Quotes and speeches of the month

Dear speech-fans and friends,

This summer has been everything but quiet, which means a rich harvest of speeches.

Here is a short selection of empowering stories, varied quotes, rhythmic tricolons, and memorable antimetaboles delivered in July and August.

Welcome back !

Isabelle

Speeches to call for action

 Ladies and gentlemen, never underestimate the power of how you are, and will, transform people's lives. 

It's no small thing to show the world that what's always been done, can be done better.
So, spread your story far, wide and fast! Even the smallest of patient innovations can bring hope and happiness!

Commissioner Moedas, 13 July 2015, Sharing Solutions, Improving Life through Citizen Innovation

Change is happening before our eyes at an alarming pace. It is up to us to take action before it is too late.

But addressing climate change is not only about saving our planet. It is also about saving ourselves from poverty, unemployment, war, and oppression.
Why?
Because the rise in temperatures creates an entire range of effects;
from floods to heatwaves and wildfires;
from new diseases and health hazards to draughts and food shortage,
from extinction of animals to entire populations fleeing their territories in search of liveable conditions.
We cannot simply watch this happen. 

Vice-President Šefčovič, 1 July 2015, World Summit of Climate and Territories

Dear all,

Here is a short selection of speeches delivered this month,

together with a few other pieces - as long as they can serve our inspiration and aspiration to improve.

Once again, I would like to thank the colleagues and friends who drew my attention to some references for circulation to other speech-fans.

Isabelle

The noble art of speechwriting

Not too long ago, the President and I were working on a speech that we knew would get a lot of attention. (…) So two days before the speech, I handed him the first draft in the Oval Office (…). He started out by saying, “Look, this is well-written, and I could probably deliver it as is,” which almost never means he actually wants to deliver it as is. “But we have two days, so let’s make it better.”

And then he gave me one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten, one I wish he’d given me years ago. “You took a half-swing on this. Take a full swing.”

Chief White House Speechwriter Keenan, Commencement Address, 19 June 2015, selected Vital Speech of the Week

Dear all,

For your attention, here’s a short selection of speeches delivered this month, together with an older abstract you might appreciate as well.

I would like to thank the colleagues and friends who forwarded some references for circulation to other speech-fans.

Isabelle

If you only read one speech this month, you will find a good mix of logos, pathos and ethos in this one: President Tusk, Charlemagne Prize, 13 May 2015

What is then the challenge for the third generation of European unity?

Nothing less than to deliver on the promise of Europe with a ruthless determination.

President Tusk, Charlemagne Prize, 13 May 2015