Few of us will ever speak to 250,000+ people at one time or be the figurehead of a movement as large and as important as that of civil rights.  But the techniques used to move large masses of people are the same ones that will move one; the same things that will spur a culture to change can motivate an individual to act or react to your business, non-profit, cause, or position.  Communication matters! 

When I mention MLK, Jr.'s speech, I'm usually amazed at how few people have ever watched it in its entirety.  Most have heard sound bites and snippets, but fail to recognize the power of the speech in context, or consider how it would have been received by ALL those listening. 

Here's an exercise to help keep you "Always On!"  I promise it will be worth the 20 minutes it takes to complete.  If you have comments, please head over to Facebook to discuss what you've learned.

• Go watch the entire speech (17 minutes).  Make particular note of:
  • When he first says the word "dream"
  • How he gets the audience's attention
  • What metaphors he uses to connect with his audience
  • How he modulates his voice, and when he is most passionate and connective
  • How he presents his call to action
• Once you've made those notes, go read about the background of the speech (e.g. Wikipedia).  What does that tell you about the skills needed when the lights shine brightest!?