Let’s all take a moment to acknowledge that we have embarrassingly short attention spans: studies have shown that our focus usually plummet during a presentation after 9 minutes and 59 seconds. With this sad knowledge at hand, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite short-and-sweet speeches that have moved the world in under 6 minutes.
1. Abraham Lincoln’s “The Gettysburg Address”
At not even three minutes long, Lincoln’s speech after the devastation of Gettysburg perfectly captures the hurt the nation suffered and the hope required to move forward. Considering that this followed a massive two-hour speech before it, you can immediately understand how brilliant Lincoln was with the concise 278 words he used. Here’s a reading of the speech by Jeff Daniels:
2. “We Will Not Go Quietly Into the Night” Speech From “Independence Day”
“We’re fighting for our right to live. To exist.” Who wrote this film script?! It’s an alien invasion movie with the heart of a Winston Churchill speech, rallying us up and giving us the chills in under 2 minutes. And again, let us remind you that this is a sci-fi fantasy movie.
3. Neil Armstrong’s Speech On the Moon
You know that huge white orb in the night sky? The moon? In 1969, we went there. The first man to step foot on it, Neil Armstrong, captured the essence of what this meant for humanity within a single sentence. “It’s one small step for man. One giant leap for mankind.”
4. Baz Luhrmann and Mary Schmich: “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)”
It’s a potently inspirational spoken word set to some (dramatic) music, and it will make you feel as you’ve heard the most sage-like commencement speech ever given. Director Baz Lurhmann set author Mary Schmich’s words in motion and shook the world in the 90s… all within a mere 5 minutes.
5. Winston Churchill’s “Never Give In”
Do you want to feel like charging into battle and taking on the world and accomplishing your dreams in under 4 minutes? Churchill begins his “Never Give In” speech addressed to the students of Harrow School with a slurred mumble, and ends with a force of energy that inspires attention and moves us to act. “Never give in. Never give in. Never never never.”
By this point, you probably feel ready to leap on the back of a horse, charge into your office, and demand a raise. Just be sure to keep your battle cry under 10 minutes.
Question: What are your favorite short-and-sweet speeches?
