If you watch the news, you’ve probably seen reporters, journalists, and news anchors read scripted reports about the changes going on in our world. You may find that these teleprompter speeches don’t feel as authentic as the short clips that you see on social media of everyday people giving emotional, passionate speeches in the street, inspiring millions of viewers. These impromptu speeches seem to perfectly capture the emotions of entire social movements. What’s the secret?

One strength lies in the power of free speech. One of the aims of free speech is to protect the weak and give a voice to the powerless. Sometimes, the only way one person can spark nationwide change is by voicing their opinion loud enough for everyone to hear. In the age of the internet, this has become easier than ever. An ordinary person can post a video on social media and get millions of views, likes, and shares. These days, everyone knows that the internet is where they can make their voice heard.

The second idea is understanding what it means to protest. What often draws you into a speech is the raw demonstration of emotion that comes from personal experience. For example, in the recent Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, people have come together to protest discrimination and violence inflicted on Black communities. If you look up videos of peaceful protests, you’ll hear speakers give impassioned speeches filled with personal stories and powerful statements that call out the emotions that people are feeling: “hurt,” “angry,” and “tired.” Protest speeches also emphasize positive emotions like “hope” and “strength” to unite people around the idea of a better world. Naomi Jones is one of the many individuals that recently spoke up about her thoughts on the BLM movement: “If you act in love, then you can change in love, and change will come to pass.” (You can view her full speech here.)

"If you act in love, then you can change in love, and change will come to pass."

Naomi Jones

The amplification of voices through the BLM movement has proven to be impactful. But there are still many people who are afraid to speak up for their rights. Why? Many people have fears around hurting their public image or feeling vulnerable. However, this vulnerability is a critical part about speaking up. Those who push past their fears and speak up will find many other people who share their same hurt, pain, and similar experiences.

What truly makes protest speeches so powerful is that the voice of one person speaks for many voices that were hindered from speaking up themselves. These speeches may not be rehearsed, and they probably don’t follow a particular outline. They’re raw. They’re powerful. They represent entire communities coming together to make their voices heard.

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Mirella Eldridge

Mirella is involved in the community as an executive board member on the Peer Multicultural Educators Board, Residential Student Leader, and TedxYouth Organizing Committee. She is passionate about public speaking and all that it entails.

So To Speak