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6 Motivational Speech Examples

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Motivational Speech Examples

We’ve compiled six powerful examples of motivational speeches that are sure to resonate with your audience.

From short and sweet to longer and more in-depth, these speeches cover a range of topics and styles.

So, whether you’re looking to motivate a team, inspire a crowd, or simply share some words of wisdom, keep reading to discover six motivational speech examples that will leave a lasting impact.

1. The Power of Perseverance

Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to talk about the power of perseverance. Life is full of challenges, setbacks, and obstacles. But it’s not about how many times you get knocked down; it’s about how many times you get back up.

The truth is that success rarely comes easily. It requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. But here’s the good news: every one of us has the strength and resilience within us to overcome any obstacle that comes our way.

Think about a time in your life when you faced a challenge that seemed insurmountable. Maybe it was a difficult project at work, a personal struggle, or a goal that seemed out of reach. Now, think about how you felt when you finally overcame that challenge. The sense of pride, accomplishment, and empowerment that comes with persevering through adversity is unlike anything else.

So, my challenge to you today is this: embrace perseverance. When you face a setback, don’t give up. When you encounter an obstacle, find a way around it. And when you feel like quitting, recall why you started in the first place. Because the power of perseverance isn’t just about reaching your goals; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself along the way.

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This short motivational speech focuses on the power of perseverance and encourages the audience to embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. It’s suitable for a variety of occasions, such as a team-building event, a graduation ceremony, or a personal development seminar.

2. The Importance of Kindness

Kindness. It’s a simple word, but it holds so much power. In a society that can often feel divided and disconnected, kindness can bring us together and make a real difference in the lives of those around us.

But what does it mean to be kind? It’s more than just being polite or doing the occasional good deed. True kindness comes from a place of empathy, compassion, and understanding. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and treating them with the same respect and care that you would want for yourself.

Kindness can take many forms. It can be a smile to a stranger on the street, a helping hand to a friend in need, or a simple word of encouragement to someone who is struggling. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or a heroic act. Even the smallest acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, spreading positivity and goodwill far beyond the initial interaction.

But kindness isn’t just about making others feel good; it’s also about the impact it has on our own lives. When we choose to be kind, we create a sense of connection and belonging that can boost our happiness and well-being. We become part of something bigger than ourselves, contributing to a more compassionate and caring community.

So, my challenge to you today is to make kindness a priority in your life. Look for opportunities to show empathy and compassion to those around you. Be the person who lifts others, and spreads positivity and light wherever you go. Because in a society that can often feel dark and uncertain, kindness is the spark that can ignite change and make a real difference.

Commentary: This medium-length motivational speech emphasizes the importance of kindness and encourages the audience to make empathy and compassion a priority in their lives. It’s suitable for events focused on community-building, social responsibility, or personal growth.

3. Embracing Change

Change. It’s a word that can evoke feelings of fear, uncertainty, and discomfort. But what if I told you that change is also the key to growth, progress, and personal transformation?

Think about the most significant moments of growth and development in your life. Chances are, they all involved some element of change. Whether it is starting a new job, moving to a new city, or taking on a new challenge, change is what pushes us out of our comfort zones and forces us to adapt, learn, and evolve.

But embracing change isn’t always easy. It requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to step into the unknown. It means letting go of the familiar and comfortable to make room for something new and potentially better.

However, the rewards of embracing change are immeasurable. When we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities, we expand our horizons and discover new possibilities. We learn more about ourselves, our strengths, and our potential. We become more adaptable, more resilient, and more capable of handling whatever life throws our way.

So, how can we learn to embrace change in our lives? It starts with shifting our mindset. Instead of viewing change as a threat or a burden, try to see it as an opportunity for growth and adventure. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. And most importantly, trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.

Keep in mind, that change is a natural and inevitable part of life. By learning to embrace it, we open ourselves up to a lifetime of endless possibilities and personal growth. So, don’t be afraid to take that leap of faith and step into the unknown. Who knows what incredible things await you on the other side?

Commentary: This long motivational speech encourages the audience to embrace change as an opportunity for growth and personal development. It’s suitable for events focused on leadership, career development, or life transitions.

4. The Power of Gratitude

Gratitude. It’s a simple concept, but one that has the power to transform our lives in profound ways. When we make a conscious effort to focus on the things we’re grateful for, we shift our perspective from one of scarcity and lack to one of abundance and appreciation.

But practicing gratitude isn’t always easy, especially when life gets tough. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, the challenges and setbacks, and forget to take a step back and appreciate all the good in our lives.

However, the benefits of cultivating a gratitude practice are well-documented. Studies have shown that people who regularly express gratitude experience greater happiness, improved relationships, better physical health, and even increased resilience when faced with adversity.

So, how can we make gratitude a regular part of our lives? It starts with small, simple actions. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, whether it’s a supportive friend, a warm cup of coffee, or a beautiful sunset. Keep a gratitude journal and write down a few things you’re thankful for each day. Express your appreciation to the people in your life who make a positive impact.

But gratitude isn’t just about feeling good; it’s also about taking action. When we feel grateful, we’re more likely to pay it forward and make a positive difference in the lives of others. We become more generous, more compassionate, and more connected to the people around us.

So, my challenge to you today is to make gratitude a daily practice. Start small, but be consistent. Notice the good in your life, and express your appreciation for it. And watch as your perspective shifts and your life begins to transform in ways you never thought possible.

Keep in mind, that gratitude is a choice. It’s a powerful tool that we all have access to, no matter what challenges we face. By choosing to focus on the good, we open ourselves up to a lifetime of positivity, abundance, and joy. So, let’s make gratitude a priority and watch as our lives, and the lives of those around us, begin to flourish.

Commentary: This lengthy motivational speech highlights the transformative power of gratitude and offers practical tips for incorporating it into daily life. It’s suitable for events focused on personal development, mindfulness, or cultivating a positive mindset.

5. Finding Your Purpose

Purpose. It’s a word that carries a lot of weight. It’s the driving force behind our actions, the fuel that propels us forward, and the compass that guides us through life’s twists and turns. But for many of us, finding our purpose can feel like an elusive and intimidating task.

We live in a society that often tells us that our worth is measured by external success and validation. We’re bombarded with messages about climbing the corporate ladder, achieving financial abundance, and living up to society’s expectations. But what if our true purpose lies beyond these superficial markers of success?

The truth is, our purpose is deeply personal and unique to each of us. It’s not about fitting into a predetermined mold or following someone else’s path. It’s about tapping into our passions, values, and talents, and using them to make a positive impact on the people around us.

So, how do we begin the journey of finding our purpose? It starts with self-reflection and introspection. Take time to explore your interests, your strengths, and the things that bring you joy. Ask yourself what kind of legacy you want to leave behind, and what makes you feel truly alive and fulfilled.

But finding your purpose isn’t just an internal process; it also involves taking action. Experiment with different paths and possibilities. Volunteer for causes that align with your values. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone.

Keep in mind, that finding your purpose is a lifelong journey. It’s not about reaching a final destination, but rather about embracing the process of growth and self-discovery. It’s about staying true to yourself, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. And it’s about using your unique gifts and talents to make a positive difference in the world.

So, my challenge to you today is to start the journey of finding your purpose. Take the first step, no matter how small or uncertain it may feel. Trust in the process, and have faith that your purpose will reveal itself in due time. And know that by living a life of purpose and meaning, you have the power to create a ripple effect of positivity and change that extends far beyond yourself.

Commentary: This lengthy motivational speech encourages the audience to embark on a journey of self-discovery to find their unique purpose in life. It’s suitable for events focused on personal growth, career development, or life transitions.

6. The Importance of Resilience

Resilience. It’s a quality that we all possess, but one that is often tested by the challenges and setbacks of life. It’s the ability to bounce back from adversity, to adapt to change, and to persevere when faced with obstacles. And in a society that is constantly shifting and evolving, resilience has never been more important.

But what does it mean to be resilient? It’s not about being invincible or immune to pain and struggle. It’s about having the courage to face our fears, the strength to pick ourselves up when we fall, and the wisdom to learn from our experiences.

Resilience is a muscle that we can all develop and strengthen over time. It’s about cultivating a mindset of growth and adaptability, and recognizing that setbacks and failures are not the end of the story, but rather opportunities for learning and growth.

So, how can we build our resilience when faced with life’s challenges? It starts with self-awareness and self-care. Take time to understand your strengths and limitations, and prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and loved ones who can offer encouragement and guidance when you need it most.

But resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges; it’s also about thriving despite them. It’s about finding meaning and purpose when faced with adversity and using our experiences to fuel our growth and development. It’s about recognizing that we are all works in progress and that every challenge we face is an opportunity to become a stronger, wiser, and more compassionate version of ourselves.

So, my challenge to you today is to embrace resilience as a way of life. When faced with a setback or challenge, don’t give up or give in to despair. Instead, tap into your inner strength and resources, and trust in your ability to overcome and grow from the experience.

Keep in mind that resilience is not about being perfect or invincible. It’s about being human, and recognizing that we all can adapt, evolve, and thrive when faced with life’s challenges. So, let’s cultivate our resilience, and use it as a tool for personal and collective growth and transformation.

Commentary: This lengthy motivational speech emphasizes the importance of resilience in life’s challenges and offers strategies for building and strengthening this essential quality. It’s suitable for events focused on personal development, overcoming adversity, or cultivating mental and emotional well-being.

Summing Up: Motivational Speeches to Inspire and Empower

Motivational speeches have the power to inspire, empower, and transform lives.

Whether you’re looking to motivate a team, encourage personal growth, or simply share some words of wisdom, these six examples demonstrate the diverse range of topics and styles that can be used to deliver a powerful and impactful message.

From embracing change and cultivating gratitude to finding purpose and building resilience, these speeches offer valuable insights and strategies for life’s challenges and opportunities.

By incorporating these themes and techniques into your motivational speeches, you can create a lasting impact on your audience and help them unlock their full potential.

So, the next time you’re called upon to deliver a motivational speech, remember the power of your words to inspire, empower, and transform.

Draw upon these examples as a source of guidance and inspiration, and trust in your ability to deliver a message that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impact.

The 24 Best Motivational Speeches Our Employees Have Ever Heard

Updated: July 19, 2023

Published: March 24, 2016

It was halftime during one of my 7th-grade football games. And we were losing 14 - 0. With our knees planted in the grass, my team was quietly huddled, drenched in sweat and defeat. Suddenly, it was game over.

That's when our assistant coach burst into our circle and shattered our pity party, delivering one of the best motivational speeches I've heard to this day.

I can't directly quote him because he said some inappropriate things for a blog post (and, in hindsight, probably for a bunch of 13-year-olds too).

The point is he harnessed the power of words to rejuvenate a physically and emotionally drained team. And we came back clawing to win the game.

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Motivational Speech

A motivational speech can come from anywhere or anyone, but it usually has a specific audience in mind.

Whether it's a graduation speech, an all-company meeting, a championship sporting event, or a conference keynote, these speeches are designed to change how their listeners see the challenges facing them in the future.

Like in sports, being motivated at work is crucial for your performance. This rings especially true when you have a looming deadline, an important meeting, or colleagues or customers depending on your performance.

Think about the last time you felt generally unmotivated. What brought you out of that feeling? Sometimes all it takes to get you going is a good night's sleep or witnessing the benefits of your labor.

Still, other times, you might listen to someone say something that resonates with you — that alters how you've been looking at a particular task or problem.

Motivational speeches and speakers can come in all different forms, but this is the one thing they have in common — resonance. They resonate with the right listener at the right time and in the right way.

Who knows, this article is doing some for you right now. (I can dream, can't I?)

We selected 24 of the best motivational speeches from business, sports, entertainment, and other fields to help you stay motivated no matter what your work throws at you. Watch these videos if you want to feel inspired by a project.

Trust me, I was wiping my eyes after I saw them. And while the messages vary from speech to speech, they can put you in the optimal frame of mind for tackling and crushing your next big challenge.

(Disclaimer: Some speeches may contain NSFW language.)

Elon Musk: "The Importance of Never Giving Up" (2020)

Angela Ahrendts: "Leading with Empathy" (2023)

Arianna Huffington: "The Power of Sleep" (2023)

Tim Cook: "Inclusion and Diversity" (2023)

J.K. Rowling: “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination” (2008)

Sheryl Sandberg: "Lean In" (2021)

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

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

Matthew McConaughey: "The Pursuit of Happiness" (2022)

Denzel Washington: "Fall Forward" (2011)

Vera Jones: “But the Blind Can Lead the Blind…” (2016)

Oprah Winfrey: "The Power of Self-Belief" (2020)

Charlie Day: Merrimack College Commencement Speech (2014)

Brené Brown: "The Power of Vulnerability" (2013)

Kobe Bryant: “The Path to Greatness" (2020)

David Foster Wallace: "This Is Water" (2005)

Carol Dweck: "The Growth Mindset" (2020)

Al Pacino: "Inch by Inch" (1999)

Satya Nadella: "Empowering Others" (2023)

Sylvester Stallone: Speech from Rocky Balboa (2006)

Will Smith: Speech from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Mel Robbins: "The 5 Second Rule" (2020)

Angela Duckworth: "The Power of Grit" (2020)

Kurt Russell: “This is Your Time” (2004)

The Best Motivational Speeches of All Time

1. elon musk: "the importance of never giving up" (2020), theme of speech: perseverance and resilience.

Elon Musk's "The Importance of Never Giving Up" speech about perseverance and determination is decisive.

In this speech, Musk emphasizes failing and learning from failures as keys to success. He recounts his life and career, demonstrating how he overcame challenges.

One key takeaway from Musk's speech is his advice to adopt a growth mindset.

Musk encourages listeners to view setbacks as learning experiences. He also highlights the value of perseverance, persistence, and taking risks.

Elon Musk's word serves as an upbeat reminder that perseverance, patience, and the desire to attempt things repeatedly in the face of difficulty are essential for success.

"If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it."

2. Angela Ahrendts: "Leading with Empathy" (2023)

Theme of the speech: empathetic leadership....

The "Leading with Empathy" talk by Angela Ahrendts emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and compassion in leadership.

According to Ahrendts, leaders must view their employees as whole people with lives outside of work. Leaders can instill trust, respect, and mutual support in their employees and organizations.

Ahrendts emphasizes the importance of team mission as well. Leaders can inspire their teams by connecting them to a greater goal.

She believes that working together fosters creativity, innovation, and growth.

"Leading with Empathy" is a powerful reminder that leadership requires more than technical knowledge. To truly inspire and motivate their employees, leaders must understand their emotional needs and create a supportive, inclusive environment.

"Empathy is the glue that holds relationships together, whether they are personal or professional."

3. Arianna Huffington: "The Power of Sleep" (2023)

Theme of the speech: sleep and productivity.

The Huffington Post's founder, Arianna Huffington, emphasized the importance of sleep to overall health. In her 2023 speech, "The Power of Sleep," she discusses how sleep deprivation affects our health, productivity, and happiness.

Huffington observes that we have been taught to sacrifice sleep for success. She also mentions that well-rested employees are more creative, efficient, and effective.

To address these issues, Huffington proposes a cultural shift that recognizes sleep as essential to health and wellness.

She advises individuals and organizations to prioritize sleep, avoid technology before bedtime, and create a restful sleep environment. Sleep, according to Huffington, is a necessity, not a luxury.

By recognizing the importance of sleep, people and businesses can enhance their health, productivity, and general well-being.

Arianna Huffington's "The Power of Sleep" speech in 2023 emphasizes the importance of sleep and the dangers of sleep deprivation.

It promotes a culture where getting enough sleep is essential for health and well-being.

"Sleep is the Swiss Army knife of health, it does everything."

4. Tim Cook: "Inclusion and Diversity" (2023)

Theme of the speech: inclusion and diversity.

Apple CEO Tim Cook advocates for inclusion and diversity. He has been instrumental in the company's initiatives to advance fairness and equality inside its ranks and across the technology sector.

Cook has prioritized diversity and inclusion at Apple because he believes it is proper and necessary for innovation and business success.

Unconscious bias training, diverse recruitment, and employee resource groups contributed to his success.

Outside of Apple, Cook has advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and immigration reform. He has raised awareness of these issues and advocated for social change as a business leader.

Tech leaders and others have lauded Cook's commitment to diversity and inclusion. He has raised awareness of these issues, leading to significant change at Apple and elsewhere.

"Inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords, they are fundamental values that drive innovation and creativity."

5. J.K. Rowling: “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination” (2008)

Theme of speech: failure.

In J.K. Rowling's 2008 Harvard commencement speech, the Harry Potter author explored how two phenomena -- failure and imagination -- can be crucial to success.

While failure can help you understand where your true passion lies, and where you should focus your energy moving forward, imagination is what will allow you to empathize with other people so you can use your influence to do good.

“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”

"You have to understand your own personal DNA. Don't do things because I do them or Steve Jobs or Mark Cuban tried it. You need to know your personal brand and stay true to it."

6. Sheryl Sandberg: "Lean In" (2021)

Theme of the speech: gender equality and leadership.

Sheryl Sandberg's 2021 talk, "Lean In," encourages women to lean into their careers and leadership roles. She urges women to stand up for one another and themselves to overcome societal and cultural hurdles.

Sandberg highlights the need to have distinct objectives and goals and be prepared to take calculated risks to achieve them.

She also underlines how crucial it is for more female leaders to advance diversity and gender equality across all industries.

Sandberg's speech also emphasizes collaboration. She urges women to mentor other women and look for sponsors and mentors themselves.

The "Lean In" talk by Sheryl Sandberg emphasizes women's voices and perspectives in all aspects of society.

To remove barriers and foster more inclusive and varied workplaces and communities, Sandberg urges women to pursue their professional ambitions with confidence and with the help of their communities.

"We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women's voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored."

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

Theme of speech: taking risks.

Jim Carrey might make a living as the goofiest comedian around, but in 2014, he combined classic Carrey humor with unforgettable insight at Maharishi University of Management's graduation ceremony.

Jim Carrey opened his speech dishing punchlines, but he eventually opened up about his upbringing and the role fear plays in our lives. You can actually hear the amazement in the students' reactions in the video above.

“I learned many great lessons from my father -- not the least of which is that you can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.”

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

Theme of speech: life and career.

Considering the YouTube video of Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford commencement speech has 24 million views, it's likely that you've seen this one already.

In the speech, Jobs plays on two themes: connecting the dots (anecdote: how taking a calligraphy class helped inspire the design of the Mac) and love & loss (anecdote: how getting fired from Apple helped inspire his greatest innovations).

Perhaps the most memorable part his speech comes at the end, when he quotes the (now-famous) lines from the final issue of his favorite publication, The Whole Earth Catalog:

“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”

9. Matthew McConaughey: "The Pursuit of Happiness" (2022)

Theme of the speech: discovering true happiness and fulfillment in life..

In "The Pursuit of Happiness," famed actor and motivational speaker Matthew McConaughey provides his enlightened viewpoint on obtaining true happiness and fulfillment.

McConaughey presents a genuine and approachable study of what it means to live a fulfilling life through sincere storytelling and personal anecdotes.

The speech discusses the significance of authenticity and remaining true to oneself. McConaughey encourages people to define their success rather than succumb to social pressures or external expectations.

He stresses aligning our behaviors and decisions with our fundamental values and passions.

McConaughey expresses his conviction in the power of thankfulness and the importance of living in the present moment. He encourages people to create a grateful mindset, recognizing the blessings and possibilities surrounding them.

By appreciating the present and finding joy in the journey, individuals can experience more profound happiness and fulfillment.

"Happiness is not a destination. It's a state of mind, a journey, and a choice we make every day."

10. Denzel Washington: "Fall Forward" (2011)

In his 2011 UPenn commencement speech, Denzel Washington highlighted three reasons why we need to embrace failure in order to be successful. First, everybody will fail at something at some point, so you better get used to it.

Second, if you never fail, take that as a sign that you're not really trying. And third, at the end of the day, failure will help you figure out what path you want to be on.

“Fall forward. Here's what I mean: Reggie Jackson struck out twenty-six-hundred times in his career — the most in the history of baseball. But you don't hear about the strikeouts. People remember the home runs.

Fall forward.

Thomas Edison conducted 1,000 failed experiments. Did you know that? I didn't know that—because #1,001 was the light bulb. Fall forward. Every failed experiment is one step closer to success.”

11. Vera Jones: “But the Blind Can Lead the Blind…” (2016)

Theme of speech: perseverance.

Last year at INBOUND, Vera Jones told a moving story about the life lessons she's learned from raising her blind son.

She explains how having faith in your future and letting it lead you toward your true purpose will help you overcome blinding obstacles.

She also discusses how following your passion and trusting your vision develops empathy, which is a critical leadership skill.

“Passionately play your position no matter how bad things get. You are significant. Why we are here is not for our own glory. Ultimately, we're here to lead and serve everybody else. By doing that, we encourage others to do the same.”

12. Oprah Winfrey: "The Power of Self-Belief" (2020)

Theme of Speech: Self-Belief and Confidence

Oprah Winfrey's 2020 speech "The Power of Self-Belief" emphasized the importance of self-assurance. She attributed her success to her unwavering self-assurance.

According to Oprah, self-belief is not about being arrogant or overconfident. She stresses the significance of overcoming self-doubt and fear, which can prevent people from reaching their goals.

Oprah used personal stories to demonstrate how self-confidence has aided her in life and work. She encouraged her audience to believe in themselves and to embrace their inner strength.

The Power of Self-Belief" reminded us how important it is to have faith in ourselves and our ability to succeed.

"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams."

13. Charlie Day: Merrimack College Commencement Speech (2014)

Best known for his role in the sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, actor Charlie Day had lots of wisdom to share during the 2014 commencement speech at his alma mater, Merrimack College.

Day explained to the audience how college degrees are inherently valueless, since you can't trade them in for cash. Instead, it's you, your hard work, and the risks you take that provide real value in life.

“You cannot let a fear of failure or a fear of comparison or a fear of judgment stop you from doing the things that will make you great. You cannot succeed without the risk of failure.

You cannot have a voice without the risk of criticism. You cannot love without the risk of loss. You must take these risks.”

14. Brené Brown: "The Power of Vulnerability" (2013)

The video above is an animated excerpt from researcher Brené Brown's speech, " The Power of Vulnerability ." In the speech, Brown explores how our fear of not being good enough (among other fears) drives us to shield ourselves from our own vulnerabilities.

The alternative to wearing this emotional suit of armor: Embrace vulnerability through empathizing with others.

"Empathy is a choice, and it's a vulnerable choice. Because in order to connect with you, I have to connect with something in myself that knows that feeling."

15. Kobe Bryant: “The Path to Greatness" (2020)

Theme of the speech: embracing dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of greatness..

Bryant emphasizes setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. Through captivating storytelling and personal anecdotes, he reveals the sacrifices and relentless effort required to excel at the highest level.

Bryant's speech is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, and a growth mindset in attaining greatness.

The speech also explores embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Bryant shares how setbacks and challenges can fuel personal growth and resilience.

He encourages individuals to embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as motivation to push beyond their limits.

Bryant's speech goes beyond the realm of sports, offering valuable insights and life lessons applicable to all areas of life.

His relentless pursuit of greatness and unwavering commitment to excellence inspires individuals striving to achieve their goals and dreams.

"I have self-doubt. I have insecurity. I have fear of failure. I have nights when I show up at the arena and I'm like, 'My back hurts, my feet hurt, my knees hurt. I don't have it. I just want to chill.'

We all have self-doubt. You don't deny it, but you also don't capitulate to it. You embrace it."

16. David Foster Wallace: "This Is Water" (2005)

From the opening minutes of David Foster Wallace's 2005 Kenyon College commencement speech , in which he questions commencement speech conventions, it's clear that Wallace has some serious wisdom to share.

The crux of his speech: Many of us are oblivious to our own close-mindedness. We picture ourselves as the centers of our own, individual universes, instead of seeing the bigger, more interconnected picture.

“If you're automatically sure that you know what reality is and who and what is really important, if you want to operate on your default setting, then you, like me, probably won't consider possibilities that aren't annoying and miserable.

But if you've really learned how to think, how to pay attention, then you'll know you have other options.

It will actually be within your power to experience a crowded, hot, slow, consumer hell-type situation as not only meaningful, but sacred — on fire with the same force that lit the stars: love, fellowship, the mystical oneness of all things deep down.”

17. Carol Dweck: "The Growth Mindset" (2020)

Theme of the speech: cultivating a growth mindset for personal and professional development..

In "The Growth Mindset," Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, and author, delivers an enlightening speech on the power of adopting a growth mindset for personal and professional growth.

Dweck's extensive research on mindset and achievement provides the foundation for her impactful message.

Dweck explains the difference between a fixed mindset, where individuals believe their abilities are fixed traits, and a growth mindset, where individuals believe their abilities can be developed through effort and learning.

She demonstrates how a growth mindset fosters resilience, learning, and innovation through relatable stories and compelling examples.

Dweck's speech resonates with individuals seeking personal and professional development, as she provides insights into how adopting a growth mindset can positively impact all areas of life.

Her research-based approach and engaging speaking style make "The Growth Mindset" an inspiring resource for individuals striving for continuous growth and improvement.

"The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even when it's not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset."

Famous Short Speeches With Inspirational Takeaways

18. al pacino: "inch by inch" (1999), theme of speech: teamwork.

Yes, this speech is from a football movie (Any Given Sunday), but trust me: This isn't your stereotypical rah-rah-go-get-'em sports speech. It's deeper than that. It's about life, and loss, and ... gosh darn it just listen to Al Pacino.

He's pouring his soul out!

“Either we heal as a team or we're gonna crumble, inch by inch, play by play, till we're finished. We're in hell right now, gentlemen, believe me.

And we can stay here and get the $&#@ kicked out of us, or we can fight our way back into the light. We can climb out of hell, one inch at a time.”

19. Satya Nadella: "Empowering Others" (2023)

Theme of the Speech: Empowerment and Collaboration

Satya Nadella's 2023 lecture, "Empowering Others," emphasizes the importance of leadership that empowers others rather than focusing on personal success.

He emphasizes the importance of leaders cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging in which everyone feels respected and able to accomplish their best work.

Nadella also discusses the significance of technology in positive development. Some of society's most important issues may be resolved by technology, but proper development and application are required.

According to Nadella, empathy and emotional intelligence are essential for outstanding leadership. He suggests that Leaders listen to and understand. their team members' needs and motivations.

Leaders can develop a culture of trust and collaboration that will help the team flourish.

Satya Nadella's "Empowering Others" provides a special message about leadership in the current day. By emphasizing diversity, empathy, and responsible innovation, Nadella encourages audiences to strive for excellence while being mindful of their impact on others and the world.

"Success is not just about what we achieve individually, but what we enable others to achieve."

20. Sylvester Stallone: Speech from Rocky Balboa (2006)

Theme of speech: never give up.

I had to put this one next since it plays along the same themes as Denzel Washington's UPenn speech. In the scene above, from the 2006 film Rocky Balboa, the title character (played by Sylvester Stallone) is having a heart-to-heart with his son.

The advice he gives him: Don't let your failures or the adversity you face slow you down. Keep. Moving. Forward.

“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!”

21. Will Smith: Speech from The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Theme of speech: don’t let them bring you down.

Here's another speech from the big screen, this time from the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness.

In the scene above, Will Smith's character explains to his son why he shouldn't pursue basketball (because he'll end up being "below average") before having a major change of heart.

“Don't ever let somebody tell you ... you can't do something. Not even me. All right? You got a dream. You gotta protect it. People can't do something themselves, they want to tell you can't do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”

22. Mel Robbins: "The 5 Second Rule" (2020)

Theme of the Speech: Action and Overcoming Self-Doubt

The "The 5 Second Rule" speech by Mel Robbins promotes action to achieve goals and overcome concerns and doubts.

When confronted with a decision or action that needs to be completed but you are hesitating or procrastinating, countdown from 5, and then act. According to Robbins, this method breaks habit loops that keep us unhealthy.

Counting down and taking action may assist us in overcoming uncertainty and self-doubt and moving toward our objectives. For success, Robbins also promotes mentality and self-talk.

She believes that to realize our potential, we must consciously reframe negative thoughts and limiting beliefs.

Mel Robbins' presentation "The 5 Second Rule" is a practical and efficient technique to overcome procrastination and achieve goals.

Robbins inspires listeners to take command of their lives and achieve by emphasizing attitude, self-talk, and positive actions.

"You are never going to feel like doing the things that are tough, difficult, or uncertain, but you have a choice."

23. Angela Duckworth: "The Power of Grit" (2020)

Theme of the Speech: Spirit and Perseverance

Angela Duckworth examines the significance of perseverance and resilience in achievement in her book "The Power of Grit." According to Duckworth, grit—passion and determination—is essential for long-term success and overcoming obstacles.

Duckworth addresses grit and mentality, believing that people who view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than threats will develop resilience and determination over time.

She advocates for a growth mindset, which believes people can acquire intelligence and other qualities through hard work. Duckworth places a premium on rigorous practice to achieve skill and mastery.

She recommends soliciting feedback, setting challenging goals, and intentionally improving abilities and succeeding. Angela Duckworth's "The Power of Grit" illuminates long-term achievement.

Duckworth emphasizes attitude, focused practice, and resilience to urge listeners to acquire grit and pursue their passions with tenacity.

"Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality."

24. Kurt Russell: “This is Your Time” (2004)

Theme of speech: inspiring and believing in your team.

The Miracle on Ice is still considered the biggest upset in Olympic hockey history. And for good reason. The Soviet Union won six of the last seven Olympic gold medals, and the U.S. team consisted only of amateur players.

It was obvious the Soviets were better. But, in the movie Miracle, which told the incredible story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, Kurt Russell's character — Coach Herb Brooks — knew that this game was different.

The U.S. was better than the Soviets that day. And his speech conveyed such a strong belief in his team that they pulled off one of the greatest sports moments of the 20th century.

“If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game… Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!

Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players, every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time.”

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