It is generally said that the British are often better at the last. We had the unmeasured menace of the enemy and their air attack still beating upon us, and you yourselves had had experience of this attack and I expect you are beginning to feel impatient that there has been this long lull with nothing particular turning up!īut we must learn to be equally good at what is short and sharp and what is long and tough. We are not so poorly armed today but then we were very poorly armed. Why, when I was here last time we were quite alone, desperately alone, and we had been so for five or six months. The ten months that have passed have seen very terrible catastrophic events in the world-ups and downs, misfortunes- but can anyone sitting here this afternoon, this October afternoon, not feel deeply thankful for what has happened in the time that has passed and for the very great improvement in the position of our country and of our home? Prime Minister Winston Churchill: IntroductionĪlmost a year has passed since I came down here at your Head Master's kind invitation in order to cheer myself and cheer the hearts of a few of my friends by singing some of our own songs. This fact was noted in the speech, which may have been primarily an unrehearsed or extemporaneous speech.
(Thanks to David Bell of the UK for adding some historical background.) Noteīefore speaking, Churchill discovered that the students had added a verse to one of the school songs: For one thing, the United States started supplying vast amounts of war material to the UK-Lend-Lease program in March 1941.Īlso, since Nazi Germany had invaded Yugoslavia and Greece earlier in the year and invaded the Soviet Union in June of 1941, it appeared that Britain was no longer the target for the main efforts of Germany. However, events leading up to the speech gave a hint of optimism, concerning the outcome of the war. (See Public Speaking for more information.) Historical significanceĬhurchill gave a number of inspirational speeches during World War II. Vary your pitch, rate and emotional level as you see fit. Pause at the commas and periods to allow for better understanding by the audience. Read part of the speech aloud-perhaps to a small audience or to yourself in a mirror. (See Speech Writing for more information.) Public speaking You can also outline the the speech to show where new ideas are presented and grouped. Short phrases make for effective delivery. Note the length of the sentences and use of pauses. You can read the speech to examine its logical flow and use of imagery and emotional appeal. Read this speech to gain insight on writing speeches and public speaking. What is the historical significance of the speech?.
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