you. 
• Listed in this blog are 6 excellent talks for students to enjoy every day! 

We hope you found this blog informative. Don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts! You can also get in touch with us if you have any doubts. 

Liked this blog? Read: Top 5 motivational stories every student should know | Get inspired today!

Q1. Can I listen to a TED talk in a language other than English? 

Answer – Absolutely! TED Talks are screened in over 100 different languages, allowing you to choose the tongue that you are most comfortable with. 

Q2. Are the presentations on-the-spot?

Answer – While the presentations and speeches may seem spontaneous, don’t be fooled! Hours of preparation go into creating engaging, creative, and stimulating content. 

Q3. Do speakers of TED Talks use visual aids & props? 

Answer – Yes! In most of the videos you come across, speakers will use visual aids & props to communicate information in an easy-to-understand and engaging way. Also, be sure to note the hand gestures and body language adopted by the speaker when communicating their ideas. A lot of thought goes into a presentation shared on this platform.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 6

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

People also liked

Need of motivational quotes for students to study hard

Top quotes to wish luck for exam

10 incredible top women CTOs to follow

Top 9 famous philosophers of the 1900s

Top 10 YouTubers in India

100 famous quotes and thoughts in English to brighten your day!

1 thought on “ted talks | 6 inspiring speeches every student should watch”, see what others are saying.

This was such an inspiring read.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please enter an answer in digits: 5 × two =

Start your journey with iSchoolConnect

Need help with your study abroad applications? Try iSchoolConnect for free!

• Study in USA
• Study in UK
• Study in Canada
• Study in Australia
• Study in France
• Study in Netherlands
• Study in Ireland
• Study in Germany
• Study in New Zealand
• GRE Exam 2024
• GMAT Exam 2024
• IELTS Exam 2024
• TOEFL Exam 2024
• SAT Exam 2024
• PTE Exam 2024
• Student visa for USA 2024
• Student visa for Canada 2024
• Student visa for UK 2024
• How to choose a university for study abroad
• How to choose a career?
• University interview tips
• How to apply?
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Essay and Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Study abroad Document checklist
• Finance documents for study abroad
• Cost of studying abroad
• How to apply for abroad scholarships
• Types of scholarships for study abroad
• Student loan for Study abroad
• Accommodation Abroad
• Part-time jobs in abroad
• Calculate your chances of studying abroad
• Calculate cost of studying abroad
• Which scholarship are you eligible for?

Where to Study?

Tests and Preparation

Visa Process

Programs and Universities

Application Process

Fees and Finances

Calculators

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?

Related Posts

15+ BEST Blogs About Minimalism and Decluttering

This post is all about the best blogs on minimalism that you will find on the internet.

Top 125 Inspirational Alpha Leader Quotes for Life

Here are the best alpha leader quotes if you are looking to level up your leadership or just become a better all-around person.

44 Inspirational Barbie Movie Quotes & Captions

You have found the best inspirational Barbie quotes in this post, by all your favorite characters from the movie

Join the Imperfect Taylor Newsletter!

Stay in the know! Every week you’ll receive new blog posts that help you on your personal development journey – from mindset & money to health & career – no topic’s off limits.

About Taylor

A few years after graduating college, Taylor made it her mission to become debt free. After paying off all $60k of debt, she began to blog about what she's really passionate about: personal development. Nowadays, Taylor blogs about the topics of Mindset, Money, Health, and Career for women. Read more about Taylor here.

"It's Per$onal" is a super popular and anonymous blog series about the personal lives and finances of women all over the world. Check it out!

If you like this post, you might like these, too!

The 12 Best Law of Attraction Apps for Manifestation

25 Inspiring Quotes: Do Something Today For Future You

10 examples of motivational speeches

By BBC Maestro

• Share on Facebook
• Share via email

Whether you need to deliver a motivational speech and are looking for a little help in writing a rousing speech, or you need some inspiration in your personal and professional life, you can’t go wrong with watching a great motivational speech.    But with so many options out there, which ones are worth a watch? Take a look we’re at our top picks of inspiring speeches to motivate and excite you.

Jim Carrey: Speech at Maharishi University of Management, 2014 

Several of the speeches on this list are commencement speeches – and for good reason. Graduating students are moving onto the next stage of life, which is a big step, full of uncertainty.     A commencement speech offers the perfect opportunity for guidance, wise words – and Jim Carrey delivered it in spades during his speech at  Maharishi University of Management  in 2014.    As you might expect from Carrey, he never misses an opportunity to crack a joke – but there are plenty of soft, sentimental moments, too. He encourages the graduating class not to fear what’s out there, but to be bold and “ask the universe” for what they dream of.     Whatever your dreams are, Carrey implores, you should follow them – because even if you fail, it’s better than not trying at all. 

Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action 

Simon Sinek’s TED Talk  is one of the most popular ever, with over 62,000,000 views since it was released in 2009.     In the talk, he explains his simple, yet powerful, model for inspirational leadership, focused on the Golden Circle which comprises three questions: “why?”, “what?” and “how?”.    The talk is engaging, with plenty of real-life stories included to help make abstract concepts more concrete. But as well as being a motivational talk that’s a must-watch for business leaders, it’s notable for how it’s changed the face of business.    Whereas in the past, business leaders often focused on what they did, the emphasis for many today is on the ‘why’. Starting with why they do what they do paves the path to success for customers, employees and overall business success. 

Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability 

Being vulnerable is sometimes seen as a weakness. But Brené Brown argued in her  2010 TED Talk  that shame about being vulnerable holds us back from experiencing true connections with others – and from finding joy and creativity.    By telling personal anecdotes and speaking directly to the audience, Brown makes the audience feel like part of a community. The speech – and the ideas presented – not only resonated with the audience of that particular TED Talk, but with the millions of viewers who’ve watched it since and embraced having the courage to be vulnerable. 

Sylvester Stallone: ‘Beat you to your knees’ speech 

Fictional characters can deliver motivational speeches as well as any real-life person, and this one  delivered by Sylvester Stallone  in the 2006 movie Rocky Balboa is one of the best examples out there.    Rocky delivers a powerful message to his son, Robert, about the challenges he’ll face in life. Robert feels as though he’s overshadowed by his father’s famous name and accomplishments, while working in a job he doesn’t find fulfilling.     But Rocky wants him to understand that the limitations he faces in life are self-imposed. He wants to remind him of the values that have shaped his own journey – hard work, determination, resilience and taking responsibility for his own life.    Rocky hopes to inspire his son to embrace his own potential and take control of his future. Delivered with passion and gusto, the speech inspires not just Robert, but the film’s viewers as well. 

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die 

In his  2005 commencement speech  at Stanford University, Steve Jobs shared his personal experiences and insights to encourage graduates to pursue their passions and take risks in life.    He once heard a quote that said, “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right”. It made an impression on him, and he tried to live by that ethos – particularly so after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2004. 

He explained that:    “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”    Jobs then went on to implore the graduating students to live life on their own terms, and not to let the opinions of others sway them. 

Michelle Obama: 2016 commencement speech 

Michelle Obama’s commencement speech  to the 2016 class at City College of New York was her 23rd and last as First Lady.    She celebrated the diversity of the graduating class and encouraged them to embrace that diversity and help build a more inclusive society, drawing on anecdotes from her own personal life and background. Their education would help them to do this, she explained.    She also inspired the class to find their own individual ways to make a positive impact on the world, emphasising that even small actions can have a big impact.     It was a motivating speech for the graduating class as they stepped out into the world, but it’s also a message that all of us reading the speech can take with us as we navigate day-to-day life. 

Al Pacino: ‘Inch by inch’ speech from Any Given Sunday 

In 1999 film Any Given Sunday, Al Pacino plays a veteran football coach named Tony D’Amato. In this famous speech from the film, Tony delivers a rousing message to his team about teamwork, perseverance and giving it your all.    As you’d expect from Al Pacino, t he monologue  is delivered with power and passion, making the team – and viewers – sit up and take notice.    But it’s not just applicable to football – the message resonates far beyond that. He talks passionately about how every minute counts, a motivational message that viewers can take into any area of their lives. 

David Foster Wallace: This is water 

The late author David Foster Wallace delivered a  commencement speech in 2005  to the graduating class at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. It was since turned into a book titled ‘This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life’.    In it, Wallace proposed to the students that our default mode of thinking is self-centred. He encouraged them to cultivate more awareness of the world around them and change the way we interact with others.    He also challenged listeners to revaluate the daily grind. Instead of being dulled by the mundanity of everyday life, Wallace asked the class to recognise the beauty and complexity of routine and day-to-day life, finding mindfulness and intentionality in the mundane. 

These motivational speeches should give you plenty of food for thought. And if you need to write a speech of your own, overcome a fear of public speaking, or want to learn how to speak with confidence and charisma, take a look at Richard Greene’s BBC Maestro course,  Public Speaking and Communication.

See related courses

Richard Greene

Public Speaking and Communication

Doreen Lawrence

Finding the Inner Strength

James Nestor

The Power of Your Breath

Storytelling

Give the gift of knowledge

Surprise a special someone with a year's access to BBC Maestro or gift them a single course.

Thanks for signing up to receive your free lessons

Check your inbox - they’re on the way!

Oops! Something went wrong

Please try again later

Get started with free lessons

Unlock your passion, sign up today

By joining the mailing list I consent to my personal data being processed by Maestro Media in accordance with the privacy notice .

Words of Wisdom: 10 Inspirational Graduation Speeches

• Share article

Recently, Education Week and Education Week Teacher asked readers to send us 2012 high school commencement addresses that inspired them. Below you’ll find graduation remarks delivered by a superintendent, a judge, a school board member, a corporate executive, and, of course, students. In addition to the speeches submitted by readers, Education Week Commentary Intern Ellen Wexler scoured the Internet for stirring language from other high school commencement speakers. Read on, and feel free to add your own advice for the class of 2012 in the online comments section below.

I challenge you all to take everything you’ve learned from every experience, conversation, and lesson plan with you into the real world and make the best of it. No, it’s not going to be easy, nor will success knock on your door tomorrow night, but I want for you all to continue to make PROGRESS. Whether it be in school, at work, or just becoming a better person in life, always, always, always continue to make progress.

Gavin Barner Student Greensboro College Middle College, Greensboro, N.C. May 18, 2012 Read the full speech. (PDF)

Always remember, good ideas may come at you very rarely in life. Seize them, grab them, and act on them.

William A. Clark Manheim Central School District Superintendent Manheim Central High School, Manheim, Pa. June 8, 2012 Read the full speech. (PDF)

First, I believe that the world is not as ugly as it sounds. There is undue pressure put upon graduating classes that they need to go forth into society and fix it completely. We are led to think that we’re being sent off into a sick and tired planet Earth, full of chaos and disaster, on the brink of destruction, and we are supposed to roll up our sleeves like an old World War II poster and clean up the mess. But while we do owe a service to the world, I believe in a brighter outlook.

The world is not ugly, or broken. It is just much older than us, and has aged accordingly. ... It is easy to be scared by the horrors of the daily news, but I believe that it is our job to seek the good of it all—the good that will always exist amidst opposition.

Jenna Donahue President, Class of 2012 Avon High School, Avon, Conn. June 15, 2012 Read the full speech.

Complexity, diversity, and pace of change will characterize the business environment of the future, and you will necessarily have to compete in that environment by embracing change. It cannot be assumed for a minute that what was done, or was relied upon yesterday, will be viable tomorrow. ...

Don’t be satisfied with answers that are correct. Instead, train yourself to always look for better ways, better answers. Don’t settle for just being a good and competent employee. Be creative. Be innovative. See the big picture. You will have a huge advantage in the new industrial world. ...

Finally, make sure you learn to communicate well. Communication is perhaps the least-emphasized skill set in most educational programs, but I guarantee you that communication will be the ultimate key to your success.

Tom Brady Chairman, Plastic Technologies Inc.; Chairman, TECHS Governance Board Toledo Early College High School, Toledo, Ohio May 25, 2012 Read the full speech. (PDF)

I’d like to share with you just four recommendations on how to maximize the experience of college and prepare for later success in life:

• Be the first one to ask a question in class, and even more importantly, in large lecture halls. You’ll get noticed by your professors ... and, eventually, develop a relationship with your professors.
• Exercise every day.
• Take the lead to form study groups for one or more of your classes: The annual Harvard freshman study shows that students in study groups are happier and achieve higher grades than those who do all their work alone.
• Be a hero to someone. ...

Remember the words of Horace Mann in his last commencement speech in 1859: “Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.”

Patrick F. Bassett President, National Association of Independent Schools Fountain Valley School of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colo. June 26, 2012 Read the full speech. (PDF)

Character is not created with a single act, no matter how brilliant or bold. It is forged in the smallest of struggles, the product of a thousand, thousand strokes. Your tool for carving your character’s template lies, in the words of the poet Robert Lowell, within your “peculiar power to choose.” Ultimately, it is the choice of the fundamental over the frivolous, preferring what is true over what’s accepted, the choosing of what is right over what is easy.

Gary Brochu President, Berlin, Conn., Board of Education Berlin High School, Berlin, Conn. June 17, 2012 Read the full speech.

You’ve learned who you are and what needs to be done to build a better tomorrow. ... And it doesn’t have to be what we’ve done. Soccer players have stopped civil wars. The Innocence Project is ending wrongful imprisonment. Doctors stopped smallpox. Start an art studio, write inspiring folk music, build a soup kitchen. ... [M]ake a billion dollars and give it away. Just do something that makes you happy.

Elliott Witney School Leader, KIPP Academy KIPP Houston High School, Houston June 2, 2012

We were only in 2nd grade when the planes hit the World Trade Center, and we were only teenagers when the economy started to collapse. It’s hard to be so sure about your own future when the world doesn’t seem to know its own future.

But it is the generations that faced the most that turn out to make the biggest difference. We are one of those generations.

Will Eichhorn Co-valedictorian Perry Hall High School, Baltimore June 1, 2012

Is it really that difficult to find in ourselves the motivation and perseverance to keep fighting for a brighter future? All it takes is to believe that it is possible—that it is possible for us to achieve our goal, our dream. Our past is crucial for our future. We must use our past experiences to transform ourselves into an intellectual, responsible man or intellectual, responsible woman. ...

I believe that a person who endures unexpected challenges and hardship, yet emerges with an undefeated smile and a modest character, is a great leader. We must believe that we can be like those leaders and surpass what life gives us. Believing in ourselves is the greatest challenge. But believing in ourselves can also be our greatest accomplishment.

Fatima Salgado Student John Hancock High School, Chicago June 8, 2012

It was easier for me, nearly 50 years ago, than it is for you today, to believe in some basic and unchanging truths, to aspire to a code of conduct that was largely accepted as setting the standard for governing one’s actions, and to hold fast to traditional concepts of integrity and honesty. Fifty years ago, there was something akin to a generally accepted social compact, defining what was expected of people in their personal lives. The lines between right and wrong, between morality and immorality, between acceptable conduct and conduct that was to be condemned, were brighter and clearer and more easily drawn in 1965 than they are in 2012. ... You can accept personal responsibility for your actions and for your life. You do not need to be dependent on others to care for you, to protect you, to provide for you, and most importantly, to make decisions for you. Once you become dependent on others, you will discover that it is the caregiver, not you, who will determine not only how to satisfy your needs but, ultimately, what your needs are. You will sacrifice for perceived security your personal freedom to choose and chart your own course. You must not accept a life of dependency and mediocrity and forgo the opportunity to achieve great things by accepting the challenge of self-reliance.

Victor Ludwig Staunton, Va., Circuit Court Judge; President, Robert E. Lee High School Class of 1965 Robert E. Lee High School, Staunton, Va. June 2, 2012

Deputy Commentary Editor Mary-Ellen Phelps Deily contributed to this report. A version of this article appeared in the July 18, 2012 edition of Education Week

Sign Up for EdWeek Update

Edweek top school jobs.

Sign Up & Sign In

Take Our Free DISC Personalities Assessment!

10 Motivational Speeches That Will Inspire You to Take Action Today

In this article:, share this article.

Whether you’re looking to increase team productivity or turn your daydreams into a reality, motivation is key. But, in the day-to-day of working life, it’s easy to lose sight of end goals and become distracted. Thankfully, the wise words of entrepreneurs, writers, and fictional characters can offer a reinvigorating perspective. The following motivational speeches may give you the push you need to reach your full potential.

1. Steve Jobs: How to Live Before You Die (2005)

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

In this commencement address, the CEO and co-founder of Apple Inc. shared one of the keys to his success: love. His love for the work he did kept him excited about going to work every day and working toward new goals. Often, there is a big difference between what you want versus what other people want for you . Discovering what you’re passionate about, and working toward it with achievable goals , will lead you to success and satisfaction. This is why it is our staff’s number one pick for motivational speeches that will inspire you to take action today. 

2. Ellie (Jodie Foster) Meets An Alien In  Contact  (1997)

“You’re an interesting species, an interesting mix. You are capable of such beautiful dreams, and such horrible nightmares. You feel so lost, so cut off, so alone. Only you’re not. See, in all our searching, the only thing that we’ve found that makes the emptiness bearable… is each other.”

While this Sci-Fi classic might seem removed from reality, it offers uplifting advice for the workplace and beyond. In this scene, Ellie finally makes contact with an alien who offers insight into the human condition and the larger universe. To apply the alien’s words to the workplace, think of the power of teamwork. Establishing a diverse and talented team can improve employee happiness and performance. For example, burnout is a common problem at companies. Sharing the workload,  and knowing you can rely on team members and managers for support, can re-motivate employees. When the going gets tough, it’s a comfort to know you’re not alone. 

3. Timo’s (Rick Gonzales) Answer In Coach Carter (2005)

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

In this scene, Timo, a member of the basketball team central to the movie, responds to the question the coach asks throughout the movie: “What is your greatest fear?” Timo’s words touch on the importance of self-efficacy. By believing in yourself, you can deepen your interest and commitment to a given task, and recover faster from setbacks . If you lead a team or company, others will soon be influenced by your can-do attitude. So, stop fearing your own power and shine.

4. Chris (Will Smith) Gives His Son Advice In the Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

“Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.”

In a world full of naysayers, it’s easy to become discouraged. In this scene from the heart-warming film, Chris offers his son priceless advice: to pursue his dreams mercilessly, without letting other peoples’ ideas of him get in the way. While this motivational speech is noble and beautiful, you might find it challenging to apply to your own life. Here’s where building a strategic plan — with short- and long-term goals— can make pursuing your dreams concrete. With a clear and concise vision for the future, you can put these words into action.

5. Rosalinde Torres: What it Takes to be a Great Leader

“So what makes a great leader in the 21st century? I’ve met many, and they stand out. They are women and men who are preparing themselves not for the comfortable predictability of yesterday but also for the realities of today and all of those unknown possibilities of tomorrow.”

Rosalinde Torres asserts that exceptional leaders are attuned to the world around them. They pay attention to the latest trends in their field and aren’t afraid to abandon tried and true practices for ones that are the future. Basically, she’s advising the opposite of that popular saying, “Keep your head down.” Because, if you do that, you’ll end up reacting to the future instead of making it. Further, you won’t benefit from a broadened perspective that includes different cultures, industries, and readings. Ask yourself, “When is the last time I looked around me and toward the future?” This is the start of great leadership.

6. John Keating’s (Robin Williams) Motivational Speech About Seizing the Day From Dead Poets Society (1989)

​​” Because you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? – – Carpe – – hear it? – – Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary.”

John Keating motivates his students with a simple sentiment— seize the day. It might seem like a cliché, but it’s a useful sentiment for those stuck in careers they don’t like or struggling to achieve their next milestone. Most working people will spend around 8 hours a day at the office; that’s a lot of time to spend on something you dislike. So, if you’re feeling uninspired or sick of your career, take Mr. Keating’s advice and don’t waste any more time. What are your strengths and weaknesses and how can your harness them into a fulfilling career?

7. Jim Carrey: Commencement Motivational Speech at Maharishi University of Management (2014)

“When I was about 28, after a decade as a professional comedian, I realized one night in LA that the purpose of my life had always been to free people from concern, just like my dad. And when I realized this, I dubbed my new devotion the Church of Freedom From Concern, the Church of FFC. And I dedicated myself to that ministry. What’s yours? How will you serve the world? What did they need that your talent can provide? That’s all you have to figure out.”

The comedian’s advice for a successful and rewarding life is simple: find how you want to serve the world, and pursue it. While it may take years of exploring to find your talent, sometimes it can be as simple as stepping back and reflecting on those moments when you felt yourself excelling and having an impact on others. Finding your calling might seem overwhelming, but asking yourself what the world needs that you can provide will surely set things in motion. 

8. Rocky’s (Sylvester Stallone) Motivational Speech to His Son In Rocky Balboa  (2006)

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”

Rocky’s motivational speech is all about not letting failure define you. This is good advice, no matter your industry. In 2019, 90% of startups failed . But, many successful business people, including Bill Gates and Walt Disney, failed before they succeeded. So, even if the odds are against your, it doesn’t helo to fixate on the negative. In fact, a positive attitude can improve mental and physical health , which will improve your performance in the workplace.

9. Dan Pink: The Puzzle of Motivation (2009)

“There is a mismatch between what science knows and what business does. Here is what science knows. One: Those 20th century rewards, those motivators we think are a natural part of business, do work, but only in a surprisingly narrow band of circumstances. Two: Those if-then rewards often destroy creativity. Three: The secret to high performance isn’t rewards and punishments, but that unseen intrinsic drive– the drive to do things for their own sake. The drive to do things cause they matter.”

There is an outdated belief that rewards and punishments are vital to improving employee performance. Pink argues that intrinsic drive— doing things because of internal satisfaction as opposed to external factors—is the real secret to high performance. So, whether you’re a manager or a new employee, consider why your work matters. Aside from your salary, what gets you to work every day? If these questions are hard to answer, you might need to incorporate or seek out a more creative approach. Pink gives the example of companies giving employees flexible schedules, where they can use their time as they want to accomplish set tasks. The schedule allows for more creativity and independence, and thus improves employee performance.

10. Coach Tony D’Amato’s (Al Pacino) Motivational Speech In Any Given Sunday (1999)

“I’ll tell you this, in any fight it’s the guy whose willing to die whose gonna win that inch. And I know, if I’m gonna have any life anymore it’s because I’m still willing to fight and die for that inch, because that’s what living is, the six inches in front of your face. Now I can’t make you do it. You’ve got to look at the guy next to you, look into his eyes. Now I think you going to see a guy who will go that inch with you. Your gonna see a guy who will sacrifice himself for this team because he knows when it comes down to it your gonna do the same for him.”

This emotional scene drives home an important point: There is no “i” in team. Both entrepreneurs and executives who work their way up the corporate ladder know that they won’t achieve success all on their own. Attracting and retaining exceptional team members is the foundation of any lasting business. So, think about the skills you’re looking for in an employee and implement a process that’ll allow you to root out those people who will go the extra inch for you. If you’re not in a leadership position, think about the skills that will make you an invaluable hire. 

The Bottom Line on Motivational Speeches

No matter what industry you’re in, you can harness the wisdom of real and fictional characters to achieve your wildest dreams. So, get out there, explore your interests, make connections, and create a fulfilling career.

Related Readings on Motivation

• Four Basic Motivations of Employees
• Extrinsic Motivation in the Office
• The Value of Intrinsic Motivation on Employees
• 25 Powerful Leadership Quotes That Will Motivate You

Uncover your strengths and weaknesses with our complimentary assessment. Boost your effectiveness at work and with your team.

Free Resource Library Access our extensive collection of valuable resources for instant support in your personal and professional growth.

Explore Our Course Library Enhance your leadership skills with our diverse selection of courses. Take your abilities to the next level and become a more effective leader and team player.

Workin’ hard or hardly workin’?

When your worst fears come true.

A Manager’s Guide for Introducing DISC Assessment Scoring Guide PDF

Testimonials, our clients love the professional leadership institute.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

• Trevor Throness
• Free DISC Assessment

Useful Links

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Join Us on Social

Start typing and press enter to search, start learning today, for individuals.

Unlock your potential and accelerate your career with sought-after management and leadership skills.

Transform Your Organization

Book a consultation to discuss your challenges and discover how we can help you build a winning team.

Sign Up For Weekly Tips!

Get Weekly Coaching Tips Straight To Your Inbox Every Monday.