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Powerful Quotes for your PowerPoint Presentations

07.24.20   •  #powerpointtips.

One of the most powerful ways to begin a presentation is to start by sharing a influential and morable quote that relates to the message of your talk. This can loosen up the beginning, consciously encourage important things while speaking or end the presentation with a meaningful conclusion and underline the main topic again.

This will bring liveliness and power to your presentation and create a more pleasant environment for your audience!

Quotes can be funny, inspirational, profound, successful, motivational, meaningless or basically everything! The most important thing is that they fit the today´s topic, correspond to the situation. This means, that they are appropriate and reinforce the actual theme.

If you are looking for great lines you can use in your PowerPoint or other presentations, you are perfectly right here! Read the following article to get inspired and to find a suitable citation you can use for your speech in school, work, business or anywhere and to leave an unforgettable impression on your presentation.

To save time, we have already created PowerPoint Templates below, which you can download for free!

According to time:

Quotes for Beginning

Quotes while presenting, quotes for ending.

According to category:

In case you need more specific citations, have a look at different sections of quotes:

Inspirational / Motivational

With quotations to open your presentation you can represent yourself in a great authentic and relaxed way. The audience gets an exciting insight into the upcoming topic and in the best case can relate with the citation and thus build a sympathetic bond to you as the presenter. And all this is achieved by just one simple sentence.

Powerful quotes to start your presentation

• "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." - Mark Twain
• "If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough." – Albert Einstein
• "Words may inspire but action creates change." – Simon Sinek
• "Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet." - Bob Marley
• "A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." – David Brinkley
• "Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games." - Babe Ruth | Baseball Legend
• "Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning." - Bill Gates
• "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently." - Warren Buffett
• "The golden rule for every business man is this: Put yourself in your customer’s place." - Orison Swett Marden
• "You can't blame gravity for falling in love." - Albert Einstein

Using powerful citations while speaking makes your presentation much more exciting and memorable. A meaningful quotation gives your words much more power and emphasis and can additionally emphasize important things. Furthermore, if a listener hears a mentioned citation of your presentation one more time, he will most likely remember you.

Powerful quotes to reinforce essential topics

• "Some entrepreneurs think how can I make a lot of money? But a better way is to think how can I make people’s lives a lot better? If you get it right, the money will come." - Richard Branson
• "When Henry Ford made cheap, reliable cars people said, ‘Nah, what’s wrong with a horse?’ That was a huge bet he made, and it worked." - Elon Musk
• "Please think about your legacy, because you’re writing it every day." – Gary Vaynerchuck
• "Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid." - Albert Einstein
• "When you find an idea that you can’t stop thinking about, that’s probably a good one to pursue." – Josh James
• "Don’t worry about failure, you only have to be right once." – Drew Houston
• "You just have to pay attention to what people need and what has not been done." - Russel Simmmons
• "If people like you they’ll listen to you, but if they trust you they’ll do business with you." – Zig Ziglar
• "Don’t build links. Build relationships." – Rand Fishkin
• "There is no great genius without some touch of madness." – Seneca

With citations you have the opportunity to clarify the topic just dealt with in one sentence and it is highly recommended to use this chance. Your audience will remember the end best, as it is the shortest, so it should be well chosen and memorable. It should also match your personality as well as the theme and be catchy.

Powerful quotes to close your presentation

• "100 percent of the shots you don’t take, don’t go in." – Wayne Gretzky | Hockey Legend
• "When I’m old and dying. I plan to look back on my life and say ‘Wow, an adventure’ not, ‘Wow, I sure felt safe.’" – Tom Preston Werner
• "I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been." – Wayne Gretzy
• "It isn’t what we say or think that denies us, but what we do." – Jane Austen
• "Get action. Do things; be sane; don’t fritter away your time; create, act, take a place wherever you are and be someone; get action." – Theodore Roosevelt
• "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." – Barack Obama
• "You have to go wholeheartedly into anything in order to achieve anything worth having." – Frank Lloyd Wright
• "It always seems impossible until it’s done." – Nelson Mandela
• "I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work." – Thomas Edison
• "If you think you are too small to make an impact try going to bed with a mosquito in the room." - Ekaterina Walter

Best citations by category

• "Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value." - Albert Einstein
• "Stop chasing the money and start chasing the passion." - Tony Hsieh
• "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney
• "Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." - Albert Einstein
• "He who only does what he can will always remain what he is." - Henry Ford

• "Success is like being pregnant, everybody congratulates you, but nobody knows how many times you got fucked." - Author unknown
• "If you want your children to listen, try talking softly to someone else." - Ann Landers
• "The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein
• "Anger is a hot coal that you hold in your hand while waiting to throw it at someone else." - Buddha

• "Either you run the day or the day runs you." - Jim Rohn
• "It's the will not the skill." - Jim Tunney
• "Happiness is the real sense of fulfillment that comes from hard work." - Joseph Barbara
• "I have never done that before so I should definitely be able to do it!" - Pippi Longstocking
• "The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work." - Harry Golden

• "Paying attention to simple little things that most men neglect makes a few men rich." - Henry Ford
• "The prize for success is that it unlocks harder challenges with more at stake for next time." - Author unknown
• "The opposite to good design is always bad design. There is no such thing as no design." - Adam Judge

• "A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do." - Bob Dylan
• "The whole secret of a successful life is to find out what is one’s destiny to do, and then do it." - Henry Ford
• "If you want to be happy, be happy." - Leo Tolstoy
• "So far you have survived 100% of your worst days." - Author unknown
• "Great Lessons are only learned when the stakes are high." - Georgina Hobart

• "When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity." - John F. Kennedy
• "When in doubt, don't." - Benjamin Franklin
• "The higher we are placed, the more humbly we should walk." - Marcus Tullius Cicero
• "Easy choises, hard life. Hard choices easy life." - Jerzy Gregorek
• "What you begrudge others will be withheld from yourself." - Author unknown

Now you have 60 quotes you can incorporate into your presentation to stand out from the everyday, all-too-familiar phrases that everyone knows.

But remember: Under no circumstances should they be discriminatory, racist or offensive, so you need to make yourself known in advance through your audience.

Leave your personal impression and convince your audience with simple but incredibly strong lines!

Free PowerPoint Templates

In addition, we have already created some PowerPoint templates for you, which you can download for free. Simply replace the existing quotes or image if you want and adapt the slides to your presentation!

What are good quotes for starting a presentation?

By opening your presentation with a quote you can represent yourself in an authentic way. The audience gets an exciting insight into the upcoming topic and in the best case can relate with the quote and thus build a sympathetic bond to you as the presenter. And all this is achieved by just one simple sentence. Here is a list of good quotes to begin a presentation .

What are good quotes for ending a presentation?

With citations you have the opportunity to clarify the topic just dealt with in one sentence and it is highly recommended to use this chance. Your audience will remember the end best, so it should be well chosen and memorable. It should also match your personality as well as the theme and be catchy. Here is a list of good quotes to finish a presentation .

What are powerful quotes for a PowerPoint presentation?

One of the most powerful ways to begin a presentation is to start by sharing a influential and memorable quote that relates to the message of your talk. This can loosen up the beginning, consciously encourage important things while speaking or end the presentation with a meaningful conclusion and underline the main topic again. We have collected 60 powerful quotes for your PowerPoint presentation .

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About the author.

Philipp Angerer

Philipp is a creative supporter at SlideLizard in marketing and design. There he uses his imagination and provides creative freshness, also in blog articles.

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The big SlideLizard presentation glossary

Vocal distractions.

In vocal distractions filler words like um, er, and you know are used during a pause.

Motivational Presentation

A motivational presentation is meant to inspire people. In a company, for example, you could tell the company's story in a motivational presentation.

Screen presentation

A screen presentation is a graphic support and accompaniment to a spoken presentation. A popular programme for creating screen presentations is PowerPoint.

Slide Layouts

PowerPoint has different types of Slide Layouts. Depending on which type of presentation you make, you will use more or less different slide layouts. Some Slide Types are: title slides, section heading slides, picture with caption slides, blank slides.

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Ace the Presentation

55 Powerful and Inspiring Quotes to Start Your Presentation

Have you ever stopped to think about the best strategies to start a presentation and gain the audience’s attention or interlocutor? Did you know that using motivational phrases to create a presentation is a great alternative?

It doesn’t matter if you’re a student and you’re presenting a paper, or if you’re a renowned speaker. Knowing how to speak well in public implies several factors, and at any moment of your speech is a crucial moment to ensure that the presentation is successful.

According to businessman and filmmaker Peter Davies,

“Motivation is like food for the brain; you can’t have enough at a meal. Motivation needs continuous and regular recharges to nurture deep and transform a human being into a winner.”

Among the techniques you can and should use, the citation should undoubtedly be among the main in your list.

A relevant quote, which is aligned with the theme of its presentation, tied to the purpose and objective, creates a strong connection with the audience, often arousing interest and attention.

An unforgettable introduction is the first step in starting a presentation or speech. Often, we are focused only on the content presented, completely forgetting that, for the public to pay attention, it is necessary to arrest them from the beginning.

5 Best Techniques to start a Presentation or Speech

• Quote someone else

Opening your presentation with a relevant quote can help set the whole tone for the rest of your speech. However, when making the quote, you need to remember two essential things: a) Quote the source of the sentence and b) “Tie it” to the central theme of the presentation.

However, an important point to consider when speaking in public: Citations will depend on the style of the audience, and the moment the presenter lives. Do not push too hard or adopt a tone of voice or language that does not suit the public.

• Don’t be afraid to use humor.

A touch of humor is a great way to break the ice with the audience, relieve tension and connect with everyone. As the example given above quote, the key to success is making the joke related to the topic being discussed.

If this tip is not your style, you can address the other information in this article.

During the presentation, telling a story is another very clever way to start a speech.  After all, stories compellingly connect people.

But, as in the case of jokes, your story needs to bridge or contain a message that can link the introduction to the presentation

‘s content.

An excellent way to use storytelling is by using an “imaginary” scenario, but that is your life story; this will leave the participants interested and can identify better with you.

• Be bold and use a striking phrase.

This technique consists of giving a brief thought-provoking statement, which will set the tone of the presentation theme, especially if this is said with a strong voice, which draws attention and leaves the group ready to hear what’s next.

Therefore, when you start the speech, you can speak a bold and striking phrase and use the silence technique later, increasing the effect of the phrase.

In this sense, an example of an excellent way to catch the public’s attention is to say the sentence and pause, up to 10 seconds. 

This plan will make the audience anxious and attentive.

• Cite notable statistics

Using surprising statistics will show the public an immediate value in their knowledge, leaving them more interested throughout their presentation. 

It also helps stimulate the audience’s thoughts; this technique works very well when the facts reported are not common knowledge but are nevertheless relevant and stimulating.

Please make sure to be brief in the opening statement, so your opening won’t get too many easy-to-forget details.

1. “Success is most often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.” Coco Chanel

We are often afraid to start a project no matter how much we have ideas that are outside the box, and when compared to other people, we thought that this would not be successful. 

This phrase from Coco Chanel helps us understand that to be successful, and we need to subject ourselves to error sometimes.

2.  “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt

We have here a phrase from one of the strong women of history known as the defender of human rights unless we identify ourselves with what people think of us; none has power over what we are and want to be.

3. “Failure is another steppingstone to greatness.” Oprah Winfrey

With the illustrious phrase of another inspiring woman Oprah Winfrey, it became clear how error always has a positive side; getting it right is not always what we need from error comes the improvement of an idea that can continuously be improved.

4. “The whole secret of a successful life is to find out what is one’s destiny to do, and then do it.” Henry Ford

If we discover what makes us happy, we can always succeed because happiness is the path of inspiration that leads us to unimaginable ways.

5. “A belief is only a thought you keep thinking.” Abraham Hicks

Beliefs are socialized since we were born, depending on the socio-cultural context and the people around us. Anything is possible if you think so.

6. If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Maya Angelou

Often we can criticize something or behavior when we think we can do better; Angelou encourages us to get up and do it. If we still can’t change, maybe we have to change our attitude towards the situation that bothers us.

7. If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way. Napoleon Hill

Sometimes we think that success comes from great attitudes, and from thinking so much about an idea that surpasses all the others, we stand by and do nothing. Napoleon Hill encourages us to start step-by-step and what matters here is how we make it small or big.

8. Innovation, as I understand it, is both about doing different things as well as doing things differently.” Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zone, and for that, we need not only to experience things we’ve never done before, but the way can also lead us to new paths.

9. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.” Steve Jobs

When we choose the course we want to take in college, we often choose a course that our parents choose, and that doesn’t make us happy, which we shouldn’t do because we are supposed to live for ourselves and our happiness.

10. “Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else.” Margaret Mead

Every human being is unique in its way, and our particular way of being cannot be compared to any other. Hence we need not be afraid when we do something new, even if someone else has already done it.

Have you ever stopped to think about the best strategies to start a presentation and gain the audience’s attention or interlocutor? Did you know that using motivational phrases to create a presentation is a great alternative? It doesn’t matter if you’re a student and you’re presenting a paper, or if you’re a renowned speaker. Knowing…

Click Here to Read More…

5 QUICK TIPS ON HOW TO GIVE AN EFFECTIVE MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH

This post is part 3 of a series of posts that where we will be sharing with you quick tips on how to deliver all types of speech that we mentioned in our most-read post on this blog, 10 Types of Speeches. Instead of just telling you that there is a motivational speech or an…

26 Motivational and Inspirational Quotes on Life, Success, and Positive Thinking to Make Your Day

If you came here looking for short, but powerful motivational and inspirational quotes that will lift you up when you are feeling discouraged, or share a pearl of wisdom and help you achieve success in your endeavors, then you have come to the right place. Motivational and Inspirational Quotes have a great effect on us….

11. “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” Robert Louis Stevenson

This means that sometimes we will have bad days and things will be difficult, but this does not mean that we will not have good days, so we must always be kind and cheerful.

12. “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

It’s much easier to follow the path that many people have taken may seem safer. Yet, here Emerson suggests that choosing a direction is knowledge, adventure, or whatever it is we decided to learn new things and share with other people that would be the trail.

13. “People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.” Edmund Hillary

People aren’t born brilliant. They make decisions and make choices that push outside the box and are exceptional.

14. “Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don’t bother to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” William Faulkner

Faulkner encourages us to be our competence, neither that of descendants or ascenders nor anyone but ourselves. Hold your hand and go hard.

15. “Designing a presentation without an audience in mind is like writing a love letter and addressing it ‘to whom it may concern.” Ken Haemer

You have got to prepare yourself for whichever situations or people you’re going to come across in different environments and conditions so that you don’t do things that don’t make sense.

16. Some people feel the rain. Others get wet.” Bob Marley

We can interpret this Bob Marley phrase as when faced with a chaotic situation, some people will despair, and others will calm down, focus, and look at the problem as an opportunity. Who the hell are you?

17. “When I’m old and dying. I plan to look back on my life and say ‘Wow, an adventure’ not, ‘Wow, I sure felt safe.’” Tom Preston Werner

Werner means to live your life without fears and live your life intensely because you never know how it will be tomorrow.

18. Get action. Do things; be sane; don’t fritter away your time; create, act, take place wherever you are and be someone; get action.” Theodore Roosevelt

Roosevelt encourages us to get better lives by doing something, turning into reality our dreams by consistently taking action.

19. “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Barack Obama

It’s for no one but ourselves that we need to improve or reinvent ourselves.

20. You have to go wholeheartedly into anything to achieve anything worth having.” Frank Lloyd Wright

Wright tells us that following our heart is the best way to reach out to more incredible things in life; anything we put, our real feelings and natural energy will glow.

21. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela

With this simple phrase, Mandela brings us a crucial message to live an extraordinary life; when we start by somewhere and are not there yet, it seems unreachable but never is if we don’t give up trying.

22. “There are only two days of the year when you can do nothing: one is called yesterday and the other tomorrow” Dalai Lama

Don’t leave for tomorrow what you can do today; live each day as if it were your last.

23. “In the end, everything works out, and if it didn’t work, it’s because it hasn’t come to an end” Fernando Sabino

What Sabino means is you have to be patient because someday, our time to shine will come.

24. “The pessimist sees difficulty at every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity at every difficulty” Winston Churchill

When we sync our minds to positive thinking, anything we face is reachable, and we get things done because everything turns into an opportunity to learn and grow.

26. “You have to be a protagonist. You can’t just listen to the band play, and you have to be part of the band” Sonia Hess

In life, we face many situations that we work and live with people, but we don’t need to be ordinary because we are not; we have to show and give our best in anything we do.

27. Our failures are sometimes more fruitful than our successes” Henry Ford

With mistakes, we learn, we improve, and one day we reach perfection.

28. “Change your mind and change your world” Norman Vincent Peale

If we have an open mind, we will find that our way of thinking is not always the right one, and when we change our review, we will be able to put it into practice in our lives.

29. “One day you must stop dreaming, take the plans out of the drawer and somehow start” Amyr Klink

Klink encourages us to materialize any ideas or dreams we may have and not spend days only daydreaming about them.

30. “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change, simply by changing his attitude” Oprah Winfrey

Sometimes the attitude we face in certain realities is the ones that prevent us from enjoying more extraordinary things in life. So you may want to think about some philosophy or way of thinking that you could use a change.

31. “Keep in mind that your desire to achieve success is more important than anything” Abraham Lincoln

What Lincoln means is that we must work hard to achieve our goals and put them as priorities in life if we want to achieve them.

32. “Be content to act. Leave the speech to others” Baltasar Gracián

This means to live your life no matter what other people think; if you are happy with it, be gentle with yourself.

33. “To achieve success, you need to accept all the challenges that lie ahead of you. You can’t just accept the ones you prefer” Mike Gafka

Gafka means that Challenges turn us better if we submit to the lesson they have to teach us.

34. “A successful warrior is an average man, but with a sharp focus like a laser beam” Bruce Lee

Lee means that even though a warrior is seen with prestige, he is a regular man. Still, the difference between them and what he is, is how he put attention to what he wants, and we can compare that analogy with daily situations such us when we see some people more successful than others.

35. “Logic can lead from point A to point B. Imagination can lead anywhere” Albert Einstein

Things go far beyond what they seem to be, don’t focus on the obvious, and also see subtexts.

36. “The task is not so much to see what no one has seen, but to think what no one has thought about what everyone sees.” Arthur Schopenhauer

Schopenhauer gives us a lesson about creativity; most of the time, we look for new ideas that no one ever thought about; however, imagination can recreate helpfully something that already exists.

37. “It is much better to set out in search of great conquests, even exposing oneself to failure, than to align oneself with the poor in spirit, who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a grey gloom, where they know neither victory nor defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt

Living adventurously and risky is much more satisfying and rewarding than having a monotonous and safe life.

38. “What we predict rarely occurs; what we least expect usually happens.” Benjamin Disraeli

This means always to expect the unexpected.

39. “Unless we change our way of thinking, we will not be able to solve the problems caused by the way we get used to seeing the world.” Albert Einstein

Einstein encourages us to see situations more dynamically because we socialized in a certain way with ease; our thoughts can become a cycle of ignorance.

40. “Persistence is the least path to success.” Charles Chaplin

Chaplin means that we insist and don’t give up on what we want to do. Indeed, we are going to make it no matter how much time it takes.

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41. “To discover consists in looking at what everyone is seeing and thinking something different.” Roger von Oech

This means that we have to think like no one ever thought or even imagined to discover something.

42. “Sometimes we feel that what we do is only a drop of water in the sea. But the sea would be smaller if it lacked a drop”. Mother Teresa de Calcuta

We all make a difference in this world; every soul counts, and every opinion counts either. Please don’t give up on sharing what you got because it is critical.

43. “The more our knowledge increases, the more evident is our ignorance.” John F. Kennedy

The more things you learn, the more things you need to learn because no one can know anything about anything.

44. When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the plane takes off against the wind, not in his favor.” Henry Ford

Remember that Henry Ford suggested the car model we use today back in his time, and nobody but him believed it was possible, he had nobody but himself to hold hands. Don’t give up.

45. “No matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop.” Confucius

Do things in your time and never give up.

46. “An entrepreneur sees opportunities where others see only problems.” Michael Gerber

Someone who sees a chance to grow in any situation is a winner, and he has nothing to lose because, in any position of life, we can get something that could be what we didn’t expect.

47. Choose a job you like, and you won’t have to work a single day of your life.” Confucius

If you choose a job that you love, you don’t feel like you’re working; you’re doing a leisure activity.

48. “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you do, you will succeed.” Albert Schweitzer

As Nga, a rapper, says, there is no way to happiness because happiness is when we vibrate good feelings, especially do things we love, life becomes more accessible.

49. “Don’t play games you don’t understand, even if you see many other people making money with them.” Tony Hsieh

Don’t do things through other people’s influence to make your life easier.

50. “Nothing great has ever been achieved without enthusiasm.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

When we do things without good energy, they can easily be ruined.

51. “The thoughts we choose to have are the tools we use to paint the picture of our lives.” Louise Hay

Your way of thinking will determine the course of our lives, which means always be open to new forms of thinking so you can live in a more inclusive World.

52. “Success is born of wanting, determination, and persistence in reaching a goal. Even not reaching the target, who seeks and overcomes obstacles, at least will do admirable things.” José de Alencar

What Alencar means is that when we want something, even if we don’t get what we were thinking at first, we always get something.

53. “To act, that is the true intelligence. I will be whatever I want. But I have to want whatever it is. Success lies in being successful, not in being able to succeed. Palace conditions have any wide land, but where will the palace be if they don’t do it there?” Fernando Pessoa

Pessoa says that when we want something, conditions don’t determine if we thrive or not, but our vibration towards it and that will makes us anything we desire.

54. “You can get anything you want in life if you help other people get what they want.”  Zig Ziglar

If you are kind to other people, they will give back in the future.

55. I like the impossible because there is less competition.” Walt Disney

Walt means that the unthinkable doesn’t exist; most people can’t perseverance, so he does because few people can.

How you open your presentation determines how interested the public will be in what will be said afterward. So, when thinking about how to start a speech or presentation, evaluate if your introduction is completely bland; this will be the initial message that the audience will get from the speaker and the display itself.

Reference and Further Reading

Ace The Presentation. Amadebai, E. 11 Best Body Language Tips for Engaging Presentations.

Ace The Presentation. Amadebai, E. 120 Persuasive Speech Topics.

Ace The Presentation. Amadebai, E. 8 Awesome Persuasive Speech Techniques.

Ezine Articles. Toney, B (2011). Key Elements of a Persuasive Speech.

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50 quotes to enhance your presentations

• Written by: Shay O’Donnell
• Categories: Sales presentations , Visual communication
• Comments: 6

Whether you’re looking to inspire your audience, need a strong presentation starter, or want a concise soundbite to end your presentation with, using a quote in your presentation can be a great way to support your slides’ story and enhance your presentation’s flow. Presentation quotes give you – as the presenter – a moment to breathe, while the audience is reading the slide ( a reminder of why you shouldn’t be reading your quotes aloud is here ). They enable your audience to quickly and concisely understand your presentation’s key message, and give you an extra boost of credibility to boot.

The struggle comes when you have to find presentation quotes that fit your story, come from a reputable source, and have an attribution to get you through legal and compliance checks. But worry not: BrightCarbon have done the hard work for you!

We have compiled 50 presentation quotes and categorized them into 10 themes so that you can easily find a quote that resonates with your message, be it in a sales presentation, keynote speech, or training deck. All the quotes include references and attributions, so that you can sail through compliance and get on with creating a stunning presentation!

Pop this in your bookmarks tab (you’ll thank us later!), then dig in and find the perfect presentation quotes below:

Innovation quotes for presentations

• “Innovation, as I understand it, is both about doing different things as well as doing things differently.” Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Biotech Entrepreneur From an interview with Dr. Bhavana Weidman on nature.com (January 04, 2014)
• “Innovation is more than having new ideas: it includes the process of successfully introducing them or making things happen in a new way. It turns ideas into useful, practicable and commercial products or services.” John Adair, Writer on Business Leadership. Effective Innovation (2009), Revised Edition ch. 11
• “Every new thing creates two new questions and two new opportunities.” Jeff Bezos, Founder and CEO of Amazon From ‘The electricity metaphor for the web’s future’, presented at TED2003 (February 2003)
• “Innovation is fostered by information gathered from new connections; from insights gained by journeys into other disciplines or places; from active, collegial networks and fluid, open boundaries. “Innovation arises from ongoing circles of exchange, where information is not just accumulated or stored, but created. Knowledge is generated anew from connections that weren’t there before.” Meg Wheatley, Author and Management Consultant Leadership and the New Science (2001)
• “We are all looking for the magic formula. Well, here you go: Creativity + Iterative Development = Innovation.” James Dyson, Founder of Dyson ‘James Dyson on Innovation’,  Ingenia , Issue 24 (September 2005)

Design quotes for presentations

• “Good design begins with honesty, asks tough questions, comes from collaboration and from trusting your intuition.” Freeman Thomas, Automobile and Industrial Designer Reviving Professional Learning Communities: Strength Through Diversity, Conflict, Teamwork, and Structure (2012) p. 63
• “The urge for good design is the same as the urge to go on living. The assumption is that somewhere, hidden, is a better way of doing things.” Harry Bertoia, Artist and Designer As quoted in 1000 Chairs , Carlotte and Peter Fiell (2005) p. 66
• “People think it’s this veneer — that the designers are handed this box and told, ‘Make it look good!’ That’s not what we think design is. It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” Steve Jobs, Chairman and CEO of Apple Inc. As quoted in ‘The Guts of a New Machine’, Rob Walker, The New York Times Magazine (November 30, 2003)
• “Design is redesign.” Jan Michl, Professor Emeritus, Phdr. History and Theories of Design ‘On seeing design as redesign’,  Scandinavian Journal of Design History , Issue 12 (2002) p. 7-23
• “Design is not about products, design is about relationships.” Hella Jongerius, Industrial Designer ‘Beyond the New: a search for ideals in design’, a manifesto by Hella Jongerius and Louise Schouwenberg (2015) 

Education and learning quotes for presentations

• “We are now at a point where we must educate our children in what no one knew yesterday, and prepare our schools for what no one knows yet.” Margaret Mead, Anthropologist and Author As quoted in How They Work In Indiana : Business-Education Partnerships , Andrew L. Zehner (1994)
• “The most important thing any teacher has to learn, not to be learned in any school of education I ever heard of, can be expressed in seven words: Learning is not the product of teaching. Learning is the product of the activity of learners.” John Holt, Author and Educator Growing Without Schooling , Issue   40 (1984)
• “True education means fostering the ability to be interested in something.” Sumio Iijima, Physicist ‘About myself, To the younger generation’,  Innovative Engine  (September 25, 2007)
• “If you think education is expensive — try ignorance.” ‘Ask Ann Landers’ Syndicated Advice Column (October 4, 1975)
• “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” Plutarch, Greek Historian, Biographer, and Essayist On Listening to Lectures

Success quotes for presentations

• “Success is fucking up on your own terms.” Guillermo del Toro, Director and Producer From Portland Mercury Q&A (September 29, 2010)
• “We cannot say what brings us success. We can only pin down what blocks or obliterates success. Eliminate the downside, the thinking errors, and the upside will take care of itself. This is all we need to know.” Rolf Dobelli, Author and Businessman The Art of Thinking Clearly (2013)
• “The secret to success is the willingness to serve without aspiring for rewards.” Cham Joof, Gambian Historian Gambia, Land of our heritage,  p IV
• “Failure and success are not episodes, they are trajectories. They are tendencies, directions, pathways. Each decision, each time at bat, each tennis serve, each business quarter, each school year seems like a new event, but the next performance is shaped by what happened last time out, unless something breaks the streak. The meaning of any particular event is shaped by what’s come before.” Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Author and Management Consultant Confidence (2006)
• “Success is more than a good idea. It is timing.” Anita Roddick, Founder of The Body Shop From an interview on bookbrowse.com

Creativity quotes for presentations

• “Relaxed, playful and harmonious moments are the birth place of creativity.” Amit Ray, Author and Spiritual Master Meditation: Insights and Inspiration (2010) p. 58
• “Originality is going back to the origin and finding an empty chair. Would you gladly sit on it? No thank you. It is empty for a reason. That’s where my ass was. Not where my head is now.” Giannina Braschi, Puerto Rican Poet, Novelist, and Essayist World Literature Today (2012)
• “Creativity isn’t about the advantage or disadvantage of a specific time or culture. Creativity is something that comes internally from a human being having a genuine mistrust of rules. And that may be the constant. It’s almost like there’s some rebellion in it.” Paula Scher, Graphic Designer From an interview conducted by Neal Shaffer (2006)
• “Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple of them and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.” John Steinbeck, Author Conversations with John Steinbeck , ed. Thomas Fensch (1988)
• “Creativity arises out of the tension between spontaneity and limitations, the latter (like the river banks) forcing the spontaneity into the various forms which are essential to the work of art or poem.” Rollo May, Psychologist and Author The Courage to Create (1975) p. 115

Teamwork and collaboration quotes for presentations

• “In organizations, real power and energy is generated through relationships. The patterns of relationships and the capacities to form them are more important than tasks, functions, roles, and positions.” Margaret Wheatley, Management Consultant As quoted in 100 Ways to Motivate Yourself , Steve Chandler (2004) p. 123
• “Life is not a solo act. It’s a huge collaboration.” Tim Gunn, Fashion Consultant and Author ‘Postings | Recent Entries From Our Blogs’, Tara Parker-Pope, The New York Times (December 21, 2010)
• “Collaboration is important not just because it’s a better way to learn. The spirit of collaboration is penetrating every institution and all of our lives. So learning to collaborate is part of equipping yourself for effectiveness, problem solving, innovation and life-long learning in an ever-changing networked economy.” Don Tapscott, Business Executive and Consultant ‘The spirit of collaboration is touching all of our lives’, The Globe and Mail (June 7, 2013)
• “As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people’s ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” Amy Poehler, Actress, Comedian, Director and Producer From The Joy of Success: What It Means to Transform Success Into Excellence,  Tochukwu O. Okafor MPA (2013) p. 53
• “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” Michael Jordan, Basketball Hall of Fame Player and Businessman As quoted in The Victory Letters : Inspiration for the Human Race , Cheri Ruskus (2003) p. 68.

Knowledge quotes for presentations

• “While knowledge is increasingly being viewed as a commodity or intellectual asset, there are some paradoxical characteristics of knowledge that are radically different from other valuable commodities. These knowledge characteristics include the following: Using knowledge does not consume it. Transferring knowledge does not result in losing it. Knowledge is abundant, but the ability to use it is scarce. Much of an organization’s valuable knowledge walks out the door at the end of the day.” Kimiz Dalkir, Director at McGill School of Information Studies Knowledge Management in Theory and Practice, 2nd ed . (2011)
• “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” Carl Sagan, Astronomer and Popular Science Writer From That’s Weird!: Awesome Science Mysteries , Kendall F. Haven (2001)
• “Investing in people is the single most important thing in the knowledge economy. Traditionally, wealth was defined by land and natural resources. Today the most important resources is between our ears.” Barack Obama Remarks by President Obama at Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Town Hall, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (April 27, 2014)
• “You can’t manage knowledge – nobody can. What you can do is to manage the environment in which knowledge can be created, discovered, captured, shared, distilled, validated, transferred, adopted, adapted and applied.” Chris Collison and Geoff Parcell Learning to Fly – Practical Knowledge Management from Leading and Learning Organizations (2005) p. 24-25
• “The Information Age offers much to mankind, and I would like to think that we will rise to the challenges it presents. But it is vital to remember that information — in the sense of raw data — is not knowledge, that knowledge is not wisdom, and that wisdom is not foresight. But information is the first essential step to all of these.” Arthur C. Clarke, Science Fiction Writer, Inventor, Futurist As quoted in ‘Humanity will survive information deluge — Sir Arthur C Clarke’, OneWorld South Asia (December 5, 2003)

Leadership quotes for presentations

• “Successful people become great leaders when they learn to shift the focus from themselves to others.” Marshall Goldsmith, Leadership Coach What Got You Here Won’t Get You There (2010) p. 72
• “Ultimately a genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of consensus.” Martin Luther King, Jr. From an address at the Episcopal National Cathedral, Washington D.C. (March 31, 1968)
• “You can’t lead from behind your desk, you’ve got to get out in front, be visible, for your customers as well as for your employees. During a crisis, you’ve got to be calm and confident. You’ve got to always tell the truth. And you’ve got to be willing to face a crisis, not shy away from it, embrace it.” Geisha Williams, Fortune 500 Businesswoman ‘Geisha Williams: Set Your Sights High, Take Charge and Keep the Lights On’, Leadership California , Carol Caley (February 17, 2014)
• “Courage is the main quality of leadership, in my opinion, no matter where it is exercised. Usually it implies some risk — especially in new undertakings. Courage to initiate something and to keep it going, pioneering and adventurous spirit to blaze new ways, often, in our land of opportunity.” Walt Disney As quoted in The Disney Way Fieldbook,  Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson (2000) p. 147
• “Embrace what you don’t know. What you don’t know can become your greatest asset. It ensures that you will absolutely be doing things different from everyone else.” Sarah Blakely, Founder of Spanx ’10 Lessons I Learned from Sara Blakely That You Won’t Hear in Business School,’ Forbes , Kathy Caprino (May 23, 2012)

Mistakes and failure quotes for presentations

• “We tell our young managers: ‘Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. But make sure you don’t make the same mistake twice’” Akio Morita, Co-Founder of Sony Corporation As quoted in The Sony Vision , Nick Lyons (1976) p. 101
• “There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.” Oprah Winfrey Commencement address at Harvard University (30 May 2013)
• “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” Suzy Kassem, Author Rise Up And Salute The Sun (2010)
• “Don’t put limitations on yourself. Other people will do that for you. Don’t do that to yourself. Don’t bet against yourself. And take risk. NASA has this phrase that they like, “Failure is not an option.” But failure has to be an option. In art and exploration, failure has to be an option. Because it is a leap of faith. And no important endeavor that required innovation was done without risk. You have to be willing to take those risks. … In whatever you are doing, failure is an option. But fear is not.” James Cameron, Film Director From ‘Before Avatar … a curious boy’, presented at TED2010 (February 13, 2010)
• “I view this year’s failure as next year’s opportunity to try it again. Failures are not something to be avoided. You want to have them happen as quickly as you can so you can make progress rapidly.” Gordon Moore, Engineer and Co-Founder of Intel Corporation ‘An Interview with Gordon Moore’, Ingenuity 5 (2), Laura Schmitt (May 2000)

Planning and strategy quotes for presentations

• “Chance favours the prepared mind.” Louis Pasteur, Microbiologist, Chemist and Inventor Lecture, University of Lille (December 7, 1854)
• “The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do. ” Michael Porter, Economist, Researcher, Author ‘What is strategy?’ Harvard Business Review  (November 1996) p. 70
• “Business strategy is the battleplan for a better future.” Patrick Dixon, Author and Business Consultant Building a Better Business (2005)
• “Managers who extensively plan the future get the timing wrong. Sometimes they arrive to market too early and so must wait for the demand to catch up. Sometimes they are too late and so must accelerate to rejoin the future.” Shona L. Brown and Kathleen M. Eisenhardt Competing on the Edge: Strategy as Structured Chaos (1998) p.135
• “Strategy is about stretching limited resources to fit ambitious aspirations.” K. Prahalad, Organizational Theorist As quoted in The Wal-Mart Way , Don Soderquist (2005) p. 178

We hope you found what you needed from our list of presentation quotes! If you’re about to paste that quote onto your deck, but want to know how to format it to perfection, check out our guide to advanced typography in PowerPoint .

Have an idea for a quote we should add to the list? Is there a key theme you want some presentation quotes for? Let us know in the comments below!

Shay O’Donnell

Managing design consultant, related articles, making accessible elearning content.

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Thanks for this post.It’s a helpful quotes for enhance slides.

Glad it was useful Amit! Thank you for your feedback.

it helped me a lot… thanks!

Amazing Quotes. Really Good. These quotes help me making my presentation perfect Thanks & Regard vinita

Thanks for this post

thanks for information

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50 powerful quotes to start your presentation.

Written by Kai Xin Koh

When was the last time you attended a conference where the speaker didn’t just say: “Oh hi, my name is XYZ and today, I’ll be speaking to you about Topic X”?

Great stories possess riveting narrative arcs that begin strong and end strong. We’ve written at length about some of the best ways to end your presentation , but how does one design a presentation to start without sounding too cliche?

One of the most powerful ways to begin a presentation is to start by sharing a powerful and memorable quote that relates to the message of your talk.

Powerful quotes have so much power on your presentation. Not only does it help reinforce your message, it also helps boost your credibility since it implied the quote is ‘agreeing’ with your statement.

Take this TED talk by Andrew Solomon for example. Notice how he skilfully uses a quote from a book by Emily Dickinson to set the stage for his numerous anecdotes regarding the topic on Depression in his presentation:

Hence, if you’re looking to follow suit and start your next presentation strong with a powerful quote, we’ve got you covered. Here, we compiled a list of 50 quotes that you can use to boost your next presentation.

50 Powerful Quotes To Start Your Presentation:

1)   “ The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” –  Mark Twain

2) “Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games.” –  Babe Ruth

3) “ If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” –  Albert Einstein

4) “ If you’re too comfortable, it’s time to move on. Terrified of what’s next? You’re on the right track.” –  Susan Fales Hill

5) “ Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” –  Bill Gates

6) “ You can’t look at the competition and say you’re going to do it better. You have to look at the competition and say you’re going to do it differently.” –  Steve Jobs

7) “ Make every detail perfect and limit the number of details to perfect.” –  Jack Dorsey

8) “ Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.” –  Oprah Winfrey

9) “ Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.” –  Jay Danzie

10)  “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” –  Warren Buffett

11)  “Some entrepreneurs think how can I make a lot of money? But a better way is to think how can I make people’s lives a lot better? If you get it right, the money will come.” –  Richard Branson

12)  “When Henry Ford made cheap, reliable cars people said, ‘Nah, what’s wrong with a horse? ’ That was a huge bet he made, and it worked.” –  Elon Musk

13)  “There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed.” –  Ray Goforth

14)   “Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down.” –  Charles F. Kettering

15)  “People rarely buy what they need. They buy what they want.”   – Seth Godin

16)  “Please think about your legacy, because you’re writing it every day.”   – Gary Vaynerchuck

17)  “The golden rule for every business man is this: Put yourself in your customer’s place.” –  Orison Swett Marden

18)  “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”   –  David Brinkley

19)  “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid.”   –  Einstein

20)  “The problem with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat.”   –  Lilly Tomlin

21)  “ When you run a part of the relay and pass on the baton, there is no sense of unfinished business in your mind. There is just the sense of having done your part to the best of your ability. That is it. The hope is to pass on the baton to somebody who will run faster and run a better marathon.”   – N. R. Narayana Murthy

22)  “Whatever you’re thinking, think bigger.” – Tony Hsieh

23)  “When you find an idea that you can’t stop thinking about, that’s probably a good one to pursue.”   – Josh James

24)  “What would you do if you’re not afraid?” –  Sheryl Sandberg

25)  “Don’t worry about failure, you only have to be right once.”   – Drew Houston

26)  “When I’m old and dying. I plan to look back on my life and say ‘Wow, an adventure’ not, ‘Wow, I sure felt safe’” – Tom Preston Werner

27)  “80% of your sales comes from 20% of your clients.”   – Vilfredo Pareto

28)  “You just have to pay attention to what people need and what has not been done.”   – Russell Simmons

29)  “We are really competing against ourselves, we have no control over how other people perform.”   – Pete Cashmore

30)  “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.”   – Wayne Gretzy

31)  “Always remember, your focus determines your reality.”   – George Lucas

32)  “If people like you they’ll listen to you, but if they trust you they’ll do business with you.”   – Zig Ziglar

33)  “Words may inspire but action creates change.”   – Simon Sinek

34)  “It isn’t what we say or think that denies us, but what we do.”   – Jane Austen

35)  “Get action. Do things; be sane; don’t fritter away your time; create, act, take a place wherever you are and be someone; get action.”   – Theodore Roosevelt

36)  “There is only one boss. The customer.” – Sam Walton

37)  “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama

38)  “You have to go wholeheartedly into anything in order to achieve anything worth having.” –  Frank Lloyd Wright

39)  “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

40)  “Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.” – Bob Marley

41)  “There is no great genius without some touch of madness.”    – Seneca

42)  “If you think you are too small to make an impact try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.” – Ekaterina Walter

43)   “If you just work on stuff that you like and you’re passionate about, you don’t have to have a master plan with how things will play out.” – Mark Zuckerberg

44)   “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” –  Thomas Edison

45)  “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”  – Abraham Lincoln

46)  “Don’t build links. Build relationships.”   – Rand Fishkin

47)   “100 percent of the shots you don’t take, don’t go in.”   –  Wayne Gretzky, Hockey Legend

48)  “If you’ve got an idea, start today. There’s no better time than now to get going. That doesn’t mean quit your job and jump into your idea 100 percent from day one, but there’s always small progress that can be made to start the movement.” – Kevin Systrom, Founder of Instagram

49)   “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.”   –  Jack Welch, Former CEO of GE

50)    “You must be very patient, very persistent. The world isn’t going to shower gold coins on you just because you have a good idea. You’re going to have to work like crazy to bring that idea to the attention of people. They’re not going to buy it unless they know about it.”  –   Herb Kelleher, Founder of Southwest Airlines.

There you have it!

Phew! – now you have an additional 50 powerful quotes that you can add in your presentation arsenal. Leave an unforgettable impression on your presentation with these quotes starting today!

Comment down your favourite quote. And let us know if you have any that we didn’t add to the list!

Article Written By: Kai Xin Koh

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• Professional Speaking →

50 Inspiring Public Speaking Quotes to Help You Conquer Your Fear

If there’s one thing we can all agree on it’s that public speaking is often intimidating and nerve-wracking! Being able to confidently stand up in front of a room of people and eloquently deliver a speech – while also engaging and inspiring your audience – is no easy task. The great thing is, there is so much information out there to help you turn your fear into skillful public speaking. One such resource is the wealth of inspiring quotes related to the topic. To give you a boost of inspiration and remind you of the beauty of engaging public speaking, we’ve gathered 50 of the best public speaking quotes here. The wisdom and insight included in this collection will empower you to prepare ahead of time and conquer your fear so you can deliver that speech with confidence and grace. Enjoy!

Inspirational Quotes to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking

Public speaking can be a terrifying experience for many people. But by using wise and inspiring quotes to motivate yourself, you can conquer the fear of public speaking and tap into your true potential. Here are some incredible quotes to help you get started: “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill This quote reminds us that public speaking takes courage no matter which end of the spectrum you’re on. Whether you need to cross the room and give a speech or bravely sit in place and listen, courage is necessary either way. “You will have your audience eating out of your hands if you don’t just tell them facts but make it interesting with stories and humor.” – Barbara Walters This quote emphasizes the importance of making your presentation more engaging with storytelling and wit – which can help you break through any fears that come along with public speaking. “When facing fear, make yourself bigger, brighter, louder. When we do this, fear shrinks back faster than light does from a black hole.”– Sabrina Ward Harrison This quote aptly warns that if fear has a hold over us, we need to take action to combat it; use techniques such as visualization, positive self-talk or deep breathing to reduce anxiety and let our true personalities shine through.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs

“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” – Vincent Van Gogh

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“The only limits to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at something that doesn’t really matter.” – D.L. Moody

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Jimmy Dean

“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” – Will Rogers

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln These quotes provide great inspiration while overcoming the fear of public speaking. But motivation alone isn’t enough when tackling such obstacles – next, begin setting goals and finding ways to measure success in order to truly motivate yourself with powerful thoughts.

Motivate Yourself with Powerful Thoughts

Motivating yourself with powerful thoughts is a great way to address your fear of public speaking. After all, you are never too prepared when trying to conquer those butterflies in your stomach before giving a speech. It’s important to remember that the best way to feel confident and remain composed throughout your address is by mentally preparing yourself beforehand. Think about everything that you have going for you and how far you have come: your successes, education, and other meaningful experiences you’ve had in life. Let those achievements be fuel for your inspiration as well as give you confidence in your abilities; it will help motivate you during that difficult moment when you’re on stage. Believing in yourself is one of the most important skills to maintain control over your fear instead of letting it dictate how you’ll do in front of the audience. However, caring too much about what the audience may think can negatively impact the effectiveness of your speech — so while believing in yourself is important, don’t put too much stock into getting a positive reaction from the crowd. If each word or visual aid is perfectly timed and well-organized, then naturally the audience will enjoy what they hear and see more than if it was chaotic. This leads us into our next section about memorable quotes to help you find courage before giving speeches! As these inspirational sayings can serve as an anchor during moments of doubt, they can also provide insight into managing the anxiety of public speaking and becoming an effective communicator.

Memorable Quotes to Help You Find Courage

Whether you’re preparing for a big presentation or performing a perfectly rehearsed monologue, you need courage and confidence to be effective. A few inspiring quotes will help keep your speech on track and can give you the courage to face your fear of public speaking. Consider some of these classic quotes to help find the courage and strength necessary before any engagement: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela This oft-quoted phrase from Nobel Peace Prize recipient Nelson Mandela speaks to the power we have to conquer our fears and worries despite our hesitation. An effective speaker sees beyond their fear and anticipates a rewarding outcome. “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt Often misattributed as an anonymous quote, this phrase was spoken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his first inauguration speech. Through this line, he was trying to express the idea that fear is self-inflicted, and should not be allowed to stop us from achieving success in all our endeavors. When it comes to giving impactful presentations, let go of the fear that holds you back, replace it with positive energy so your message resonates with the audience. “Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt This inspiring quote from Eleanor Roosevelt encourages us to push past our limits and disrupt routine-life by embracing moments of uncertainties, changes and unknowns, which all contribute for a better version of ourselves in public speaking scenarios. Step out of your comfort zone and rise above your fears starting with small wins each day – even if it’s just shaking hands with a stranger at the mall – the act alone can spark enough courage for you do face more difficult speaking engagements later on.

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” – Maya Angelou

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” – E.E. Cummings

“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Take a moment to reflect on these powerful quotes when preparing for any public speaking gig, then use them as an anchor to remind yourself of why you are here when thoughts of failure arise in your mind. With enough enthusiasm and passion, inspire yourself with positive phrases in order to give an impactful performance! In the next section, learn how positive words can go a long way in boosting your morale while preparing or during your presentation.

Inspire Yourself with Positive Phrases

When facing an audience and task of delivering an important speech, it can be helpful to inspire yourself with positive phrases. Reminding ourselves that we are competent, capable, and strong can help us get over any fear or anxiety we may be feeling. Positive affirmations may also increase our confidence so we can focus on delivering our best speech. Additionally, practicing positive mantras like “I can do this” or “I am worthy of this opportunity” can help put us in the mindset for success. Positive self talk is known to be a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving motivation. However, it’s important to remember that positive thinking cannot be forced. It only works if someone truly believes what they are saying and are actively redirecting their thoughts in a more encouraging direction. So while repeating affirmative phrases can have a meaningful impact on one’s mental state, doing so without believing them can have little to no effect after the initial reaction. With the right attitude and some self-encouragement words, we can overcome all of our public speaking fears and take control of our emotions before getting up in front of an audience. Now let’s look at some inspiring quotes that can help us become successful at public speaking.

Quotes to Inspire Successful Public Speaking

No matter the size of the crowd, public speaking can be intimidating. Famous figures throughout history have been helping to empower those who take on this challenge. Quotes to inspire successful public speaking can go a long way in conquering the fear of standing up in front of an audience. Albert Einstein is often credited with saying, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” This quote instills confidence by highlighting that difficulty comes with opportunities for greatness. If you are anxious about speaking to a large group, look at it as an opportunity to show your strengths and create something special or memorable. Other inspiring quotes come from well-known figures such as Aristotle who said: “We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit”. The best speakers don’t simply rely on their first speech. They treat it like any activity that requires practice and repetition in order to perfect it. Improving upon each successive performance is key to success when it comes to public speaking. For those seeking inspiration beyond famous philosophers, people like Steve Jobs offer motivation through his words: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life… Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” Although Steve Job’s career path was far from normal, his work ethic and sense of purpose are inspirational for anyone lacking confidence in their own unique delivery style.

“The success of your presentation will be judged not by the knowledge you send but by what the listener receives.” – Lilly Walters

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller . The storyteller sets the vision, values, and agenda of an entire generation that is to come.” – Steve Jobs

“To be a good public speaker, you must first be a good listener.” – Calvin Coolidge

“The most precious things in speech are the pauses.” – Sir Ralph Richardson

“There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave.” – Dale Carnegie

“If you can’t write your message in a sentence, you can’t say it in an hour.” – Dianna Booher

“The success of a presentation is 10% what you say, and 90% how you say it.” – Frank Tyger

“It’s not the size of the audience, it’s the effect you have on them.” – Robert Michalski

“Communication is a skill that you can learn. It’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.” – Brian Tracy

“It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.” – William Carlos Williams By utilizing these inspiring quotes as fuel for our fire, we can ignite the spark within us and become successful public speakers . However, mastering this skill often involves an extra layer of confidence that has its own set of challenges. In the next section, we will explore innovative ways to develop confidence for your audience.

Develop Confidence for Your Audience

Having confidence when you step in front of the room is essential to success in public speaking. Developing your confidence requires focusing on how your audience perceives you, building strong habits that lead to success, and believing in yourself. Knowing how your audience will receive you is key to feeling confident about standing in front of them. It can help to practice hard beforehand by rehearsing both with friends or colleagues, as well as practicing in public speaking clubs , or even alone in front of a mirror. You’ll want to focus on not just what you’re saying but also the way that you say it, by speaking with conviction , good pacing, and careful word choice. Know your strengths and weaknesses , and once you do make a point of emphasizing those strengths while downplaying the weaknesses. Preparing for success also means creating good habits that will help you stay on track while giving your talk. Having a healthy mental state is important, so leading up to the talk keep healthy eating habits and exercise regularly to stay strong and focused during your presentation. It also helps to come into each talk having already learned something new about the topic , which can help give some extra pep in taking the stage when needed. Building these habits helps reduce stress levels ahead of time and can give an individual that much more assurance in their abilities and that the task at hand can be done. Above all else, believe in yourself and remember why you decided to give this speech or presentation in the first place – because you have something important to share with your audience. Remind yourself of all of the hard work you put into preparing for this moment and all of the positive feedback that others gave you along the way; it’s often enough to bring back strong confidence for your performance. Equipping yourself with these tools ahead of time will be paramount in helping develop and maintain confidence during your talk. As mentioned before, exerting this level of confidence is essential for a successful presentation; now let’s explore quotes to help further prepare individuals so they are able give a captivating performance — let’s start with looking at what these inspiring quotes can tell us about preparing for our talk.

Quotes to Help You Prepare for Your Talk

Doing the preparation is half of the battle when it comes to public speaking. Having a plan and an idea of what you are going to say gives your speech structure , one that your audience will appreciate. Preparation should also be extended to anticipating questions and creating responses for them accordingly. This can help ensure that you look prepared and authoritative. To emphasize the importance of preparation, here are some inspiring quotes on it: “Chance favors the prepared mind.” – Louis Pasteur This quote by science pioneer Louis Pasteur underlines the importance of being prepared mentally before delivering a talk or presentation. Being informed, informed and informed beforehand can give you a huge psychological edge, assuring you of a successful performance. “The first step in preparing an effective speech is research.” – Dale Carnegie Dale Carnegie’s famous quote reminds us that even if we feel we know enough about our topic, it does not hurt to do additional research so we can fully equip ourselves with knowledge about it before engaging our audience . Research can also act as inspiration for new ideas and insights. “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin This proverb from Benjamin Franklin further stresses the need for proper planning before any presentation or talk. Having a well conceived framework and understanding exactly how our points will be delivered can be key when standing in front of a large group of people.

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” – Lewis Carroll

“Proper preparation prevents poor performance.” – Stephen Keague

“Know your material, know your audience, and know your purpose.” – George H. W. Bush

“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure.” – Confucius

“The time to prepare for a speech is twenty years.” – Mark Twain

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts

“If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” – John Wooden

These quotes serve as reminders of just how important preparation is before any presentation or speech. This is also supported by many experts who acknowledge the value of practising and rehearsing before taking the stage or stand. With this said, let us now proceed to discuss impactful quotes which inspire growth in public speaking prowess.

Impactful Quotes that can Positively Affect Your Development

When it comes to public speaking, inspiring quotes can help to provide a mental pick-me-up and motivate our innermost selves. In addition to the initial adrenaline boost, many powerful quotes can have positive long-term effects on our development. They give us something tangible to hold onto and reflect back upon during moments of anxiety or when we’re defeated by external forces like stage fright or a challenging audience. For instance, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s famous quote “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm” speaks to the importance of resilience and drives home the idea that success isn’t necessarily predetermined; it takes hard work, dedication, and an unflappable spirit through darkness and defeat.

Similarly, Rick Hansen’s quote “There is nothing you can’t do, if you set your mind to it. Anything is possible.” directs our thoughts towards strength and being recognized as capable of achieving anything with mindful effort. On the other hand, some believe that impactful quotes are useful but emphasize more natural talent and less hard work. This mindset implies that if we just think positively and keep in motivating words top of mind, then any challenge we encounter will be much easier to conquer. While it’s true that positive thinking and self-belief are essential for motivation, this approach leaves out much of the reality – which is that personal growth is a process that requires dedication, bravery, and an acceptance of one’s weaknesses as valuable lessons for future improvement. It’s important to remember that impactful quotes should be used in conjunction with studying techniques for calming nerves , boosting confidence, and improving performance – not taken as a substitute for honing public speaking talents over time. Quotes inspire us to look more deeply into ourselves in order to better understand how we can utilize our experiences in order to become better communicators. With this in mind, let us now conclude this article by reviewing its main points and offering final thoughts on its main topic: public speaking quotes as tools for conquering fear. Conclusion & Final Thoughts: Now that we have explored how impactful public speaking quotes can be positive building blocks for personal growth and development, let’s turn our focus towards drawing our conclusion and discussing any final thoughts on the use of public speaking quotes.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Public speaking can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Despite the fear that many experience before speaking in front of an audience, stepping up with confidence and delivering a meaningful message can have lasting positive effects. As these 50 inspiring quotes demonstrate, public speaking is not something to be afraid of but instead something to relish as an opportunity to reach out and make a positive impact on those around you. When it comes down to it, conquering your fear of public speaking does take time and practice. It may help to write about your experiences and build on the skills that you already possess. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, remember that no one expects perfection – try to take it slow and focus on providing value to the audience. With dedication and patience, you’ll be able to control your fear and become an inspiring public speaker. One thing is certain – although public speaking may feel intimidating at first, it can bring many rewards once you gain the confidence to do it well. Whether you’re an experienced presenter or new to the field, remember these 50 inspiring quotes as reminders that anyone can become a great public speaker with the right attitude and dedication.

Commonly Asked Questions

How can i use quotes to motivate myself when preparing for a public speaking engagement.

Quotes can be a great way to motivate yourself when preparing for a public speaking engagement. Not only do they provide you with words of encouragement and inspiration, but they can also act as mental reminders that you have the ability to succeed. Quotes can help to spark your creativity, fuel your energy, and give you a renewed sense of confidence. Additionally, quotes can be used as an effective tool to overcome any fears or doubts so that you can deliver an amazing speech. Reading relevant quotes that speak to the power of words and communication can help prepare you mentally for your public speaking engagement. They are like mantras that offer motivation and reassurance throughout the preparation process. Last but not least, quotes can spark ideas when brainstorming topics or content to share in your speech.

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101 Quotes to inspire speakers

Average: 4.5 ( 2 votes)

Inspiration sometimes runs dry, and for presenters feeling uninspired can lead to a poor performance.

Where do you go when you need a bit of extra lift?  Sometimes the well thought out words of history’s very best orators can be just the ticket. 

From drafting speeches, to calming your nerves right before you step into the spotlight , we’ve collected the top inspiring 101 quotes from thought leaders around the world.

Check nuggets of wisdom from Dale Carnegie , Mark Twain, Tony Robbins and Winston Churchill (we’ve even thrown in some William Butler Yeats and Seth Godin for good measure.) 

Continue reading more quotes below or  download the eBook from SlideShare . 

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams ( Tweet this )

“There are certain things in which mediocrity is not to be endured, such as poetry, music, painting, public speaking.” - Jean de la Bruyere ( Tweet this )

“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” – Henry Ford ( Tweet this )

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” – William Arthur Ward ( Tweet this )

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou ( Tweet this )

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” –  Margaret Mead ( Tweet this )

“You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart.” – John Ford  ( Tweet this )

“Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you’ve got to say, and say it hot.” – D. H. Lawrence  ( Tweet this )

“Let thy speech be better than silence, or be silent.” – Dionysius Of Halicarnassus  ( Tweet this )

“What we say is important… for in most cases the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Jim Beggs   ( Tweet this )

“If you can’t write your message in a sentence, you can’t say it in an hour.” – Dianna Booher  ( Tweet this )

“There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave.” – Dale Carnegie ( Tweet this )

“It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” – Mark Twain ( Tweet this )

“A good orator is pointed and impassioned.” – Marcus T. Cicero  ( Tweet this )

“Oratory is the power to talk people out of their sober and natural opinions.” – Joseph Chatfield  ( Tweet this)

“He who wants to persuade should put his trust not in the right argument, but in the right word. The power of sound has always been greater than the power of sense.” – Joseph Conrad ( Tweet this )

“There are three things to aim at in public speaking: first, to get into your subject, then to get your subject into yourself, and lastly, to get your subject into the heart of your audience.” – Alexander Gregg ( Tweet this )

“The success of your presentation will be judged not by the knowledge you send but by what the listener receives.” – Lilly Walters  ( Tweet this )

“Best way to conquer stage fright is to know what you’re talking about.” – Michael H. Mescon  ( Tweet this )

“There are only two types of speakers in the world. 1. The nervous and 2. Liars.” – Mark Twain  ( Tweet this )

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” – Alexander Graham Bell  ( Tweet this )

“90% of how well the talk will go is determined before the speaker steps on the platform.” – Somers White ( Tweet this )

“It takes one hour of preparation for each minute of presentation time.” – Wayne Burgraff  ( Tweet this )

“The most precious things in speech are the... pauses.” – Sir Ralph Richardson ( Tweet this )

“Well-timed silence hath more eloquence than speech.” – Martin Fraquhar Tupper ( Tweet this )

“The problem with speeches isn’t so much not knowing when to stop, as knowing when not to begin.” – Frances Rodman ( Tweet this )

“Words have incredible power. They can make people’s hearts soar, or they can make people’s hearts sore. – Dr. Mardy Grothe ( Tweet this )

“The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.” – Mark Twain ( Tweet this )

“If you can’t communicate and talk to other people and get across your ideas, you’re giving up your potential.” – Warren Buffet ( Tweet this )

“If I went back to college again, I’d concentrate on two areas: learning to write and to speak before an audience. Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.” – Gerald R. Ford ( Tweet this )

“Always give a speech that you would like to hear.” – Andrii Sedniev ( Tweet this )

“If you don’t know what you want to achieve in your presentation your audience never will.” – Harvey Diamond ( Tweet this )

“Find out what’s keeping them up nights and offer hope. Your theme must be an answer to their fears .” – Gerald C Myers ( Tweet this )

“In presentations or speeches less really is more.” – Stephen Keague ( Tweet this )

“Speeches measured by the hour die with the hour”          – Thomas Jefferson ( Tweet this )

“It’s much easier to be convincing if you care about your topic. Figure out what’s important to you about your message and speak from the heart” – Nicholas Boothman ( Tweet this )

“Only the prepared speaker deserves to be confident.” – Dale Carnegie ( Tweet this )

“Speakers who talk about what life has taught them never fail to keep the attention of their listeners.” – Dale Carnegie ( Tweet this )

“It is not failure itself that holds you back; it is the fear of failure that paralyzes you.” -Brian Tracy ( Tweet this )

“All you need is something to say, and a burning desire to say it… it doesn’t matter where your hands are.” – Lou Holtz ( Tweet this )

“If you don’t use stories audience members may enjoy your speech, but there is no chance they’ll remember it.” – Andrii Sedniev ( Tweet this )

“There is no such thing as presentation talent, it is called presentation skills” -David JP Phillips ( Tweet this )

“The audience only pays attention as long as you know where you are going.” - Philip Crosby ( Tweet this )

“Ask yourself, ‘If I had only sixty seconds on the stage, what would I absolutely have to say to get my message across.” - Jeff Dewar ( Tweet this )

“It’s all right to have butterflies in your stomach. Just get them to fly in formation.” – Rob Gilbert ( Tweet this )

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak, and to sit down and listen.”   – Winston Churchill ( Tweet this )

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin ( Tweet this )

“Designing a presentation without an audience in mind is like writing a love letter and addressing it: To Whom It May Concern.” – Ken Haemer ( Tweet this )

“The goal of effective communication should be for listeners to say ‘Me too!’ versus ‘So what?'” – Jim Rohn ( Tweet this )

“The royal road to a man’s heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most.” – Dale Carnegie ( Tweet this )

“To communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world, and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” – Tony Robbins ( Tweet this )

“To sway an audience, you must watch them as you speak.” – C. Kent Wright ( Tweet this )

“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” – Albert Einstein ( Tweet this )

“If you can’t state your position in eight words, you don’t have a position. “ – Seth Godin ( Tweet this )

“The way something is presented will define the way you react to it.” – Neville Brody ( Tweet this )

“Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.” – William Butler Yeats ( Tweet this )

“A presentation is a chance to share, not an oral exam.” – M.F. Fensholt ( Tweet this )      

“Speech is power. Speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel. It is to bring another out of his bad sense into your good sense.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson ( Tweet this )

“Words do two major things: they provide food for the mind and create light for understanding and awareness.” – Jim Rohn ( Tweet this )

“Every speaker has a mouth, an arrangement rather neat. Sometimes it’s filled with wisdom, sometimes it’s filled with feet.” – Robert Orben ( Tweet this )

“Humor is a rubber sword – it allows you to make a point without drawing blood.” – Mary Hirsch ( Tweet this )

“If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they’ll kill you.” – Oscar Wilde ( Tweet this )

“Once you get people laughing, they’re listening and you can tell them almost anything.” – Herbert Gardner ( Tweet this )

“The world is waiting for your words.” – Arvee Robinson ( Tweet this )

“Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.” – Jim Rohn ( Tweet this )

“A designer knows he or she has achieved perfection, not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery  ( Tweet this )

“If God is in the details, then the Devil is in PowerPoint.” – @AngryPaulRand ( Tweet this )

“The more strikingly visual your presentation is, the more people will remember it. And more importantly, they will remember you.” – Paul Arden ( Tweet this )

“All the great speakers were bad speakers at first.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson ( Tweet this )

“Communication works for those who work at it .” – John Powell ( Tweet this )

“If you wing it when speaking, you’ll get wing it results.” – Arvee Robinson ( Tweet this )

“Your smile is a messenger of your goodwill.” – Dale Carnegie ( Tweet this )

“If it takes a lot of words to say what you have in mind, give it more thought.” – Dennis Roth ( Tweet this )

“Make sure you have stopped speaking before your audience has stopped listening.” – Dorothy Sarnoff ( Tweet this )

“Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much. ” - Robert Greenleaf ( Tweet this )

“If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack.” - Winston S. Churchill ( Tweet this )

“The most valuable of all talents is never using two words when one will do.” -Thomas Jefferson ( Tweet this )

“Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.” -John Wooden ( Tweet this )

“Silence is the ultimate weapon of power.” - Charles de Gaulle ( Tweet this )

“Creative thinking is merely intelligent plagiarism.” - Aristotle ( Tweet this )

"Always be yourself and have faith in yourself. Do not go out and look for a successful personality and try to duplicate it." -Bruce Lee ( Tweet this )

“Successful leaders see the opportunities in every difficulty rather than the difficulty in every opportunity.” - Reed Markham ( Tweet this )

“Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.” - Zig Ziglar ( Tweet this )

“A talk is a voyage with purpose and it must be charted. The man who starts out going nowhere, generally gets there.” - Dale Carnegie  ( Tweet this )

“I have not failed. I’ve simply discovered 10,000 ways that don’t work.” - Thomas Edison ( Tweet this )

“Buried deep within each of us is a spark of greatness, a spark than can be fanned into flames of passion and achievement. That spark is not outside of you it is born deep within you.” -James A. Ray ( Tweet this )

“The energy level of the audience is the same as the speaker’s. For better...or for worse.” -Andras Baneth ( Tweet this )

"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation." -Arthur Ashe ( Tweet this )

“Our language is the reflection of ourselves. A language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers.” - Cesar Chavez ( Tweet this )

“I do not speak of what I cannot praise.” - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe  ( Tweet this )

“If you're not comfortable with public speaking - and nobody starts out comfortable; you have to learn how to be comfortable - practice. I cannot overstate the importance of practicing. Get some close friends or family members to help evaluate you, or somebody at work that you trust.” -Hillary Clinton ( Tweet this )

“Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.” -Oliver Wendell Holmes ( Tweet this )

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” - Eleanor Roosevelt ( Tweet this )

As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.” - Bill Gates ( Tweet this )

"Good transitions can make a speech more important to the audience because they feel they are being taken to a positive conclusion without having to travel a bumpy road." - Joe Griffith ( Tweet this )

"When speaking in public, your message - no matter how important - will not be effective or memorable if you don't have a clear structure." - Patricia Fripp ( Tweet this )

“The way you overcome shyness is to become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid.” -Lady Bird Johnson ( Tweet this )

“The best way to conquer stage fright is to know what you are talking about.” -Michael H. Mescon ( Tweet this )

“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.” - Robert McKee ( Tweet this )

“If something comes from your heart, it will reach the heart of your audience.” — فوزیه کوفی (Fawzia Koofi)‎ ( Tweet this )

How do we achieve our dreams and goals as a speaker? The inspiring story of Dale Carnegie's road to success

60 ideas and quotes on breaking through a creative block

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• Dale Carnegie quotes to help you become a better speaker

45 Best Motivational Quotes For Work: Perfect For Presentations & Slide Decks

Focus, determination, and focus. How do you inspire your team? These quotes can help with motivation they need. Great for presentations, slide decks, corporate retreats, or reflection in your next team meeting.

Looking for even more quotations? Try these quotes on productivity and teamwork !

•  “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” – Woody Allen, American film director
•  “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act. But a habit.” –  Aristotle, Greek philosopher
•  “If you are not where you want to be, do not quit, Instead reinvent yourself and change your habits.” – Eric Thomas, American motivational speaker
•  “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” – Henry Ford, American industrialist
•  “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” – Henry Ford, American industrialist
•  “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu, ancient Chinese philosopher
•  “Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.” – Meister Eckhart, German theologian
•  “Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back. Learn to create your own opportunities.” – Sophia Amoruso, American businesswoman
•  “Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken..” – Warren Buffett, American business magnate
•  “You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” – John C. Maxwell, American author
•  “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe, American tennis player
•  “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.”   – Mark Twain, American author
•  “You can have results or excuses. Not both.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austrian-American actor
•  “There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” – Alan Cohen, author
•  “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou, American poet
•  “Simplicity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest.” – Leo Babauta, author
• “What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.” – Tim Ferriss, American entrepreneur
• “You have the power on your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor
•  “Work harder on you than everyone else and you will become unusually successful.” – Dani Johnson, Businesswomen
• “Self-esteem comes from achieving something important when it’s hard to do.” – Clayton M. Christensen, American business consultant
•  “Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe, American author
•  “Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible.” – Miguel De Unamuno, Spanish essayist
•  “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend first four sharpening the axe. “ – Abraham Lincoln, 16th president
•  “What better place than here, what better time than now.” – Tony Robbins, American author
•  “Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without” – Confucius, Chinese philosopher
•  “Either you run the day or the day runs you.” – Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur
•  “Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.” – Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur
•  “I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” – Thomas Jefferson, 3rd president
•  “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison, American inventor
•  “You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction.” – George Lorimer, American journalist
•  “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd president
•  “The future depends on what you do today.” – Mahatma Gandhi, Indian activist
•  “If we have the attitude that it’s going to be a great day it usually is.” – Catherine Pulsifier, Author
•  “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller, American business magnate
•  “If something is important enough, even if the odds are stacked against you, you should still do it.” – Elon Musk, business magnate
•  “If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat! Just get on.” – Sheryl Sandberg, American business executive
• “Leaders can let you fail and yet not let you be a failure.” – Stanley McChrystal, retired United States Army general
•  “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together” – Vincent Van Gogh, Dutch post-impressionist painter
•  “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan, American basketball player
•  “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” – Lou Holtz, former American football player
•  "Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change." – Stephen Hawking, English theoretical physicist
•  "If something is wrong, fix it now. But train yourself not to worry, worry fixes nothing. " – Ernest Hemingway, American novelist
•  "Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler." – Albert Einstein, Theoretical physicist
• "Innovation distinguishes from a leader and a follower." – Steve Jobs, American business magnate
• “Tough times never last, but tough people do.“ – Robert Schuller, motivational speaker

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Spark's Presentation & Public Speaking Blog

Public speaking quotes: funny, inspiring insights for your presentation.

June 2, 2014

by Andy Saks

Over many years as a professional presenter and speaker, I’ve accumulated a treasure trove of funny, inspiring, insightful public speaking quotes.

These quotes are near and dear to my heart. They’ve helped me immensely, and helped me help others.

Some date back to biblical times. Others are hot off the Twitter press.

Sometimes I show them in a looping slideshow to warm up an audience before a keynote speech or presentation skills training program.

Other times I peek at them when I need some inspiration myself.

And here they are, for the first time, categorized and alphabetized for your presentation pleasure.

Which quotes make you laugh? Which inspire you? Which rub you the wrong way? Which of your favorites should I add? Which did you use in your presentation? Tell me by sharing your comment at the bottom of the page.

QUOTES FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING ANXIETY / FEAR

“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than delivering the eulogy.” – Jerry Seinfeld

“All of us are born with a set of instinctive fears, of falling, of the dark, of lobsters, of falling on lobsters in the dark, or speaking before the Rotary Club, or the words ‘some assembly required.’” – Dave Barry

“…and from the first moment that I ever walked on stage in front of a darkened auditorium with a couple of hundred people sitting there, I was never afraid, I was never fearful, I didn’t suffer from stage fright, because I felt so safe on that stage. I wasn’t Patrick Stewart, I wasn’t in the environment that frightened me, I was pretending to be someone else, and I liked the other people I pretended to be. So I felt nothing but security for being on stage. And I think that’s what drew me to this strange job of playing make-believe.” — Patrick Stewart

“Feel the fear of public speaking and do it anyway.” – Arvee Robinson

“I was dreading winning. I didn’t even prepare an acceptance speech. I was worried that I would slip up or do something horrible. I was shaking in my seat, putting on a posed smile. Inside I was petrified.” – Leonardo DiCaprio (at the 1998 Academy Awards)

“It’s all right to have butterflies in your stomach. Just get them to fly in formation.” – Rob Gilbert

“The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.” – George Jessel

“There are two types of speakers: Those who get nervous and those who are liars.” – Mark Twain

QUOTES ON ASKING QUESTIONS & LISTENING

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak, and to sit down and listen.”  – Winston Churchill

“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.” – Jimi Hendrix

“Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery.” – fortune cookie Andy got (really!)

“Nothing calms a person faster than hearing his own ideas repeated back.” – Sandra DeLozier

“One of the best ways to persuade others is with your ears, by listening to them.” – Dean Rusk

“Open your ears before you open your mouth; it may surprise your eyes!” – Earl Nightingale

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

“The finest art of communication is not learning how to express your thoughts. It is learning how to draw out the thoughts of another.” – Ted Tripp

“Two monologues do not make a dialogue.” – Jeff Daly

“You can tell if a man is clever by his answers. You can tell if a man is wise by his questions.” – unknown

QUOTES ON HAVING A GREAT ATTITUDE

“Our attitude towards others determines their attitude towards us.” -Earl Nightingale

“Say what you mean, mean what you say, just don’t say it mean.” – Nguyen Van Tho

“Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you’ll ever regret.” – Laurence Peter

“The words you speak today should be soft and tender, for tomorrow you may have to eat them.” – unknown

“Think lovingly, speak lovingly, act lovingly, and every need shall be supplied.” – James Allen

“You have to smile, if you expect anybody to smile back.” – Jonathan Evison

QUOTES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR AUDIENCE

“Designing a presentation without an audience in mind is like writing a love letter and addressing it: To Whom It May Concern.” – Ken Haemer

“In the preaching moment, there is a liminal moment in which is dawns on you standing there that yes, there is something more going on here that I did not anticipate…You feed of the congregation, because black preaching is so dialogical. The affirmation in that dialogue is the place where you locate revelation.” – Dale Andrews (professor, Boston University, and occasional preacher)

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” – @mediatraining

“The goal of effective communication should be for listeners to say ‘Me too!’ versus ‘So what?'” – Jim Rohn

“The royal road to a man’s heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most.” – Dale Carnegie

“To communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world, and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” – Tony Robbins

“To sway an audience, you must watch them as you speak.” – C. Kent Wright

“When are you going to understand that if it doesn’t pertain to me, I’m not interested?” – Candace Bergen as Murphy Brown

QUOTES ON CLARITY, SIMPLICITY AND WORD CHOICE IN SPEAKING

“Eloquence is the essential thing in a speech, not information.” – Mark Twain

“I understand a fury in your words, but not your words.” – William Shakespeare, Othello

“If we use common words on a great occasion, they are the more striking because they are felt at once to have a particular meaning, like old banners, or everyday clothes, hung up in a sacred place.” – George Eliot

“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” – Albert Einstein

“If you can’t write your message in a sentence, you can’t say it in an hour.” – Dianna Booher

“If you can’t state your position in eight words, you don’t have a position. “ – Seth Godin

“One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.” – Jack Kerouac

“Precision of communication is important, more important than ever, in our era of hair-trigger balances, when a false or misunderstood word may create as much disaster as a sudden thoughtless act.” – James Thurber

“Speak clearly, if you speak at all. Carve every word before you let it fall.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” – Hans Hoffman

“The difference between the almost-right word and the right word is really a large matter–’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” — Mark Twain

“The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one’s real and one’s declared aims, one turns as it were instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms, like cuttlefish squirting out ink.” – George Orwell

“The way something is presented will define the way you react to it.” – Neville Brody

“Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.” – William Butler Yeats

“Those who run to long words are mainly the unskillful and tasteless; they confuse pomposity with dignity, flaccidity with ease, and bulk with force.” – H.W. Fowler

QUOTES DEFINING PUBLIC SPEAKING AND PRESENTATIONS

“A presentation is a chance to share, not an oral exam.” – M.F. Fensholt

“All speaking is public speaking, whether it’s to one person or a thousand.” – Roger Love

“Eloquence is the power to translate a truth into language perfectly intelligible to the person to whom you speak.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Proper words in proper places make the true definition of a style.” – Jonathan Swift

“Speech is power. Speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel. It is to bring another out of his bad sense into your good sense.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Through the picture, I see reality. Through the word, I understand it.” – Sven Lidman

“To speak and to speak well are two things. A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks.” – Ben Jonson

“Words do two major things: they provide food for the mind and create light for understanding and awareness.” – Jim Rohn

“Words. Words, when spoken out loud for the sake of performance, are music. They have rhythm, and pitch, and timbre, and volume. These are the properties of music, and music has the ability to find us and move us and lift us up in ways that literal meaning can’t.” – Martin Sheen as President Bartlet, The West Wing

FUNNY QUOTES ON PUBLIC SPEAKING & PRESENTATIONS

“Don’t be afraid to talk to yourself. It’s the only way you can be sure somebody’s listening.” – F.P. Jones

“Every speaker has a mouth, an arrangement rather neat. Sometimes it’s filled with wisdom, sometimes it’s filled with feet.” – Robert Orben

“Light travels faster than sound. That’s why certain people appear bright until you hear them speak.” – Albert Einstein

“Look your audience straight in the eyes, and begin to talk as if every one of them owed you money.” – Dale Carnegie

“My job is to talk; your job is to listen. If you finish first, please let me know.”  – Harry Herschfield

“Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” – Mark Twain

“Public speaking is very easy.” – Dan Quayle

“Speak the truth, but leave immediately after.” – Slovenian proverb

“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it’s taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw

QUOTES ON HONESTY IN SPEAKING

“Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.” – Mark Twain

“I didn’t lie. I was writing fiction in my mouth.” – Homer Simpson

“Speech is a mirror of the soul. As a man speaks, so is he.” – Publilius Syrus

“Teach the tongue to say ‘I do not know.’” – Maimonides

“When the eyes say one thing, and the tongue another, a practiced man relies on the language of the first.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

QUOTES ON HUMOR IN PRESENTATIONS & PUBLIC SPEAKING

“Humor is a rubber sword – it allows you to make a point without drawing blood.” – Mary Hirsch

“Humor is treacherous. It can charm, coax, and persuade, but it can also distract, baffle or alienate the audience.” – Eugene Finerman

“I learned at an early age that when I made people laugh, they liked me. This is a lesson I never forgot.” – Art Buchwald

“If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they’ll kill you.” – Oscar Wilde

“Once you get people laughing, they’re listening and you can tell them almost anything.” – Herbert Gardner

“The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” -Mark Twain

QUOTES ON THE POWER AND IMPORTANCE OF SPEAKING

“Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true.” – Charles Dickens

“Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can’t, and the other half of people who have nothing to say and keep saying it.” – Robert Frost

“I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.” – Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

“If all my talents were to be taken from me by some inscrutable providence, and I had to make a choice of keeping but one, I would unhesitatingly ask to keep the power of speaking, because through it, I would quickly recover all the rest.” – Daniel Webster

“The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it.” – Edward R. Murrow

“The tongue has the power of life and death.” – Solomon

“The tongue is like a sharp knife. It kills without drawing blood.” – Buddha

“When nobody speaks your name, or even knows it, you, knowing it, must be the first to speak it.” – Marlon Riggs

“Improve your communication skills and you will earn fifty percent more money over your lifetime…In my office you’ll not see the degree I got from the University of Nebraska. You’ll not see the master’s degree I got from Columbia. But you’ll see the award certificate I got from the [public] speaking course.” – Warren Buffett

INSPIRING PUBLIC SPEAKING QUOTES

“Between your brain and your mouth (or your fingers) is magic: your power to choose what you say next. Use that magic.” – Chris Brogan

“Oratory should raise your heart rate. Oratory should blow the doors off the place.” – Rob Lowe as Sam Seaborn, The West Wing

“The difference between a good speech and a great speech is the energy with which the audience comes to their feet at the end. Is it polite? Is it a chore? Are they standing up because their boss just stood up? No. You want it to come from their socks.” – Rob Lowe as Sam Seaborn, The West Wing

“The world is made up of words. And if you know the words that the world is made of, you can make of it whatever you wish.” – Terence McKenna

“The world is waiting for your words.” – Arvee Robinson

“Your words can make you rich” – Dr. Donald Moine

QUOTES ON OPENING LINES IN PUBLIC SPEAKING

“He who fails to please in his salutation and address is at once rejected, and never obtains an opportunity of showing his latest excellences or essential qualities.” – Samuel Johnson

“You had me at ‘Hello.’” – Renee Zellweger as Dorothy Boyd in Jerry Maguire

QUOTES ON PASSION IN PUBLIC SPEAKING & PRESENTATIONS

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss

“Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.” – Jim Rohn 

“I don’t like to hear cut-and-dried sermons. When I hear a man preach, I like to see him act as if he were fighting bees!” – Abraham Lincoln

“It doesn’t matter how elegant the argument or inspiring the prose, a presentation won’t move anyone if the presenter isn’t visibly feeling what they are saying.” – John Neffinger, KNP Communications

“Technique alone is never enough. You have to have passion. Technique alone is just an embroidered pot holder.” – Raymond Chandler

“The best speeches come from the heart and reflect your passion. Speak as if your life depended on it.” – Arvee Robinson

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” – Carol Buchner

“When genuine passion moves you, say what you’ve got to say, and say it hot.” – D.H. Lawrence

“You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart.” – John Ford

“You cannot speak that which you do not know. You cannot share that which you do not feel.” – Jim Rohn

QUOTES ON POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS

“A designer knows he or she has achieved perfection, not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” – Nolan Haims

“If God is in the details, then the Devil is in PowerPoint.” – @AngryPaulRand

“The more strikingly visual your presentation is, the more people will remember it. And more importantly, they will remember you.” – Paul Arden

QUOTES ON PREPARATION IN PUBLIC SPEAKING

“All Abe Lincoln needed was a pencil and paper to make his speech at Gettysburg.” – @TipsForSpeakers

“All the great speakers were bad speakers at first.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Communication works for those who work at it.” – John Powell

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln

“If you wing it when speaking, you’ll get wing it results.” – Arvee Robinson

“It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” – Mark Twain

“Let he who would be moved to convince others be first moved to convince himself.” – T. Carlyle

“Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills, so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.” – Jim Rohn

QUOTES ON SALES PRESENTATIONS

“Good listeners generally make more sales than good talkers.” – B.C. Holwick

“He that has no silver in his purse should have silver on his tongue.” – Thomas Fuller

“If you can’t say it, you can’t sell it!” – Arvee Robinson

“Samson killed a thousand men with the jawbone of an ass. That many sales are killed every day with exactly the same weapon.” – unknown

“The single most important tool in selling is being able to communicate effectively.” – Dan Brent Burt

QUOTES ON SILENCE IN PUBLIC SPEAKING

“It’s the space you put between the notes that make the music.” – Massimo Vignelli

“Let thy speech be better than silence, or be silent.” – Dionysius of Halicarnassus

“Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.” – cowboy saying

“Speak only if you can improve upon silence.” – unknown

“Talking is like playing the harp; there is as much in laying the hand on the strings to stop their vibrations as in twanging them to bring out their music.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

“The most precious things in speech are pauses.” – Ralph Richardson

“Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” – Abraham Lincoln

QUOTES ON SMILING IN PUBLIC SPEAKING

“So much is said with the electricity of the eyes, the intensity of a whisper. Less is more.” – Elizabeth Taylor

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the  smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia

“Your smile is a messenger of your goodwill.” – Dale Carnegie

QUOTES ON SPEED AND BREVITY IN PUBLIC SPEAKING

“A fool uttereth all his mind.” – Proverbs 29:11

“A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.” – William Strunk, Jr.

“A speech is like a love affair. Any fool can start one, but it requires considerable skill to end it.” – unknown

“Be sincere, be brief, be seated.” – Franklin Roosevelt

“Blessed is the man who, having nothing [more] to say, refrains from giving us wordy evidence of the fact.” – George Eliot

“For effective communication, use brevity. Jesus said, ‘Follow me.’ Now that’s brief!” – Jim Rohn

“He who talks more is sooner exhausted.” – Lao Tzu

“If it takes a lot of words to say what you have in mind, give it more thought.” – Dennis Roth

“If you want me to speak for an hour, I am ready today. If you want me to speak for just a few minutes, it will take me a few weeks to prepare.” – Mark Twain

“It is my ambition to say in ten sentences what other men say in whole books.” – Nietzsche

“It is with words as with sunbeams. The more they are condensed, the deeper they burn.” – Robert Southey

“It’s better to say nothing than spend 1,000 words or an hour speech saying nothing. Get to the point.” – Richard Branson

“It’s quite simple: say what you have to say and when you come to a sentence with a grammatical ending, sit down.” – Winston Churchill

“Make sure you have stopped speaking before your audience has stopped listening.” – Dorothy Sarnoff

“Never write if you can speak; never speak if you can nod; never nod if you can wink.” – Martin Lomasney

“Public speaking is the art of diluting a two-minute idea with a two-hour vocabulary.” – Evan Esar

“The best speech has a good beginning and a good ending – and has them close together.” – unknown

“The best way to make a good speech is to have a good beginning and a good ending – and have them close together.” – unknown

“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” – Thomas Jefferson

“The secret of being a bore is to tell everything.” – Voltaire

“Think all you speak, but speak not all you think. Thoughts are your own; your words are so no more.” – Patrick Delany

“To make a speech immortal, you don’t have to make it everlasting.” – unknown

“What is powerful is when what you say is just the tip of the iceberg of what you know.” – Jim Rohn

QUOTES ON STORYTELLING IN PRESENTATIONS

“Every story has its time to be told.” – Sekou Sundiata

“Stories open the hearts of your listeners, and then their wallets.” – Arvee Robinson

QUOTES ON WORDS VERSUS ACTIONS

“Be content to act, and leave the talking to others.” – Baltasa

“One deed is worth a thousand speeches.” – American proverb

“People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do.” – unknown

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

“Words may show a man’s wit, but actions, his meaning. “ – Benjamin Franklin

ABOUT SPARK PRESENTATIONS

Spark owner and speaking quote compiler Andy Saks

Spark Presentations is a private company founded in 1998 that provides presentation skills training and speech coaching for executives, salespeople, marketers and other businesspeople, plus booth staff training for trade show exhibitors.

Spark also books professional presenters and public speakers to represent its clients at high-profile events, in roles like keynote speaker, trade show booth presenter, master of ceremonies (emcee) and auctioneer, as well as on camera talent and voice talent.

Spark’s client list includes large corporations like AT&T, Best Buy, Covidien, FedEx, Hyundai, Intel, Kimberly-Clark, Owens-Corning, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, and Volvo; high-tech industry players like AMD, Atrion, Citrix, Gigamon, and Symantec; service organizations like Vistage, 1nService and NERCOMP; and New England institutions like Community Rowing and the Boston Jewish Film Festival.

Spark’s owner, Andy Saks, is also the author of The Presentation Playbook Series: Be a Most Valuable Presenter (MVP) , a three-volume series of books that help businesspeople master common presentation situations by building and running speaking “plays” like a coach or player calls a key play in a game. Volume 1 is available now in print and PDF formats on Spark’s website and at these online retailers and formats:  Amazon print , Amazon Kindle , Apple iBooks and Barnes & Noble print and Nook .

For questions, quotes or orders, contact Andy Saks at 781-454-7600, email or Spark’s Contact page .

Posted in: Sparky Says: Presentation & Public Speaking Tips | 1 Comment

Tags: public speaking tips

One comment

by Melissa Johnson | August 2, 2017 at 9:45 am

Good stuff!

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The Top 25 Positive Words to use in your Presentation

A simple technique to improve your presentation is to sprinkle a number of positive words into the script.

These positive words (more commonly known as “power words” can help to put the audience in a good mood.

Just be careful not to overdo them.

Positive Opening Words

1. Thanks – Thanks for inviting me to speak with you today. 2. Lovely – It’s lovely to be back. 3. Nice – It’s nice to see so many people here. 4. Passionate – I am passionate about positive words.

Positive Discovery Words

5. Show – I will show you … 6. Learn – You will learn that … 7. Find – You will find that … 8. Discover – I hope you will discover the marvellous properties of electrons. 9. New – I am presenting to you some new findings on … 10. Found – We found that there were three main areas of interest.

Positive Content Words

11. Clearly – On this slide you will clearly see … 12. Impressive – The results were impressive . 13. Very – He scored very high up the rankings. 14. Positive – This conveys a very positive message. 15. Lot – We achieved a lot in a very short space of time. 16. Importance – The importance of the data is that it … 17. Cool – Here is a cool example of … 18. Great – It received a great degree of attention. 19. Good – This is a good example of a positive word. 20. Marvellous – It’s marvellous that so many … 21. Wonderful – The wonderful world of the World Wide Web … 22. Totally – She was totally committed to the cause of …

Positive Closing Words

23. Enjoyed – I hope that you have enjoyed my presentation. 24. Pleasure – It has been a real pleasure to be here today. 25. Thank you – Thank you for listening to me today.

What positive words do you use in your presentations? Please add them in to the comments box.

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Great article! In my practice, I have found that positive / strong words make wonders.

Thanks for this article, it’s really helpful!

Great article! Thank you.

Thanks for this article, it’s really helpful

Thanks for this article, it’s really helpful and needed

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Home Blog Presentation Ideas How to Start a Presentation: 5 Strong Opening Slides and 12 Tricks To Test

How to Start a Presentation: 5 Strong Opening Slides and 12 Tricks To Test

Knowing how to start a presentation is crucial: if you fail to capture the audience’s attention right off the bat, your entire presentation will flop. Few listeners will stick with you to the end and retain what you have told.

That is mildly unpleasant when you are doing an in-house presentation in front of your colleagues. But it can become utterly embarrassing when you present in front of larger audiences (e.g., at a conference) or worse – delivering a sales presentation to prospective customers.

Here is how most of us begin a presentation: give an awkward greeting, thank everyone for coming, clear our throats, tap the mic, and humbly start to mumble about our subject. The problem with such an opening performance? It effectively kills and buries even the best messages.

Table of Contents

• The Classic Trick: Open a Presentation with an Introduction
• Open a Presentation with a Hook
• Begin with a Captivating Visual
• Ask a “What if…” Question
• Use the Word “Imagine”
• Leverage The Curiosity Gap
• The Power of Silence
• Facts as Weapons of Communication
• Fact vs. Myths
• The Power of Music
• Physical Activity
• Acknowledging a Person

How to Start a PowerPoint Presentation The Right Way

Let’s say you have all of your presentation slides polished up (in case you don’t, check our quick & effective PowerPoint presentation design tips first). Your presentation has a clear storyline and agenda. Main ideas are broken into bite-sized statements for your slides and complemented with visuals. All you have left is to figure out how you begin presenting.

The best way is to appeal to and invoke certain emotions in your audience – curiosity, surprise, fear, or good old amusements. Also, it is recommended to present your main idea in the first 30 seconds of the presentation. And here’s how it’s done.

1. The Classic Trick: Open a Presentation with an Introduction

When you don’t feel like reinventing the wheel, use a classic trick from the book – start with a quick personal introduction. Don’t want to sound as boring as everyone else with your humble “Hi, I’m John, the head of the Customer Support Department”? Great, because we are all about promoting effective presentation techniques (hint: using a dull welcome slide isn’t one of them).

Here’s how to introduce yourself in a presentation the right way.

a. Use a link-back memory formula

To ace a presentation, you need to connect with your audience. The best way to do so is by throwing in a simple story showing who you are, where you came from, and why your words matter.

The human brain loves a good story, and we are more inclined to listen and retain the information told this way. Besides, when we can relate to the narrator (or story hero), we create an emotional bond with them, and, again – become more receptive, and less skeptical of the information that is about to be delivered.

So here are your presentation introduction lines:

My name is Joanne, and I’m the Head of Marketing at company XYZ. Five years ago I was working as a waitress, earning $10/hour and collecting rejection letters from editors. About ten letters every week landed to my mailbox. You see, I love words, but decent publisher thought mine were good enough. Except for the restaurant owner. I was very good at up-selling and recommending dishes to the customers. My boss even bumped my salary to $15/hour as a token of appreciation for my skill. And this made me realize: I should ditch creative writing and focus on copywriting instead. After loads of trial and error back in the day, I learned how to write persuasive copy. I was no longer getting rejection letters. I was receiving thousands of emails saying that someone just bought another product from our company. My sales copy pages generated over $1,500,000 in revenue over last year. And I want to teach you how to do the same”

b. Test the Stereotype Formula

This one’s simple and effective as well. Introduce yourself by sharing an obvious stereotype about your profession. This cue will help you connect with your audience better, make them chuckle a bit, and set a lighter mood for the speech to follow.

Here’s how you can frame your intro:

“My name is ___, and I am a lead software engineer at our platform [Your Job Title]. And yes, I’m that nerdy type who never liked presenting in front of large groups of people. I would rather stay in my den and write code all day long. [Stereotype]. But hey, since I have mustered enough courage…let’s talk today about the new product features my team is about to release….”

After sharing a quick, self-deprecating line, you transition back to your topic, reinforcing the audience’s attention . Both of these formulas help you set the “mood” for your further presentation, so try using them interchangeably on different occasions.

2. Open a Presentation with a Hook

Wow your audience straight off the bat by sharing something they would not expect to hear. This may be one of the popular first-time presentation tips but don’t rush to discard it.

Because here’s the thing: psychologically , we are more inclined to pay attention whenever presented with an unexpected cue. When we know what will happen next – someone flips the switch, and lights turn on – we don’t really pay much attention to that action.

But when we don’t know what to expect next – e.g., someone flips the switch and a bell starts ringing – we are likely to pay more attention to what will happen next. The same goes for words: everyone loves stories with unpredictable twists. So begin your presentation with a PowerPoint introduction slide or a line that no one expects to hear.

Here are a few hook examples you can swipe:

a. Open with a provocative statement

It creates an instant jolt and makes the audience intrigued to hear what you are about to say next – pedal back, continue with the provocation, or do something else that they will not expect.

“You will live seven and a half minutes longer than you would have otherwise, just because you watched this talk.”

That’s how Jane McGonigal opens one of her TED talks . Shocking and intriguing, right?

b. Ask a rhetorical, thought-provoking question

Seasoned presenters know that one good practice is to ask a question at the beginning of a presentation to increase audience engagement. Rhetorical questions have a great persuasive effect – instead of answering aloud, your audience will silently start musing over it during your presentation. They aroused curiosity and motivated the audience to remain attentive, as they did want to learn your answer to this question.

To reinforce your message throughout the presentation, you can further use the Rhetorical Triangle Concept – a rhetorical approach to building a persuasive argument based on Aristotle’s teachings.

c. Use a bold number, factor stat

A clean slide with some mind-boggling stat makes an undeniably strong impact. Here are a few opening statement examples you can use along with your slide:

• Shock them: “We are effectively wasting over $1.2 billion per year on producing clothes no one will ever purchase”
• Create empathy: “Are you among the 20% of people with undiagnosed ADHD?”
• Call to arms: “58% of marketing budgets are wasted due to poor landing page design. Let’s change this!”
• Spark curiosity: “Did you know that companies who invested in speech recognition have seen a 13% increase in ROI within just 3 years?”

3. Begin with a Captivating Visual

Compelling visuals are the ABC of presentation design – use them strategically to make an interesting statement at the beginning and throughout your presentation. Your first presentation slide can be text-free. Communicate your idea with a visual instead – a photo, a chart, an infographic, or another graphics asset.

Visuals are a powerful medium for communication as our brain needs just 13 milliseconds to render what our eyes see, whereas text comprehension requires more cognitive effort.

Relevant images add additional aesthetic appeal to your deck, bolster the audience’s imagination, and make your key message instantly more memorable.

Here’s an intro slide example. You want to make a strong presentation introduction to global pollution.  Use the following slide to reinforce the statement you share:

“Seven of nine snow samples taken on land in Antarctica found chemicals known as PFAs, which are used in industrial products and can harm wildlife”

Source: Reuters

4. Ask a “What if…” Question

The “what if” combo carries massive power. It gives your audience a sense of what will happen if they choose to listen to you and follow your advice.  Here are a few presentations with starting sentences + slides to illustrate this option:

Alternatively, you can work your way to this point using different questions:

• Ask the audience about their “Why.” Why are they attending this event, or why do they find this topic relevant?
• Use “How” as your question hook if you plan to introduce a potential solution to a problem.
• If your presentation has a persuasion factor associated, use “When” as a question to trigger the interest of the audience on, for example, when they are planning to take action regarding the topic being presented (if we talk about an inspirational presentation).

5. Use the Word “Imagine”

“Imagine,” “Picture This,” and “Think of” are better word choices for when you plan to begin your presentation with a quick story.

Our brain loves interacting with stories. In fact, a captivating story makes us more collaborative. Scientists have discovered that stories with tension during narrative make us:

• Pay more attention,
• Share emotions with the characters and even mimic the feelings and behaviors of those characters afterward.

That’s why good action movies often feel empowering and make us want to change the world too. By incorporating a good, persuasive story with a relatable hero, you can also create that “bond” with your audience and make them more perceptive to your pitch – donate money to support the cause; explore the solution you are offering, and so on.

6. Leverage The Curiosity Gap

The curiosity gap is another psychological trick frequently used by marketers to solicit more clicks, reads, and other interactions from the audience. In essence, it’s the trick you see behind all those clickbait, Buzzfeed-style headlines:

Not everyone is a fan of such titles. But the truth is – they do the trick and instantly capture attention. The curiosity gap sparks our desire to dig deeper into the matter. We are explicitly told that we don’t know something important, and now we crave to change that. Curiosity is an incredibly strong driving force for action – think Eve, think Pandora’s Box.

So consider incorporating these attention grabbers for your presentation speech to shock the audience. You can open with one, or strategically weave them in the middle of your presentation when you feel like your audience is getting tired and may lose their focus.

Here’s how you can use the curiosity gap during your presentation:

• Start telling a story, pause in the middle, and delay the conclusion of it.
• Withhold the key information (e.g., the best solution to the problem you have described) for a bit – but not for too long, as this can reduce the initial curiosity.
• Introduce an idea or concept and link it with an unexpected outcome or subject – this is the best opening for a presentation tip.

7. The Power of Silence

What would you do if you attended a presentation in which the speaker remains silent for 30 seconds after the presentation starts? Just the presenter, standing in front of the audience, in absolute silence.

Most likely, your mind starts racing with thoughts, expecting something of vital importance to be disclosed. The surprise factor with this effect is for us to acknowledge things we tend to take for granted.

It is a powerful resource to introduce a product or to start an inspirational presentation if followed by a fact.

8. Facts as Weapons of Communication

In some niches, using statistics as the icebreaker is the best method to retain the audience’s interest.

Say your presentation is about climate change. Why not introduce a not-so-common fact, such as the amount of wool that can be produced out of oceanic plastic waste per month? And since you have to base your introduction on facts, research manufacturers that work with Oceanic fabrics from recycled plastic bottles .

Using facts helps to build a better narrative, and also gives leverage to your presentation as you are speaking not just from emotional elements but from actually recorded data backed up by research.

9. Fact vs. Myths

Related to our previous point, we make quite an interesting speech if we contrast a fact vs. a myth in a non-conventional way: using a myth to question a well-accepted fact, then introducing a new point of view or theory, backed on sufficient research, that proves the fact wrong. This technique, when used in niches related to academia, can significantly increase the audience’s interest, and it will highlight your presentation as innovative.

Another approach is to debunk a myth using a fact. This contrast immediately piques interest because it promises to overturn commonly held beliefs, and people naturally find it compelling when their existing knowledge is put to the test. An example of this is when a nutritionist wishes to speak about how to lose weight via diet, and debunks the myth that all carbohydrates are “bad”.

10. The Power of Music

Think about a presentation that discusses the benefits of using alternative therapies to treat anxiety, reducing the need to rely on benzodiazepines. Rather than going technical and introducing facts, the presenter can play a soothing tune and invite the audience to follow an exercise that teaches how to practice breathing meditation . Perhaps, in less than 2 minutes, the presenter can accomplish the goal of exposing the advantages of this practice with a live case study fueled by the proper ambiance (due to the music played in the beginning).

11. Physical Activity

Let’s picture ourselves in an in-company presentation about workspace wellness. For this company, the sedentary lifestyle their employees engage in is a worrying factor, so they brought a personal trainer to coach the employees on a basic flexibility routine they can practice in 5 minutes after a couple of hours of desk time.

“Before we dive in, let’s all stand up for a moment.” This simple instruction breaks the ice and creates a moment of shared experience among the attendees. You could then lead them through a brief stretching routine, saying something like, “Let’s reach up high, and stretch out those muscles that get so tight sitting at our desks all day.” With this action, you’re not just talking about workplace wellness, you’re giving them a direct, personal experience of it.

This approach has several advantages. Firstly, it infuses energy into the room and increases the oxygen flow to the brain, potentially boosting the audience’s concentration and retention. Secondly, it sets a precedent that your presentation is not going to be a standard lecture, but rather an interactive experience. This can raise the level of anticipation for what’s to come, and make the presentation a topic for future conversation between coworkers.

12. Acknowledging a Person

How many times have you heard the phrase: “Before we begin, I’d like to dedicate a few words to …” . The speaker could be referring to a mentor figure, a prominent person in the local community, or a group of people who performed charity work or obtained a prize for their hard work and dedication. Whichever is the reason behind this, acknowledgment is a powerful force to use as a method of starting a presentation. It builds a connection with the audience, it speaks about your values and who you admire, and it can transmit what the conversation is going to be about based on who the acknowledged person is.

Closing Thoughts

Now you know how to start your presentation – you have the opening lines, you have the slides to use, and you can browse even more attractive PowerPoint presentation slides and templates on our website. Also, we recommend you visit our article on how to make a PowerPoint Presentation to get familiarized with the best tactics for professional presentation design and delivery, or if you need to save time preparing your presentation, we highly recommend you check our AI Presentation Maker to pair these concepts with cutting-edge slide design powered by AI.

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Words of Encouragement for a Presentation

Giving a presentation can be nerve-wracking, but remember to stay confident and believe in yourself. With a positive mindset and some preparation, you can deliver a successful presentation that leaves a lasting impact on your audience.

Presentations can be daunting, especially for those who are not naturally comfortable speaking in front of others. However, with the right mindset and a few essential tips, anyone can learn to deliver a compelling presentation that captivates the audience. One crucial factor to consider is the power of words of encouragement.

Motivational and supportive words can have a profound effect on the presenter, boosting their confidence and helping them overcome nervousness. We will explore some effective words of encouragement that can help someone giving a presentation and discuss how they can make a significant difference in the presenter’s overall performance. So, let’s dive in and discover how to inspire and uplift presenters to deliver an impactful presentation with confidence and conviction.

Table of Contents

Set The Stage For Success

When giving a presentation, it is essential to set the stage for success. One way to do this is by recognizing the value of encouragement. Creating a supportive environment for the presenter can make a significant difference in their confidence and performance.

By offering words of encouragement, the audience can help alleviate any nervousness or anxiety the presenter may be feeling. Positive feedback and reassurance can boost their morale and motivation, allowing them to deliver their presentation with more ease and clarity.

Providing constructive feedback and acknowledging their efforts can also help them improve and grow as a presenter. Ultimately, a supportive environment can make the difference between a successful and enjoyable presentation and one filled with stress and self-doubt. So let’s remember to uplift and encourage those giving presentations, as it can make a world of difference in their experience and outcome.

Preparing The Presenter

Preparing the presenter is crucial to deliver a successful presentation. Boosting confidence is a secret weapon for any speaker. The ability to embrace vulnerability turns nerves into strengths. Building a solid foundation with thorough preparation builds confidence. Visualize success and practice the presentation multiple times.

Focus on positive self-talk and affirmations. Incorporate relaxation techniques to calm nerves. Remember that mistakes happen, and they can be learning opportunities. Engage the audience by maintaining eye contact and using gestures. Utilize storytelling techniques to capture attention. Finally, don’t forget to be yourself and let your passion shine through.

With sufficient preparation and a confident mindset, anyone can give an impactful presentation.

Crafting Words That Inspire

Crafting words that inspire is crucial for someone giving a presentation. Positive language holds immense power. It uplifts, motivates, and encourages the audience. Instead of simply delivering information, incorporate storytelling techniques. Share relatable experiences that captivate their attention. Engaging the audience through personal anecdotes fosters connection and builds trust.

Avoid lengthy explanations and convoluted statements. Keep it short, concise, and impactful. Each word should serve a purpose and resonate with the listeners. By using authentic and relatable language, the speaker can create a meaningful and memorable experience for the audience.

So, choose your words wisely and let them inspire, motivate, and empower. The impact can be transformative for both the presenter and the listeners.

Engaging The Audience

Engaging the audience during a presentation is crucial, and establishing a genuine connection is key. Authenticity matters because people can sense when someone is being fake. One effective way to connect is by using humor to break the ice and lighten the mood.

A well-placed joke can immediately grab the audience’s attention and make them feel more at ease. It shows that you’re human and relatable. However, it’s important to be mindful of the context and ensure that the humor aligns with the topic and the audience’s sensibilities.

By incorporating genuine humor, you create a positive and engaging atmosphere that encourages active participation. Remember, connecting with your audience goes beyond delivering information – it’s about making a lasting impact. So be yourself, be funny, and watch your presentation truly come alive.

Managing Nervousness And Stress

Giving a presentation can be nerve-racking. Managing nervousness and stress is essential. You can anchor calmness by practicing deep breathing techniques. These techniques help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of relaxation. Visualize yourself confidently delivering the presentation with grace and poise.

Imagine the positive outcome and the impact your words will have on the audience. By using imagery, you conquer anxiety and boost your self-confidence. Remember to take deep breaths and focus on your breathing throughout the presentation. Embrace the positive energy and believe in yourself.

With these words of encouragement, you can overcome nervousness and deliver a successful presentation.

Credit: parade.com

Overcoming Obstacles

When giving a presentation, it’s important to handle obstacles with poise and confidence. Technical difficulties are common, but staying calm is key. Interruptions from the audience can be distracting, so maintaining composure is crucial. Remember to stay focused and collected throughout the presentation, no matter what challenges arise.

Keep in mind that every speaker faces hurdles, and how you handle them can make all the difference. Embrace these difficulties as an opportunity to showcase your resilience and adaptability. By staying cool under pressure, you can deliver a successful and impactful presentation.

Trust in your abilities and remember that even the most experienced speakers encounter obstacles. Your determination and grace under fire will leave a lasting impression on your audience. So, prepare, breathe, and step forward with confidence.

The Power Of Non-Verbal Communication

Giving a presentation can be nerve-wracking, but non-verbal communication is a powerful tool. Confidence and authority are projected through body language, exuding a sense of competence. Maintaining eye contact is essential in establishing trust and creating a connection with the audience.

By doing so, you show that you are fully present and engaged in the conversation. With a strong stance and gestures that reinforce your points, you can effectively convey your message. Remember to avoid any distracting mannerisms and focus on projecting a calm and composed demeanor.

Harness the power of your non-verbal cues to inspire and captivate your audience, leaving a lasting impression.

Enthusiasm And Passion: Fueling Presentation Excellence

Delivering a successful presentation requires tapping into genuine enthusiasm and delivering your message with passion and conviction. The key to excellence lies in finding your inner spark. By connecting with your own passion for the topic, you can ignite the same enthusiasm within your audience.

Start by conveying your excitement through your body language and voice, using gestures and tone to emphasize important points. Craft your message with conviction, sharing personal anecdotes or stories that highlight your passion and create a connection with your listeners.

Remember to keep your sentences concise and impactful, delivering each word with purpose. When you exude authentic enthusiasm and present your ideas with passion, you inspire and engage your audience, leaving a lasting impression. Embrace the power of genuine enthusiasm, and your presentation will shine brightly.

Promoting Self-Care And Recovery

Giving a presentation can be nerve-wracking, but remember to prioritize self-care and recovery. Practice mindfulness to stay present and grounded, which will help you deliver a successful presentation. Taking time to rest and reflect is crucial for recharging and achieving future success.

Believe in yourself and your abilities, and approach the presentation with confidence. Additionally, prepare well and rehearse your talk to minimize anxiety. Remember that mistakes are a part of the learning process, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Embrace this opportunity to grow and showcase your expertise.

Trust in your knowledge and the effort you have put into preparing for the presentation. Stay positive and focused, and know that you have what it takes to deliver an impactful and memorable talk. Keep pushing forward and never underestimate your potential to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions For Words Of Encouragement For Someone Giving A Presentation

What are some good words of encouragement.

Everyone faces challenges, but remember that you are strong and capable. Keep pushing forward and never give up. Believe in yourself and your abilities. You have the power to overcome obstacles and achieve great things. Take small steps every day and soon you will see progress.

Surround yourself with positive people who support and uplift you. Take time to celebrate even the small victories along the way. Remember that you are unique and have something valuable to offer the world. Keep a positive mindset and focus on the possibilities rather than the obstacles.

You are capable of greatness, so keep going and never stop believing in yourself.

What Is An Example Of A Positive Message?

A positive message is an example of encouragement, such as “You can do it!” Or “You are amazing!” Positive messages uplift and motivate individuals to believe in themselves and their abilities. They provide support, inspiration, and a sense of hope.

These messages can be delivered through various platforms, including social media, email, or face-to-face interactions. The power of positive messages lies in their ability to boost confidence, increase self-esteem, and foster a positive mindset. They can be used in personal contexts to uplift friends, family, or colleagues, or in professional settings to motivate teams and enhance productivity.

Whatever the situation, positive messages have the potential to create a ripple effect of goodness and positivity, influencing individuals to strive for success and embrace a brighter outlook on life.

What’S A Short Positive Message?

A short positive message is a concise statement that spreads optimism and encouragement. It aims to uplift and inspire others with a few words. It can be as simple as showing gratitude, such as saying “Thank you” or “You’re amazing!”.

Positive messages help create a supportive environment, boost morale, and strengthen relationships. They may include empowering affirmations like “You have the power to achieve your dreams” or “Believe in yourself and your abilities. ” These short messages can also motivate others through challenges by reminding them that “Obstacles are opportunities for growth” or “You are stronger than you think.

” By providing quick bursts of positivity, short positive messages have the power to brighten someone’s day and foster a sense of optimism and joy.

What Are Some Uplifting And Positive Inspirational Words?

Uplifting and positive inspirational words can bring joy and motivation to your life. Here are some: “Believe in yourself and your abilities”; “Persevere through challenges and never give up”; “Embrace optimism and find the silver lining in every situation”; “Spread kindness and make a positive impact on others”; “Dream big and make your ambitions a reality”; “Have gratitude for the present moment and appreciate the little things”; “Choose happiness and find joy in the simple pleasures”; “Inspire others with your words and actions”; “Stay determined and overcome obstacles that come your way”; “Celebrate progress and acknowledge your achievements”.

Incorporating these words into your daily life can uplift your spirits and bring positivity to both your personal and professional endeavors.

Remember, giving a presentation can be intimidating, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can excel. Start by acknowledging your nerves, and then focus on building your confidence by practicing your presentation and knowing your material inside and out.

Use positive self-talk, visualize success, and remember to breathe to help calm any anxiety. Engage your audience by maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly and confidently, and incorporating storytelling and humor when appropriate. Don’t be afraid to show your passion and enthusiasm for the topic.

Lastly, embrace any mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. Remember, even the most seasoned presenters make mistakes. So, be kind to yourself and stay focused on delivering a valuable and engaging presentation. You’ve got this!

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100 Words of Encouragement for Any Situation

A little bit of positivity goes a long way

Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

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How to Provide Words of Encouragement

100 words of encouragement to use, parting words.

A few words of encouragement can often go a long way toward cheering someone on—in good times and bad. Encouraging them can be a powerful way to show them you care about them and support them.

Offering positive support through words of encouragement strengthens emotional bonds and helps nurture relationships, says Kristin Wilson , MA, LPC, CCTP, RYT, Chief Experience Officer at Newport Healthcare.

Encouragement offers motivation, boosts confidence, creates a sense of security, and reinforces a person’s worth and capabilities.

We know that sometimes, the right words can be hard to find. You want to show someone your support but you feel awkward , don't want to sound disingenuous, and get stuck on what to say. 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you! In this article, we suggest some words of encouragement you can use to support a friend, partner, child, or coworker.

At a Glance

It’s important to cheer on your loved ones. Showing them your support and offering them words of encouragement can motivate them to do better and meet their goals. Make it a point to compliment their efforts, regardless of the outcome.

Go, get your cheer on!

These are some tips that can help you find the right words to encourage someone:

• Listen actively: Listen actively and pay attention to what the person is saying. Understand their concerns and challenges, so you can provide encouragement that specifically addresses their needs.
• Acknowledge their efforts: Recognize the effort someone is putting into a task or goal, regardless of the outcome. Appreciate how hard they’ve worked on something.
• Show them you see them: Instead of giving the person generic praise, give them a specific compliment based on their abilities, strengths, or potential. Make them feel like you see them.
• Be genuine: Authenticity matters. When you encourage someone or praise their efforts, say something you really mean, instead of saying something for the sake of it.
• Focus on the positive: Instead of focusing on something that’s gone wrong, focus on the bright side and encourage them to stay positive.
• Offer help: If you can, offer practical help or assistance. Sometimes, just knowing that you’re there for them can be incredibly reassuring.
• Be patient: If the person reacts negatively to your words of encouragement or rejects them, try to be understanding, says Wilson. “Avoid taking it personally or becoming defensive . Be open to discussing their concerns or reasons for the negative reaction and express your willingness to support them in a way that meets their needs.”

These are some phrases you can use to encourage your friends, children, coworkers, or partners. Notice how simple and straightforward many of them are. You don't have to be a poet or a motivational speaker to have an impact.

We may not admit it, but we usually like to be encouraged and feel reassured that someone has our back. It's easier to be there for someone—even in small ways—than you might think.

For a Coworker

If you're someone who feels awkward about outward encouragement, know that you're not alone! But think about times you have been encouraged or complimented about your work. It felt pretty good, right?

Here are some helpful words of encouragement for a coworker, whether you're congratulating someone on a job well done or trying to get the best out of your team:

• Great work!
• Your hard work is paying off.
• The passion you bring to your work is inspiring.
• You’re a true team player.
• Thank you for going above and beyond on this project.
• The way you handled that task was impressive.
• Your contributions to the team have been really helpful.
• Your commitment to this project is commendable.
• Your knowledge and expertise in this area have been invaluable.
• Your ideas are refreshing, keep them coming!
• Your work is making a huge impact.
• You have a strong work ethic that I really admire.
• Your can-do approach is really motivating the rest of the team.
• Your positivity and optimism are contagious.
• Your attention to detail is flawless, keep it up!
• Your leadership inspires confidence.
• We're lucky to have you on board.
• I trust your ability to handle this project.
• I have confidence in your decision-making skills.
• I’m seeing a significant improvement in your performance.
• Thanks for working on the feedback I shared, I can see the difference.
• Your professional and personal growth have been significant.
• Don’t be discouraged by setbacks, you can do this!
• Even though the deal fell through, it was not for lack of your effort.
• Your calm and collected approach was really helpful during the crisis.

This kind of encouragement won't just make someone feel better, it can help motivate them too. Research shows that encouraging employees improves their commitment to their job.

For a Friend

These are some words of encouragement for a friend. You know them best, so feel free to improvise based on the situation or the kind of encouragement you know they have responded to in the past.

• Good luck! You’re going to do great.
• Break a leg! Go out there and wow them.
• You killed it! That was amazing.
• Congratulations, I’m so happy for you!
• You had the courage to follow your dreams.
• You stuck to your guns, good for you!
• One step at a time, you’re almost there!
• Don’t worry, you can do this!
• Keep at it, you’ve got this!
• I have no doubt that you’ll be great at this.
• This is tough, but you’re definitely tougher.
• It sucks that you have to go through this, but I know you can do it.
• Things will get better, hang in there!
• Whatever the universe has in store for you is going to be amazing.
• Trust the process, it’ll work out.
• Good vibes coming your way.
• Sending you big hugs and happy thoughts.
• You’re in my thoughts today.
• I’m here for you no matter what.
• Just pick up the phone if you need me.
• Your friendship is important to me.
• You have a heart of gold.
• You’re such a pure soul.
• You make the world a better place.

For a Partner

A romantic partner is usually one of the most important people in our lives, if not the most important. A big part of maintaining a healthy long-term relationship is letting your partner know you're there for them, whatever they might be going through. If your partner's love language is words of affirmation, this kind of verbal reinforcement can be even more critical.

These are some words of encouragement for a partner :

• I believe in you, you’ve got this!
• You're not alone, we're in this together.
• I’m with you every step of the way.
• I support you no matter what.
• Together, we can do anything.
• I'm grateful to have you by my side.
• I’m so lucky to have you in my life.
• I know I can always count on you.
• You’ve never let me down.
• You’re my rock, and I appreciate your support.
• Thanks for everything you do for me.
• Thank you for sharing that with me.
• You inspire me to be a better person.
• You make my life better in so many ways.
• Your kindness makes the world a better place.
• Your thoughtfulness never fails to amaze me.
• You have such a big heart.
• You’re beautiful inside and out.
• You brighten up my days.
• You make me so happy.
• You make me look forward to each day.
• You’re so special to me.
• You’re such a good listener.
• You make me feel seen and supported.
• I have so much to learn from you.

For a Child

The great thing about giving encouragement to kids is you don't have to worry about the kind of sheepish self-conscious reactions you may get from an adult. Children are more earnest, more literal, and won't have nearly as many complicated feelings about receiving words of encouragement. These are some words of encouragement for a child:

• There you go!
• You’re doing great.
• Keep up the good work.
• You’re such a smart cookie.
• You’re so brave.
• I’m so proud of you.
• You’re awesome, you can do this!
• Good luck today!
• Be good today.
• Make me proud.
• I know you’ll do the right thing.
• Try, try, try!
• You can do anything if you put your mind to it.
• You can be anything you want to be.
• The sky's the limit.
• I love you no matter what.
• It didn’t go well, but you learnt something important today.
• Mistakes are part of the learning process. Don’t beat yourself up.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Tomorrow will be a better day.
• Hang in there!
• Don’t give up, you can do this.
• Do your best, leave the rest.

Research shows that encouraging students improves their academic performance and self-efficacy .

These words and phrases can help you encourage your loved ones through the ups and downs of life. You can use these phrases, or find your own. Either way, they’ll appreciate it if you genuinely mean it. Your support and understanding will probably mean more to them than you know.

Zhao X, Yang YC, Han G, Zhang Q. The impact of positive verbal rewards on organizational citizenship behavior-the mediating role of psychological ownership and affective commitment . Front Psychol . 2022 Apr 28;13:864078. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.864078

Gong Z, Jiao X, Xia X, Yu H, Lv C. The relationship between academic encouragement and academic self-efficacy: a moderated mediation model . Front Psychol . 2022 Jul 7;13:644243. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.644243

By Sanjana Gupta Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

Home › 101 Inspirational Words of Encouragement to Lift You Up

101 Inspirational Words of Encouragement to Lift You Up

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In today’s hectic world, it is becoming harder and harder to calm the mind. We are over-stimulated and overworked, and we find less time to do the things we enjoy because of the things we have to do.

Without moments of quiet and clarity, it’s easy to go a full day without hearing your inner voice. But this is one of the most important things you can do for your mental health. Finding a space for mindfulness helps us both in challenging times and moments of celebration. It allows our mind to come back to who we really are, where we are, and how we are doing.

Inspirational words of encouragement have a powerful effect on the mind. A 2015 study by Brain and Behavior confirmed that repeating a word or phrase quiets what is known as the “ default-mode network ” – that is, a network that fills the mind with busy, distracting thoughts.

Repeated mantras (like the one’s we’ll share below) allow the mind to rest, help us to focus, and let us see the world without the distracting chatter.

Encouraging phrases themselves spark a positive neurological response. As early as the 1970s, scientist John Eccles found that just by speaking “ positive verbs ” out loud, the area of the brain responsible for movement jumped into action. Other researchers have continued to prove his findings in the last few decades: that when we repeat positive phrases, our brain physically responds.

We’ve put together a list of words of encouragement to help you focus your mind and quiet your default-mode network.

We suggest reading through the whole list and picking out the ones that really resonate with you. Write those down and put them somewhere you can see them: on your fridge, on a note by your desk, next to the front door, or even on your mirror. Wherever you’ll see them! Then make a point of saying them out loud each day.

So here are 101 inspirational words of encouragement to lift you up today!

Page Contents

Everyday Mantras for Mindfulness

• Today I plant the seeds for the life I long to live.
• I am open and willing to flow with life’s changes.
• I build a space of calm and clarity all around me.
• My creativity is precious and unique.
• One activity at a time; there is no need to rush.
• No one can distract me from this moment but me.
• I am supported in my work and goals.
• Today, I will see the world with enthusiasm and curiosity .
• My breath is an entryway to a place of inner calm.
• I will seek the sacred in the ordinary.
• Each person I meet is a friend and fellow world traveler.
• I am capable of small positive changes.
• Balance in all things brings peace and contentment.
• Today, I will create something new.
• My mind longs for new information and growth.
• Acts of kindness ripple through the world.
• My compassion does not go unnoticed.
• Time is never wasted when I am fully present.
• Today, I will step outside my comfort zone.
• Setting goals for the future gives me direction in the present.
• My five senses are a doorway to the present moment.
• I will heal by connecting with others.
• I am a constant work in progress, and that is okay.

Words of Encouragement for Success

• I have integrity and drive and worked persistently for this moment.
• I am worthy of praise—both from others and myself.
• With each day, I will take smaller steps toward my joy.
• Working toward my goals inspires others around me to do the same.
• Improvement and growth are never linear.
• The more I improve myself, the more I can help the world around me.
• I have the power to spread love to each and every person that crosses my path.
• My path is unique and I will walk it with pride.
• I will pause and appreciate this beautiful moment.
• I can define what “success” means for me at this given moment.
• I will spread enthusiastic light to those who need it today.
• I built this mountain with small stones, and only then began to climb.
• This day can act as a beacon of hope for the days when I need inspiration.
• My community supports me and I support them.
• I will be present in my current joy.
• Change is inevitable, in good times and in bad.
• Never give up . There is no such thing as an ending. Just a new beginning.
• There may be trouble ahead, but I am strong enough to face it.
• People trust me because I am trustworthy.
• Each success is an opportunity to help others.

Mantras for Good Health

• My body is a beautiful creation that changes and grows.
• I choose actions, food, and ideas that help me stand taller and stronger.
• Each day, my body can heal itself.
• I fill my mind and body with light and love.
• I exercise to greater understand my body.
• I send loving kindness to each organ and area of my brain.
• Peace with my body inspires others to find peace for their own.
• Feeding my mind feeds my body.
• I am allowed to take the time to heal.
• I will listen to what my body is trying to tell me.
• I will seek help when I cannot help myself.
• My health standards come before anyone else’s beauty standards.
• I will check in with myself and give my body what it needs.
• When I feed my body well, I am more capable to connect with those around me.
• Today, I will speak kindly to my body.
• I am thankful for my abilities.
• I will proceed through my day with determination, not judgment.
• I set my own standards and benchmarks.
• My mental and physical health comes before my career.
• I will find new ways to support the health of those around me.

Words of Encouragement for Times of Sadness

• “ Tears are a river that takes you somewhere…tears lift your boat off the ground, carrying it downriver to someplace better. ” – Clarissa Pinkola Estes
• Though I feel pain , I am still my true self.
• When I care about emotions, I am more capable of caring for others.
• Change is the pathway to growth.
• I will nurture my inner pain and listen to its message.
• I did everything I felt was right at the moment; I have no need for regret.
• I am not alone and I am not forgotten.
• Asking for help makes me stronger.
• From change comes great possibility.
• I will listen to my sadness with patience and love.
• My words, thoughts, and ideas are important to the world.
• I am deserving of rest and rejuvenation.
• The world outside my mind does not define me.
• I am protected in love and kindness during this difficult time.
• “ You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather. ” – Pema Chodron
• Although I feel out of control, I am safe, cared for, and healthy.
• The dangers of the past do not define who I am today.
• I am not a burden to others, as they are not a burden to me.
• For now, I will seek joy in the small moments.
• I am deserving of self-patience and self-love.
• The world needs to hear what I have to say.

Mantras for Challenging Times

• “ When a person’s speech is full of anger, it is because he or she suffers deeply. ” ― Thich Nhat Hanh, Anger
• I have solved similar problems in the past and can do so again.
• I cannot be defined by society’s labels. I am unique.
• I can use this anger to spark positive change in myself and those around me.
• My anger stems from fear, and I will comfort that fear with loving kindness.
• My small acts of compassion matter to the world.
• Each small step adds up to a long journey toward peace.
• Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. I only need to focus on now.
• The success and positive energy of others empower me to change.
• There are beautiful days ahead.
• I will find small beauties in the world today.
• Forgiveness begins with taking care of my own hurt.
• My challenges inspire lessons for myself and those around me.
• “ Beyond mountains, there are mountains. ” –Haitian Proverb
• My feet are on the ground, I am breathing, and I safe.
• Resting will clarify my next positive step forward.
• I am only responsible for my own actions.
• I believe that there is love in the world and love in myself.

Extensive research has shown that repeating encouraging mantras and phrases like the ones included in this post can help you focus your mind, achieve your goals, and live more mindfully. Remember to write your favorite mantras down and post them throughout the house – or around your desk – as a physical reminder to you to speak kindly to yourself.

Life is always fluctuating. And just as the world outside us constantly changes, so can the way we view it. Make positive changes today and start living the positive life you’ve always imagined.

What’s your favorite mantra? How have words of encouragement changed your outlook on life, or helped you to live more mindfully?

Quincy Seale

10 thoughts on “101 Inspirational Words of Encouragement to Lift You Up”

I appreciate your efforts. Thank you so much for your inspirational words. These really helps me & encourages me.

Such an amazing blog full of energy & motivation really very inspiring.

Thank you for these lovely quotes. We are discussing supporting each other tonight and I happened to find your page. Lovely.

I am so moved by these words! I hope to be inspired this way each day. Thank you.

very encouraging in these times; I loved your scientific data on how the mind will focus on a specific phrase and use that as a “short cut” to the soul and spirit to overcome or cope with fears; I have done this with Bible verses and know it works; Thank you!

Sometimes the best thing you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine, not obsess. Just breathe and have faith that everything will work out for the best. Thanks a lot for the wonderful words.

Looking for words of encouragement for my wonderful grandsons,whom are moving back to the USA, from China next month. Both are in middle school and have only stayed here for 6 weeks every summer. This blog is wonderful and very helpful in so many ways. I will use it, to my fullest advantage. Thank you very much.

Wow….so sweet your grandsons will be very happy to have someone like you Jenny, and we could chat sometimes if you wish.

Yes, true just leave it to God and everything will be okay.

Blessed are those who dream of possibilities and pay the price.

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How to Present to an Audience That Knows More Than You

• Deborah Grayson Riegel

Lean into being a facilitator — not an expert.

What happens when you have to give a presentation to an audience that might have some professionals who have more expertise on the topic than you do? While it can be intimidating, it can also be an opportunity to leverage their deep and diverse expertise in service of the group’s learning. And it’s an opportunity to exercise some intellectual humility, which includes having respect for other viewpoints, not being intellectually overconfident, separating your ego from your intellect, and being willing to revise your own viewpoint — especially in the face of new information. This article offers several tips for how you might approach a roomful of experts, including how to invite them into the discussion without allowing them to completely take over, as well as how to pivot on the proposed topic when necessary.

I was five years into my executive coaching practice when I was invited to lead a workshop on “Coaching Skills for Human Resource Leaders” at a global conference. As the room filled up with participants, I identified a few colleagues who had already been coaching professionally for more than a decade. I felt self-doubt start to kick in: Why were they even here? What did they come to learn? Why do they want to hear from me?

• Deborah Grayson Riegel is a professional speaker and facilitator, as well as a communication and presentation skills coach. She teaches leadership communication at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and has taught for Wharton Business School, Columbia Business School’s Women in Leadership Program, and Peking University’s International MBA Program. She is the author of Overcoming Overthinking: 36 Ways to Tame Anxiety for Work, School, and Life and the best-selling Go To Help: 31 Strategies to Offer, Ask for, and Accept Help .

Partner Center

15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

Powerful speech opening lines set the tone and mood of your speech. It’s what grips the audience to want to know more about the rest of your talk.

The first few seconds are critical. It’s when you have maximum attention of the audience. And you must capitalize on that!

Instead of starting off with something plain and obvious such as a ‘Thank you’ or ‘Good Morning’, there’s so much more you can do for a powerful speech opening (here’s a great article we wrote a while ago on how you should NOT start your speech ).

To help you with this, I’ve compiled some of my favourite openings from various speakers. These speakers have gone on to deliver TED talks , win international Toastmaster competitions or are just noteworthy people who have mastered the art of communication.

After each speaker’s opening line, I have added how you can include their style of opening into your own speech. Understanding how these great speakers do it will certainly give you an idea to create your own speech opening line which will grip the audience from the outset!

Alright! Let’s dive into the 15 powerful speech openings…

Note: Want to take your communications skills to the next level? Book a complimentary consultation with one of our expert communication coaches. We’ll look under the hood of your hurdles and pick two to three growth opportunities so you can speak with impact!

1. Ric Elias

Opening: “Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.”

How to use the power of imagination to open your speech?

Putting your audience in a state of imagination can work extremely well to captivate them for the remainder of your talk.

It really helps to bring your audience in a certain mood that preps them for what’s about to come next. Speakers have used this with high effectiveness by transporting their audience into an imaginary land to help prove their point.

When Ric Elias opened his speech, the detail he used (3000 ft, sound of the engine going clack-clack-clack) made me feel that I too was in the plane. He was trying to make the audience experience what he was feeling – and, at least in my opinion, he did.

When using the imagination opening for speeches, the key is – detail. While we want the audience to wander into imagination, we want them to wander off to the image that we want to create for them. So, detail out your scenario if you’re going to use this technique.

Make your audience feel like they too are in the same circumstance as you were when you were in that particular situation.

2. Barack Obama

Opening: “You can’t say it, but you know it’s true.”

3. Seth MacFarlane

Opening: “There’s nowhere I would rather be on a day like this than around all this electoral equipment.” (It was raining)

How to use humour to open your speech?

When you use humour in a manner that suits your personality, it can set you up for a great speech. Why? Because getting a laugh in the first 30 seconds or so is a great way to quickly get the audience to like you.

And when they like you, they are much more likely to listen to and believe in your ideas.

Obama effortlessly uses his opening line to entice laughter among the audience. He brilliantly used the setting (the context of Trump becoming President) and said a line that completely matched his style of speaking.

Saying a joke without really saying a joke and getting people to laugh requires you to be completely comfortable in your own skin. And that’s not easy for many people (me being one of them).

If the joke doesn’t land as expected, it could lead to a rocky start.

Keep in mind the following when attempting to deliver a funny introduction:

• Know your audience: Make sure your audience gets the context of the joke (if it’s an inside joke among the members you’re speaking to, that’s even better!). You can read this article we wrote where we give you tips on how you can actually get to know your audience better to ensure maximum impact with your speech openings
• The joke should suit your natural personality. Don’t make it look forced or it won’t elicit the desired response
• Test the opening out on a few people who match your real audience. Analyze their response and tweak the joke accordingly if necessary
• Starting your speech with humour means your setting the tone of your speech. It would make sense to have a few more jokes sprinkled around the rest of the speech as well as the audience might be expecting the same from you

4. Mohammed Qahtani

Opening: Puts a cigarette on his lips, lights a lighter, stops just before lighting the cigarette. Looks at audience, “What?”

5. Darren Tay

Opening: Puts a white pair of briefs over his pants.

How to use props to begin your speech?

The reason props work so well in a talk is because in most cases the audience is not expecting anything more than just talking. So when a speaker pulls out an object that is unusual, everyone’s attention goes right to it.

It makes you wonder why that prop is being used in this particular speech.

The key word here is unusual . To grip the audience’s attention at the beginning of the speech, the prop being used should be something that the audience would never expect. Otherwise, it just becomes something that is common. And common = boring!

What Mohammed Qahtani and Darren Tay did superbly well in their talks was that they used props that nobody expected them to.

By pulling out a cigarette and lighter or a white pair of underwear, the audience can’t help but be gripped by what the speaker is about to do next. And that makes for a powerful speech opening.

6. Simon Sinek

Opening: “How do you explain when things don’t go as we assume? Or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions?”

7. Julian Treasure

Opening: “The human voice. It’s the instrument we all play. It’s the most powerful sound in the world. Probably the only one that can start a war or say “I love you.” And yet many people have the experience that when they speak people don’t listen to them. Why is that? How can we speak powerfully to make change in the world?”

How to use questions to open a speech?

I use this method often. Starting off with a question is the simplest way to start your speech in a manner that immediately engages the audience.

But we should keep our questions compelling as opposed to something that is fairly obvious.

I’ve heard many speakers start their speeches with questions like “How many of us want to be successful?”

No one is going to say ‘no’ to that and frankly, I just feel silly raising my hand at such questions.

Simon Sinek and Jullian Treasure used questions in a manner that really made the audience think and make them curious to find out what the answer to that question is.

What Jullian Treasure did even better was the use of a few statements which built up to his question. This made the question even more compelling and set the theme for what the rest of his talk would be about.

So think of what question you can ask in your speech that will:

• Set the theme for the remainder of your speech
• Not be something that is fairly obvious
• Be compelling enough so that the audience will actually want to know what the answer to that question will be

8. Aaron Beverley

Opening: Long pause (after an absurdly long introduction of a 57-word speech title). “Be honest. You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”

How to use silence for speech openings?

The reason this speech opening stands out is because of the fact that the title itself is 57 words long. The audience was already hilariously intrigued by what was going to come next.

But what’s so gripping here is the way Aaron holds the crowd’s suspense by…doing nothing. For about 10 to 12 seconds he did nothing but stand and look at the audience. Everyone quietened down. He then broke this silence by a humorous remark that brought the audience laughing down again.

When going on to open your speech, besides focusing on building a killer opening sentence, how about just being silent?

It’s important to keep in mind that the point of having a strong opening is so that the audience’s attention is all on you and are intrigued enough to want to listen to the rest of your speech.

Silence is a great way to do that. When you get on the stage, just pause for a few seconds (about 3 to 5 seconds) and just look at the crowd. Let the audience and yourself settle in to the fact that the spotlight is now on you.

I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something about starting the speech off with a pure pause that just makes the beginning so much more powerful. It adds credibility to you as a speaker as well, making you look more comfortable and confident on stage. 

If you want to know more about the power of pausing in public speaking , check out this post we wrote. It will give you a deeper insight into the importance of pausing and how you can harness it for your own speeches. You can also check out this video to know more about Pausing for Public Speaking:

9. Dan Pink

Opening: “I need to make a confession at the outset here. Little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret. Something that I’m not particularly proud of. Something that in many ways I wish no one would ever know but that here I feel kind of obliged to reveal.”

10. Kelly McGonigal

Opening: “I have a confession to make. But first I want you to make a little confession to me.”

How to use a build-up to open your speech?

When there are so many amazing ways to start a speech and grip an audience from the outset, why would you ever choose to begin your speech with a ‘Good morning?’.

That’s what I love about build-ups. They set the mood for something awesome that’s about to come in that the audience will feel like they just have to know about.

Instead of starting a speech as it is, see if you can add some build-up to your beginning itself. For instance, in Kelly McGonigal’s speech, she could have started off with the question of stress itself (which she eventually moves on to in her speech). It’s not a bad way to start the speech.

But by adding the statement of “I have a confession to make” and then not revealing the confession for a little bit, the audience is gripped to know what she’s about to do next and find out what indeed is her confession.

11. Tim Urban

Opening: “So in college, I was a government major. Which means that I had to write a lot of papers. Now when a normal student writes a paper, they might spread the work out a little like this.”

12. Scott Dinsmore

Opening: “8 years ago, I got the worst career advice of my life.”

How to use storytelling as a speech opening?

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” Steve Jobs

Storytelling is the foundation of good speeches. Starting your speech with a story is a great way to grip the audience’s attention. It makes them yearn to want to know how the rest of the story is going to pan out.

Tim Urban starts off his speech with a story dating back to his college days. His use of slides is masterful and something we all can learn from. But while his story sounds simple, it does the job of intriguing the audience to want to know more.

As soon as I heard the opening lines, I thought to myself “If normal students write their paper in a certain manner, how does Tim write his papers?”

Combine such a simple yet intriguing opening with comedic slides, and you’ve got yourself a pretty gripping speech.

Scott Dismore’s statement has a similar impact. However, just a side note, Scott Dismore actually started his speech with “Wow, what an honour.”

I would advise to not start your talk with something such as that. It’s way too common and does not do the job an opening must, which is to grip your audience and set the tone for what’s coming.

13. Larry Smith

Opening: “I want to discuss with you this afternoon why you’re going to fail to have a great career.”

14. Jane McGonigal

Opening: “You will live 7.5 minutes longer than you would have otherwise, just because you watched this talk.”

How to use provocative statements to start your speech?

Making a provocative statement creates a keen desire among the audience to want to know more about what you have to say. It immediately brings everyone into attention.

Larry Smith did just that by making his opening statement surprising, lightly humorous, and above all – fearful. These elements lead to an opening statement which creates so much curiosity among the audience that they need to know how your speech pans out.

This one time, I remember seeing a speaker start a speech with, “Last week, my best friend committed suicide.” The entire crowd was gripped. Everyone could feel the tension in the room.

They were just waiting for the speaker to continue to know where this speech will go.

That’s what a hard-hitting statement does, it intrigues your audience so much that they can’t wait to hear more! Just a tip, if you do start off with a provocative, hard-hitting statement, make sure you pause for a moment after saying it.

Silence after an impactful statement will allow your message to really sink in with the audience.

Related article: 5 Ways to Grab Your Audience’s Attention When You’re Losing it!

15. Ramona J Smith

Opening: In a boxing stance, “Life would sometimes feel like a fight. The punches, jabs and hooks will come in the form of challenges, obstacles and failures. Yet if you stay in the ring and learn from those past fights, at the end of each round, you’ll be still standing.”

How to use your full body to grip the audience at the beginning of your speech?

In a talk, the audience is expecting you to do just that – talk. But when you enter the stage and start putting your full body into use in a way that the audience does not expect, it grabs their attention.

Body language is critical when it comes to public speaking. Hand gestures, stage movement, facial expressions are all things that need to be paid attention to while you’re speaking on stage. But that’s not I’m talking about here.

Here, I’m referring to a unique use of the body that grips the audience, like how Ramona did. By using her body to get into a boxing stance, imitating punches, jabs and hooks with her arms while talking – that’s what got the audience’s attention.

The reason I say this is so powerful is because if you take Ramona’s speech and remove the body usage from her opening, the entire magic of the opening falls flat.

While the content is definitely strong, without those movements, she would not have captured the audience’s attention as beautifully as she did with the use of her body.

So if you have a speech opening that seems slightly dull, see if you can add some body movement to it.

If your speech starts with a story of someone running, actually act out the running. If your speech starts with a story of someone reading, actually act out the reading.

It will make your speech opening that much more impactful.

Related article: 5 Body Language Tips to Command the Stage

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Final Words

So there it is! 15 speech openings from some of my favourite speeches. Hopefully, these will act as a guide for you to create your own opening which is super impactful and sets you off on the path to becoming a powerful public speaker!

But remember, while a speech opening is super important, it’s just part of an overall structure.

If you’re serious about not just creating a great speech opening but to improve your public speaking at an overall level, I would highly recommend you to check out this course: Acumen Presents: Chris Anderson on Public Speaking on Udemy. Not only does it have specific lectures on starting and ending a speech, but it also offers an in-depth guide into all the nuances of public speaking. 

Being the founder of TED Talks, Chris Anderson provides numerous examples of the best TED speakers to give us a very practical way of overcoming stage fear and delivering a speech that people will remember. His course has helped me personally and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to learn public speaking. 

No one is ever “done” learning public speaking. It’s a continuous process and you can always get better. Keep learning, keep conquering and keep being awesome!

Lastly, if you want to know how you should NOT open your speech, we’ve got a video for you:

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5 Tips to Boost Your Presentation Skills and Wow Your Audience

• The Speaker Lab
• May 24, 2024

Table of Contents

Crafting an unforgettable presentation requires more than just compelling content. The way you deliver your message is just as important. No matter your role—CEO, entrepreneur, author, professor, coach, or consultant—honing your presentation skills is key to effectively communicating your ideas and making a memorable impact on your audience. It may not always be easy, but we’re here to help. To help you nail it every time, we’ve compiled 10 essential tips for honing your presentation skills . From knowing your audience to practicing confident body language, we have the guidance you need to give a presentation that’s effective and memorable.

5 Essential Tips for Delivering a Killer Presentation

You’ve probably sat through your fair share of presentations—some good, some not so good. The difference between an effective presentation and one that falls flat often comes down to a few key factors. If you want to improve your skills and deliver a presentation that engages your audience, here are some essential tips you need to keep in mind.

1. Understand Your Audience

Before you even start putting together your presentation, you need to take some time to understand who you’ll be speaking to. What are their needs, interests, and expectations? What level of knowledge do they have about your topic?

Tailoring your content and delivery style to your specific audience is crucial for making a real connection and delivering value. For instance, if you’re giving a presentation to a group of executives who are pressed for time, you’ll probably want to give them key takeaways upfront. By adapting your approach and leading with the most important points, you would be able to better hold your audience’s attention and make a strong impact.

2. Practice Makes Perfect

If you only go away with one tip today, then know that having the discipline to practice is an essential presentation skill. Rehearsing your talk multiple times helps you build confidence, refine your delivery, and ensure a smooth flow. Make sure to practice out loud, as if you’re in front of the actual audience. You can even record yourself and watch the video back to identify areas for improvement. It might feel awkward at first, but it can make a huge difference in your final delivery.

3. Engage with Eye Contact

Making eye contact with your audience is one of the most powerful ways to connect with them and keep them engaged. When you look people in the eye, it builds trust and shows that you’re confident in what you’re saying.

During your presentation, make a point to scan the room and make brief eye contact with individuals in different sections. It creates a sense of intimacy and makes people feel like you’re speaking directly to them. Just be sure to keep it natural and avoid staring anyone down.

4. Use Compelling Visuals

Visuals can be a game-changer when it comes to delivering an effective presentation. Well-designed slides, images, and videos help reinforce your message, break up text-heavy content, and keep your audience interested.

The key is to use visuals strategically, not just for the sake of having them. Every visual element should serve a clear purpose and enhance your overall message. And don’t forget about quality—blurry images or cluttered slides can be more distracting than helpful.

5. Tell a Story

Humans are wired to respond to stories. Integrating storytelling into your presentation is a fantastic way to make your content more engaging, memorable, and relatable.

Think about how you can structure your presentation as a narrative arc, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use anecdotes, case studies, and examples to illustrate your points and create an emotional connection with your audience. Some of the best presentations are the ones that take the audience on a journey and leave them feeling inspired.

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Master Your Body Language for Maximum Impact

Your body language can speak volumes during a presentation, often conveying just as much as your words. Mastering non-verbal communication is key to delivering a killer presentation that commands attention and leaves a lasting impression. Below are our tips for improving this presentation skill.

Maintain Confident Posture

How you carry yourself on stage can instantly impact your perceived confidence and credibility. Stand tall, keep your shoulders back, and maintain a stable, grounded stance. Avoid slouching, fidgeting, or shifting your weight from side to side, as these habits can make you appear nervous or unsure.

In addition, make a conscious effort to take up space and own the room. It’s not about being arrogant, but about projecting self-assurance and authority. Practice power poses beforehand to get in the right headspace and boost your confidence.

Use Gestures Purposefully

Incorporating hand gestures can add emphasis, clarity, and visual interest to your presentation. However, it’s important to use them purposefully and avoid overdoing it.

What’s our tip for improving this presentation skill? Use open, expansive gestures to convey confidence and inclusivity. Pointing can be effective for directing attention or making a strong point, but use it sparingly. Avoid crossing your arms or putting your hands in your pockets, as these positions can make you seem closed off or disengaged.

Vary Your Tone and Pace

Your voice is a powerful tool for engaging your audience and keeping them interested. Vary your tone, pitch, and pacing throughout your presentation to add dynamic energy and prevent monotony.

Speak with enthusiasm and conviction, allowing your passion for the topic to shine through. Use strategic pauses for emphasis or to give the audience a moment to process a key point. Adjust your volume and speed based on the room size and acoustics.

Avoid Distracting Mannerisms

Distracting mannerisms can quickly derail an otherwise great presentation. Be aware of any nervous tics or habits you might have, such as playing with your hair, clicking a pen, or saying “um” or “like” excessively.

Practice self-awareness and work on minimizing these behaviors. It can be helpful to video record yourself and watch it back to identify any distracting mannerisms you might not realize you have. Remember, the goal is to keep the focus on your message, not your quirks.

Overcoming Stage Fright and Nerves

Even the most seasoned presenters can experience stage fright and nerves. The key is to have strategies in place to manage those feelings and deliver a confident, impactful presentation.

Prepare Thoroughly

One of the best ways to combat stage fright is to be thoroughly prepared. When you know your material inside and out, it gives you a solid foundation to fall back on, even if nerves start to creep in.

For instance, you might create a detailed outline of your presentation, including key points, transitions, and any important data or examples. Using the outline, practice delivering the content out loud multiple times until it feels natural and conversational. When it’s time to actually present, you can fall back on the outline if you feel yourself start to get nervous.

Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful tool for boosting confidence and calming nerves. In the days leading up to your presentation, take some time to close your eyes and imagine yourself delivering your talk with ease and conviction. Picture the audience responding positively, nodding along, and applauding at the end. Envision yourself feeling calm, confident, and in control. The more vividly you can imagine a successful outcome, the more likely you are to achieve it.

Breathe Deeply

Although tips on breathing exercises might seem unrelated, they’re actually an invaluable presentation skill. Think about it. When we’re nervous, our breathing tends to become shallow and rapid. This can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and make it harder to think clearly.

Before and during your presentation, focus on taking slow, deep breaths from your diaphragm. Inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, then exhale through your mouth for a count of four. This simple technique can help calm your nerves and center your mind.

Focus on Your Message

When stage fright starts to take hold, it’s easy to get caught up in worries about how you’re coming across or what the audience might be thinking. Instead, try to shift your focus to your message and the value you’re providing.

Remind yourself of why your topic matters and how it can benefit your audience. Concentrate on delivering your content with clarity, conviction, and enthusiasm. When you’re passionate about what you’re saying, it shines through and connects with your listeners.

Crafting Memorable and Engaging Content

No matter how polished your delivery is, the foundation of a killer presentation is always the content itself. Crafting a memorable and engaging message is essential for making a lasting impact on your audience.

Start Strong

The opening moments of your presentation are crucial for capturing your audience’s attention and setting the tone for what’s to come. Don’t waste this opportunity with a generic introduction or a long-winded anecdote.

Instead, start with a bang. Use a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a bold statement that immediately grabs people’s interest. Make it clear why your topic matters and what your audience stands to gain from listening to you. Practice these tips and you’ll have this presentation skill mastered in no time.

Use Examples and Anecdotes

Abstract concepts and dry data can be difficult for audiences to grasp and remember. That’s where examples and anecdotes come in. These concrete illustrations help bring your ideas to life and make them more relatable.

When crafting your presentation, always look for opportunities to weave in real-world examples, case studies, or personal stories that reinforce your key points. Not only do these elements make the content more engaging, but they also help the audience see how the information applies to their own lives and experiences.

Incorporate Humor

Injecting humor into your presentation can be a great way to break the ice, lighten the mood, and keep your audience engaged. A well-timed joke or a witty observation can make your message more memorable and help you connect with your listeners on a human level.

Of course, it’s important to use humor judiciously and appropriately. Make sure your jokes are relevant to your topic and won’t offend or alienate anyone in the audience.

End with a Call to Action

Your presentation shouldn’t just be informative—it should also be actionable. As you near the end of your talk, be sure to include a clear and compelling call to action.

What do you want your audience to do with the information you’ve shared? Is there a specific step they can take to apply your ideas or further their learning? Make it explicit and easy for them to follow through.

You can also end your presentation with a challenge or a question that encourages the audience to reflect on how they can put the content into practice. It’s a powerful way to drive home your message and ensure that your words have a lasting impact.

Handling Questions and Audience Interaction

One of the most daunting aspects of giving a presentation can be handling questions from the audience. But with the right approach, this interaction can actually be an opportunity to reinforce your message and build credibility. Below are some tips on how to improve this presentation skill and close out your speech with confidence.

Anticipate Common Questions

Before your presentation, take some time to brainstorm the questions your audience is likely to ask. Consider their background, their level of knowledge on the topic, and any potential objections or concerns they might have.

Once you have a list of anticipated questions, practice answering them out loud. This will help you feel more prepared and confident when the time comes to address them in real-time.

Listen Attentively

When an audience member asks a question, give them your full attention. Make eye contact, nod to show you’re listening, and avoid interrupting or rushing to respond. If the question is lengthy or convoluted, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Paraphrasing the question back to the asker can also help ensure that you’ve understood it correctly and give you a moment to gather your thoughts.

Respond Concisely

When answering questions, aim to be concise and to the point. Avoid rambling or getting sidetracked by tangential information. Stick to the key facts and insights that directly address the question at hand.

If a question requires a more in-depth response than time allows, offer to follow up with the individual after the presentation. You can also direct them to additional resources or materials that provide more detail on the topic.

Redirect Off-topic Queries

Occasionally, you may receive a question that is off-topic or not directly relevant to your presentation. In these cases, it’s important to acknowledge the question while gently redirecting the conversation back to your main points.

You might say something like, “That’s an interesting question, but it’s a bit outside the scope of what we’re focusing on today. Let’s talk more about [relevant topic] and how it relates to [your key message].”

Remember, your goal is to keep the discussion focused and productive, while still making the audience feel heard and valued.

Leveraging Technology for Impactful Presentations

In today’s digital age, technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing your presentations and engaging your audience. However, knowing how to use technology isn’t always straightforward. That’s why we’re offering you some tips on how to level up this presentation skill. Below are some insights on how to use technology strategically and not let it overshadow your message.

Keep Slides Simple

When it comes to presentation slides, less is often more. Avoid cluttering your slides with too much text, busy graphics, or distracting animations. Instead, keep them clean, concise, and visually appealing.

Use a consistent color scheme and font throughout your presentation to create a cohesive look. Stick to one main idea per slide, and use bullet points or short phrases rather than full sentences.

Remember, your slides should support and enhance your message, not compete with it. They’re meant to be a visual aid , not a crutch or a substitute for your own knowledge and expertise.

Use High-Quality Images

Incorporating relevant, high-quality images into your presentation can help illustrate your points, break up text, and keep your audience engaged. But be selective about the images you choose. Avoid generic stock photos or low-resolution graphics that can make your presentation look amateurish. Instead, opt for images that are clear, compelling, and directly related to your content.

If you’re using graphs or charts to present data, make sure they’re easy to read and interpret. Use colors and labels strategically to highlight key insights and trends.

Embed Videos Strategically

Videos can be a great way to add variety and interest to your presentation. They can help illustrate complex concepts, provide real-world examples, or evoke an emotional response from your audience.

However, it’s important to use videos judiciously and strategically. Avoid relying on them too heavily or using them as a crutch for weak content. Make sure any videos you include are high-quality, relevant, and add value to your overall message.

It’s also a good idea to test your videos beforehand to ensure they play smoothly and without technical glitches. Nothing derails a presentation faster than a video that won’t load or has poor audio quality.

Ensure Smooth Transitions

Smooth transitions between slides and sections of your presentation are key to maintaining a professional and polished look. Abrupt or jarring transitions can be distracting and disrupt the flow of your message.

Practice navigating through your slides beforehand to ensure that everything flows logically and seamlessly. Use consistent transition effects throughout your presentation, but avoid overusing flashy or gimmicky animations.

It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties. Bring a printed copy of your slides or have them saved on a USB drive in case the technology fails. The show must go on, even if your fancy transitions don’t.

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Avoiding Common Presentation Mistakes

Even the most well-crafted presentation can fall flat if you make some common mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid to ensure your message lands with maximum impact.

Over-Reliance on Notes

While it’s fine to have some notes or a general outline to guide your presentation, relying too heavily on them can be a major distraction. Reading directly from your notes or slides can make you seem unprepared or disengaged from your audience.

Instead, aim to internalize your content so that you can deliver it naturally and conversationally. Use your notes as a gentle reminder of key points, but don’t let them become a crutch. If you do need to reference your notes, try to do so subtly and sparingly. Glance down briefly, then look back up and make eye contact with your audience as you speak.

Reading Slides Verbatim

One of the biggest mistakes presenters make is simply reading their slides word-for-word. Not only is this boring for your audience, but it also makes your slides redundant. If you’re just going to read them aloud, why bother having them at all?

Your slides should be a visual aid, not a script. Use them to highlight key points, provide visual examples, or reinforce your message with data or graphics. And remember that the bulk of your content should come from your own knowledge and expertise.

If you find yourself tempted to read directly from your slides, it’s a sign that you either have too much text on them or you haven’t practiced enough to feel confident delivering the content on your own.

Rushing Through Content

When you’re nervous or pressed for time, it can be tempting to rush through your presentation at breakneck speed. However, this can leave your audience feeling overwhelmed, confused, and disconnected from your message.

Remember, your audience needs time to process and absorb the information you’re sharing. Speak at a measured pace, pausing occasionally to let key points sink in or to allow for questions.

If you find yourself running short on time, resist the urge to speed up. Instead, prioritize your most important points and cut out any extraneous information.

With a few tips, anyone can improve their presentation skills. By understanding your audience, crafting compelling content, and mastering your delivery, you’ll be well on your way to giving presentations that truly resonate.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being authentic, engaging, and delivering value to your audience. So take these tips, make them your own, and go out there and wow your audience. You’ve got this!

• Last Updated: May 24, 2024

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85 Positive Words of Encouragement for Students

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When you know a student is struggling with coursework and staying motivated, will words of encouragement help motivate and inspire them? You bet they will! 

In fact, research studies investigating the power of verbal encouragement found that college students receiving encouragement from counselors reported they felt more empowered to earn their degree and make better decisions regarding their career choices. 

In addition, the evidence is overwhelming that teachers and parents consistently offering words of encouragement to K-12 students contribute profoundly to the their academic success. 

So in this article, you will discover 85 words of encouragement you can give to a student in your life.

But first, let’s start by answering a quick question:

Table of Contents

What are Words of Encouragement for Students?

Words of encouragement are statements that help students know that they are capable of doing anything that they put their mind do.  These words are better than throwing out generic statements like “You can do it” or “You'll be fine”. 

Students who typically do well in school but seem to be experiencing unusual difficulty with schoolwork may be dealing with family or relationship issues . 

Gently asking the student how things are going in their life before offering words of encouragement can also give you further insight into how to optimize your encouragement.

Discussing a struggling student with their teacher is another way to determine exactly what kind of encouragement the student would most benefit from hearing.

85 Powerful Words of Encouragement for Students

• Believe it or not, tough times often quickly dissolve into easier times. You’ve got what it takes to get past a tough time.
• You know why people make mistakes ? Because they are willing to see just how far they can push themselves. You don’t know what you’re capable of achieving until you try to achieve it.
• If you fall 10 times, know that you are perfectly capable of standing up 11 times.
• Getting a C or D on a test does not describe you as a person. A test score is simply a happening, not a person.
• You are the only one who can decide how to end your story. Endings aren’t written by circumstances. They are written by people like you.
• Feeling motivated doesn’t always make you feel like you’ve got Superman’s powers. Sometimes, motivation and determination is that quiet but clear voice that tells you tomorrow is another day to try, try and keep trying.
• What’s the hardest assignment you’ve got to finish? Always do that one first because you’ve already completed the easy ones.
• The easiest way to cope with not achieving a goal is to simply accept it. But, tell yourself that you cannot accept it unless you’ve tried to do the best you can do.
• Succeeding at school does not mean never making mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes. That’s how we learn and grow. It’s avoiding making the same mistake that gets you closer to your goals.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that you don't have to see all the steps of a big staircase. You just have to take that first step to start climbing them.
• If you wait for just the right time to do something, well, that time may never come. In fact, the right time may be right now.

• Have you ever struggled to follow a path in the woods covered with fallen branches and muddy holes and, after working hard to keep following it for a long time, you eventually come to the most beautiful lake you've ever seen? 
• You know you can do this, right? I know you can. YOU know you can. Well, that means you're already halfway there. And the last part of anything–a movie, a level in a video game, the last inning of a baseball game–is always the best.
• There are always doors of opportunity opening for you but you've got to be the one to decide to go through those doors to see what's on the other side
• It may seem like some problems don't have solutions but remember, every solution found was once somebody's problem
• Opportunities and chances are two entirely different things. Never let chance decide how you are going to achieve your goals. 
• What you are capable of doing right now is much more important than thinking of what you are capable of doing
• So you made a mistake –so what? That means you tried to do something nobody else ever tried to do. That makes you
• Have you ever played baseball with your friends and felt a little scared when it came time for you to bat because you were afraid you might strike out? But, you stepped up to the plate, anyway, didn't you?
• How do you know something is impossible to achieve until you try achieving it?

• Nobody is perfect. Nobody! If everybody was perfect, we wouldn't be motivated to do anything except sit and think about how perfect we are. Wouldn't that be boring? You wouldn't want to show your friends that new bicycle trick you taught yourself if you thought you were perfect.
• Writing the first sentence of that essay is the best way to show yourself you are fully capable of writing the second sentence, and the third sentence, and the fourth sentence.
• Nobody can do everything they want to do but right now, in this moment, you can do anything you want to do.
• Do you know what Kermit the Frog meant when he said “time is fun when you are eating flies”? He was saying that no matter what a frog is doing, they always find fun in doing it. 
• You know why they put “delete” keys on a keyboard? Because nobody is perfect. If you don't like something you've done, delete it and move on. 
• If you can dream about getting a good grade on a project, you have the ability to make it happen.
• Right now something may seem impossible but once you've accomplished that impossible task, it's now a reality.
• How can you learn to get back on your own two feet if you don't fall over and over again? Falling teaches you how to get up as fast and capably as possible
• What are the 10 things in your life right now that make you happy ? Think about those 10 things. Then start tackling your school work. I guarantee you'll be smiling.
• You have an endless supply of creativity. The more you use it, the more you'll have.
• What do you want to be doing 10 years from now? Whatever it is depends on your ability to get things done.

• You can't beat somebody who never gives up.
• Finishing an assignment is like learning to walk as a baby. One step at a time eventually got you to that toy you really wanted lying on the other side of the room.
• Take advantage of the opportunities you have right now. You can't depend on chances. They're not dependable.
• No difficulty is without its own, unique reward. But you won't find out what that reward is until you take on that difficulty.
• You might be on the right track but if you just sit down on that track, you might get run over.
• Blow right by a failure and don't stop. It's the only way to get to your ultimate destination–success.
• Your professor (or teacher) might be an expert on something but he didn't start out an expert.
• Have you made a mistake yet? If not, then you're not really trying to be the best you can be
• OK, let's get this done. But first, tell yourself loudly “No negative thoughts are allowed in my brain”!
• Nobody accomplishes anything without feeling motivated. So, what motivates you? 

• If you believe you can do something and try to do it, then you were right.
• Attitudes are like tires. If they're flat, you gotta change them or you're stuck in the middle of nowhere.
• Don't think about why something may not work. Think about it working.
• We are always much, much more than what we think we are. Think big and bold when it comes to your strengths and skills. They are just waiting for you to discover them. 
• Comfort zones are meant to be breached.
• Don't just imagine finishing your work or getting a good grade. When you only dream, you are only sleeping.
• Limitations on what you can achieve are set by one person only–yourself.
• Your future needs you to make it. Right now, it's waiting for instructions.
• You don't need anybody's approval or anybody's opinion. All you need to do is focus on doing the best you can do.

• You might not feel motivated or inspired right now but know that thousands of people have made it to the top of the tallest mountains in the world. If they can do that, you can do this.
• That wall you don't think can be climbed only exists in your mind. So knock down that wall with an imaginary wrecking ball and don't stop to look at what remains. It no longer matters.
• It is entirely possible to live your dreams. But you can't live them when you simply think about them. Life is all about action, motivation and doing.
• You won't know what “coulda” been if you don't dive into a lake of “shouldas”. 
• There are no victims of circumstances beyond their control. There are only victims of their own inaction. Decisions have benefits or consequences. It's your choice.
• There is no such thing as a fast track to success. Sometimes it’s best to pace yourself and make pit stops now and again to improve your performance.
• Picture what makes you most happy in life and hold that in your mind. Now, when you tackle life’s challenges or come across difficult moments, remember the things that are waiting for you to move forward.
• Every mistake you make should be seen as a learning opportunity.
• There is something special about every single person in this world, whether it’s a personality or physical trait… or a wonderful talent. Search within yourself and find what makes you special . Maybe there is more than one thing. Now write them down on a piece of paper and keep it close by. Whenever you start to doubt yourself, look at the paper.  
• Whenever you feel like there isn’t enough time to accomplish all you set out to do, remember that taking care of yourself is never a waste of time. Take a deep breath and start over.
• There is no elevator to success. Every step you take to get there is indicative of the hard work you’ve put in.

• Never be afraid to try something that scares you. The feeling you get from facing and overcoming your fears will give you the fuel you need to propel you forward and restore your confidence. 
• Self confidence is the key to unlocking every door that appears closed to you.
• There are no impossible tasks, only our own thoughts of impossibility.
• As a teacher, I can guide you; but, you are the only one who can take my hand and choose to follow me. 
• Every teacher was once a student.
•  If any person tries to tell you that they are never scared or unsure of themselves, they are either kidding themselves or lying. Nobody is impervious to doubt anymore than they are capable of keeping bad things from happening. It’s how you let these things affect you that defines you.
• My favorite track and field event is 100 meter hurdles. It reminds me that we can’t sprint to the finish line without incurring some obstacles along the way.
• Slow and steady wins the race. You should never measure your success on how long it takes you to obtain it.    
• When you’re afraid of failing, try to picture yourself succeeding and focus on that instead.
• I became a teacher for two reasons. The first was to learn from my students and the second was to motivate them. I am your biggest fan and have seen all that you are capable of.
• Failure is not an option in my classroom. I am in your corner, which means that I will always be there to help soften the blows of defeat and encourage you to keep fighting.
• Don’t let negative thoughts of what you can’t do prevent you from doing what you can do.

• You deserve every bit of the success you work hard for.
• The minute you decide to give up is the very minute you’ve handed over your keys to what could have been.
• Nothing worth having should ever come too easy. That would rob you of that feeling of accomplishment afterwards, which is something you deserve. 
• If you never had to work hard, you’d never appreciate the things that come easy.
• Without the presence of doubt , the mind is capable of anything it sets out to do.
• Believing in yourself is where you need to put the most effort when you’re struggling.
• When faced with a daunting task, it’s perfectly ok to walk away for a while. Do something you enjoy instead and put yourself in a better state of mind to tackle it later.
• There is no such thing as having too much knowledge. So if something takes you a bit longer to learn, you should still be grateful for the opportunity.
• Knowledge is power. The more you gain, the stronger you will become.
• When something seems too difficult, try setting a series of smaller and more obtainable goals . Then reward yourself every time you reach one.  
• Why reach only for the stars? Why not the entire universe?
• Never settle for mediocrity. Doing so would be doing a disservice to the incredible person you truly are.

Final Thoughts on Words of Encouragement for Students

Students today are especially struggling with academic studies due to lockdowns and uncertainty over whether their school will open. 

So these words of encouragement are especially important right now.  Hopefully when you say them to an important student in your life, this will help them stay motivated to finish their work and by having in-depth discussions about their fears, their hopes and their dreams.

And if you want more positive words of encouragement, be sure to check out these blog posts:

• 45 Words of Encouragement for Your Son to Inspire Him
• 37 Helpful Words of Encouragement for Your Daughter
• 103 Positive Words of Encouragement for Preschoolers & Young Kids

Clinical psychology

• Anxiety disorders
• Feeding and eating disorders
• Mood disorders
• Neuro-developmental disorders
• Personality disorders
• Affirmations
• Cover Letters
• Relationships
• Resignation & Leave letters

Psychotherapy

Personality.

Table of Contents

Positive affirmations before a presentation (27+)

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The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter.  The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.

Positive affirmations before a presentation

• I am a confident public speaker
• I am relaxed when speaking publicly
• I am at my best when speaking to a large crowd
• I am excited and positive when giving a public speech
• I am a naturally calm public speaker
• I am a great public speaker
• I always speak calmly and clearly
• I am fearless when speaking to large crowds
• I am a successful public speaker
• Others admire my ability to speak publicly
• I will speak confidently
• I will become a fearless public speaker
• I will enjoy speaking publicly
• I will become a great public speaker
• Public speaking is becoming easier
• Each day it feels easier to get up and speak in front of a crowd
• I am finding myself to be calmer when speaking publicly
• I am starting to really enjoy public speaking
• Public speaking is starting to feel more natural and effortless
• I will relax in front of my audience
• Public speaking is easy for me
• I enjoy speaking to large groups
• I am a natural public speaker
• I have a powerful and confident voice
• Others admire my ability to get up and deliver a great speech
• Public speaking energizes and excites me
• I love talking in front of people
• I am naturally calm when I speak
• People see me as someone who is a great speaker
• I find public speaking to be easy and enjoyable
• I am a calm and confident public speaker.
• I enjoy public speaking.
• I am fearless when speaking to a large crowd.
• I have a great voice for public speaking and come off knowledgeable and confident.
• Words and thoughts come effortlessly to me.
• I am fearless
• I am excited and positive about this presentation.
• Giving this presentation will be fun and exciting.
• I am an engaging speaker and people enjoy listening to me speak.
• I can clearly communicate the vision to my audience.
• I understand this material and concepts.
• I can confidently answer questions that are presented.
• There is not a question that I can’t answer confidently.
• I am prepared for any question or piece of feedback that I will receive today.
• My audience will appreciate this information that I am going to share.
• The material will be well received and appreciated.
• I am making a difference in my company by sharing this information.
• I am the best person to share this information with my audience.
• My presentation will invoke action from the audience.
• My audience will feel inspired and ready to take action after my presentation.
• I am confident and strong
• I am becoming more confident each day
• I love and respect myself
• I do not need validation from others
• I am in full control of my life
• There is nothing I am not able to overcome
• I am successful in everything I do
• I am enough
• I am a good person
• I deserve good things
• I believe in my abilities
• I am intelligent and capable
• I deserve to be happy
• I am beautiful
• I don’t have to justify anything to anyone
• I treasure my imperfections
• I acknowledge my self-worth
• I am loved and respected as I am
• I make good decisions
• I release negative self talk
• I am living my best life
• My imperfections make me unique and I love them
• I see confidence. I see strength. I see a bad-ass mother, who don’t take no crap off of nobody.
• Speaking is fun!
• Speaking is about service!
• I am a Master Networker!
• Speaking is about leading!
• I am a Powerful presenter!
• People love to give me money!
• Speaking is about connection!
• I am the #1 Expert in my field!
• My intention is to embrace speaking!
• I have important Knowledge to share!
• I give amazing value whenever I speak!
• I am a Confident, Charismatic speaker!
• Speak honestly with integrity and compassion!
• People love to buy my products and/or services!
• I earn a fortune powerfully speaking my passion!
• Speaking is about moving people to take an action!
• I am fearless.
• Giving this presentation will be fun and exciting
• I am a brilliant public speaker.
• I hear a roar of applause as I stand proud and confident in front of my audience.
• My message is clear and well received.
• I am embraced by my audience.
• I easily connect with the audience.
• I choose to be courageous and speak in public.
• I speak with clarity and power.
• My memory is sharp at recalling the key points of my speech.
• I am a person just talking to other people…no big deal.
• My body moves naturally during my speech to enhance my message.
• I choose to be calm and relaxed in front of my audience.

Affirmations for 2 years old

Was this helpful, related posts, affirmations for eyesight (23+), affirmations for rumination (27+), affirmations for social skills (31+).

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Speech transitions: words and phrases to connect your ideas

June 28, 2018 - Gini Beqiri

When delivering presentations it’s important for your words and ideas to flow so your audience can understand how everything links together and why it’s all relevant.

This can be done using speech transitions because these act as signposts to the audience – signalling the relationship between points and ideas. This article explores how to use speech transitions in presentations.

What are speech transitions?

Speech transitions are words and phrases that allow you to smoothly move from one point to another so that your speech flows and your presentation is unified.

This makes it easier for the audience to understand your argument and without transitions the  audience may be confused  as to how one point relates to another and they may think you’re randomly jumping between points.

Types of transitions

Transitions can be one word, a phrase or a full sentence – there are many different types, here are a few:

Introduction

Introduce your topic:

• We will be looking at/identifying/investigating the effects of…
• Today I will be discussing…

Presentation outline

Inform the audience of the structure of your presentation:

• There are three key points I’ll be discussing…
• I want to begin by…, and then I’ll move on to…
• We’ll be covering… from two points of view…
• This presentation is divided into four parts…

Move from the introduction to the first point

Signify to the audience that you will now begin discussing the first main point:

• Now that you’re aware of the overview, let’s begin with…
• First, let’s begin with…
• I will first cover…
• My first point covers…
• To get started, let’s look at…

Shift between similar points

Move from one point to a similar one:

• In the same way…
• Likewise…
• Equally…
• This is similar to…
• Similarly…

Shift between disagreeing points

You may have to introduce conflicting ideas – bridging words and phrases are especially good for this:

• Conversely…
• Despite this…
• However…
• On the contrary…
• Now let’s consider…
• Even so…
• Nonetheless…
• We can’t ignore…
• On the other hand…

Transition to a significant issue

• Fundamentally…
• A major issue is…
• The crux of the matter…
• A significant concern is…

Referring to previous points

You may have to refer to something that you’ve already spoken about because, for example, there may have been a break or a fire alarm etc:

• Let’s return to…
• We briefly spoke about X earlier; let’s look at it in more depth now…
• Let’s revisit…
• Let’s go back to…
• Do you recall when I mentioned…

This can be also be useful to introduce a new point because adults learn better when new information builds on previously learned information.

Introducing an aside note

You may want to introduce a digression:

• I’d just like to mention…
• That reminds me…
• Incidentally…

Physical movement

You can  move your body  and your standing location when you transition to another point. The audience find it easier to follow your presentation and movement will increase their interest.

A common technique for incorporating movement into your presentation is to:

• Start your introduction by standing in the centre of the stage.
• For your first point you stand on the left side of the stage.
• You discuss your second point from the centre again.
• You stand on the right side of the stage for your third point.
• The conclusion occurs in the centre.

Emphasising importance

You need to ensure that the audience get the message by informing them why something is important:

• More importantly…
• This is essential…
• Primarily…
• Mainly…

Internal summaries

Internal summarising consists of summarising before moving on to the next point. You must inform the audience:

• What part of the presentation you covered – “In the first part of this speech we’ve covered…”
• What the key points were – “Precisely how…”
• How this links in with the overall presentation – “So that’s the context…”
• What you’re moving on to – “Now I’d like to move on to the second part of presentation which looks at…”

Cause and effect

You will have to transition to show relationships between factors:

• Therefore…
• Thus…
• Consequently…
• As a result…
• This is significant because…
• Hence…

Elaboration

• Also…
• Besides…
• What’s more…
• In addition/additionally…
• Moreover…
• Furthermore…

Point-by-point or steps of a process

• First/firstly/The first one is…
• Second/Secondly/The second one is…
• Third/Thirdly/The third one is…
• Last/Lastly/Finally/The fourth one is…

Introduce an example

• This is demonstrated by…
• For instance…
• Take the case of…
• For example…
• You may be asking whether this happens in X? The answer is yes…
• To show/illustrate/highlight this…
• Let me illustrate this by…

Transition to a demonstration

• Now that we’ve covered the theory, let’s practically apply it…
• I’ll conduct an experiment to show you this in action…
• Let me demonstrate this…
• I’ll now show you this…

Introducing a quotation

• X was a supporter of this thinking because he said…
• There is a lot of support for this, for example, X said…

Transition to another speaker

In a  group presentation  you must transition to other speakers:

• Briefly recap on what you covered in your section: “So that was a brief introduction on what health anxiety is and how it can affect somebody”
• Introduce the next speaker in the team and explain what they will discuss: “Now Gayle will talk about the prevalence of health anxiety.”
• Then end by looking at the next speaker, gesturing towards them and saying their name: “Gayle”.
• The next speaker should acknowledge this with a quick: “Thank you Simon.”

From these examples, you can see how the different sections of the presentations link which makes it easier for the audience to follow and remain engaged.

You can  tell personal stories  or share the experiences of others to introduce a point. Anecdotes are especially valuable for your introduction and between different sections of the presentation because they engage the audience. Ensure that you plan the stories thoroughly beforehand and that they are not too long.

Using questions

You can transition through your speech by asking questions and these questions also have the benefit of engaging your audience more. There are three different types of questions:

Direct questions require an answer: “What is the capital of Italy?” These are mentally stimulating for the audience.

Rhetorical questions  do not require answers, they are often used to emphasises an idea or point: “Is the Pope catholic?

Loaded questions contain an unjustified assumption made to prompt the audience into providing a particular answer which you can then correct to support your point: You may ask “Why does your wonderful company have such a low incidence of mental health problems?”.

The audience will generally answer that they’re happy. After receiving the answers you could then say “Actually it’s because people are still unwilling and too embarrassed to seek help for mental health issues at work etc.”

Transition to a visual aid

If you are going to introduce a visual aid you must prepare the audience with what they’re going to see, for example, you might be leading into a diagram that supports your statement. Also, before you  show the visual aid , explain why you’re going to show it, for example, “This graph is a significant piece of evidence supporting X”.

When the graphic is on display get the audience to focus on it:

• The table indicates…
• As you can see…
• I’d like to direct your attention to…

Explain what the visual is showing:

• You can see that there has been a reduction in…
• The diagram is comparing the…

Using a visual aid to transition

Visual aids can also be used as transitions and they have the benefit of being stimulating and breaking-up vocal transitions.

You might have a slide with just a picture on it to signify to the audience that you’re moving on to a new point – ensure that this image is relevant to the point. Many speakers like to use cartoons for this purpose but ensure its suitable for your audience.

Always summarise your key points first in the conclusion:

• Let’s recap on what we’ve spoken about today…
• Let me briefly summarise the main points…

And then conclude:

If you have a shorter speech you may choose to  end your presentation  with one statement:

• In short…
• To sum up…
• In a nutshell…
• To summarise…
• In conclusion…

However, using statements such as “To conclude” may cause the audience to stop listening. It’s better to say:

• I’d like to leave you with this…
• What you should take away from this is…
• Finally, I want to say…

Call to action

Requesting the audience to do something at the end of the presentation:

• You may be thinking how can I help in this matter? Well…
• My aim is to encourage you to go further and…
• What I’m requesting of you is…

Common mistakes

When transitions are used poorly you can annoy and confuse the audience. Avoid:

• Using transitions that are too short – transitions are a key part of ensuring the audience understands your presentation so spend sufficient time linking to your next idea.
• Too many tangents – any digressions should still be relevant to the topic and help the audience with their understanding, otherwise cut them out.
• Incompatible transitions – for example, if you’re about to introduce an example that supports your statement you wouldn’t introduce this by saying “but”. Use transitions that signify the relationship between points.
• Over-using the same transition because this is boring for the audience to hear repeatedly. Ensure that there is variety with your transitions, consider including visual transitions.
• Miscounting your transitions – for example, don’t say “first point”, “second point”, “next point” – refer to your points consistently.

Speech transitions are useful for unifying and connecting your presentation. The audience are more likely to remain engaged since they’ll be able to follow your points. But remember that it’s important to practice your transitions beforehand and not just the content of your arguments because you risk looking unprofessional and confusing the audience if the presentation does not flow smoothly.

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The Charger Blog

Legendary Connecticut Television Journalist to Class of 2024: 'Everyone Has a Story'

During her more than 40 years in television news, Ann Nyberg has developed an appreciation for and an understanding of the power of storytelling. She shared her own story – as well as her words of wisdom and encouragement – with some of the University's newest alumni as part of the University's 2024 Commencement.

May 20, 2024

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

For Ann Nyberg '24 Hon., stories are powerful. She describes being a lifelong storyteller as her "greatest joy." Stories have been a key theme in her career as a journalist – as well as in her life away from the camera.

The longest-serving female news anchor/reporter in Connecticut television history, Nyberg is also the longest-serving anchor/reporter in WTNH-TV history. She's become a familiar face in homes across the state, anchoring the 5, 6, 10, and 11 p.m. newscasts and producing and hosting her own storytelling-driven show on WTNH called "NYBERG."

As part of the University's 2024 Commencement , Nyberg stepped away from the anchor desk and up to the podium, bringing her passion for storytelling to the Charger community as she delivered the Commencement address.

"I learned early on that everyone has a story," she told the Charger community.

Nyberg's interest in stories and storytelling began when she was very young. As she celebrated the new graduates' academic milestones, she reflected on how her own educational journey began when she "found joy" in learning to read and write. She describes it as "opening up her whole world."

Nyberg began recording her own stories in a diary with a lock and key that she received as a Christmas gift when she was 7 years old. She shared one memorable entry – a foreshadowing, of sorts, of her own career path.

"We got our first color TV, and we watched it all day," she read. "That was a banner day. Who knew I'd end up on TV."

Nyberg delivered her address during the University's Saturday morning ceremony, the culminating event of the University's 2024 Commencement, during which nearly 1,300 associate and bachelor's degrees were conferred. Nyberg received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree as part of the ceremony. Indra K. Nooyi, a successful business executive and former chair and CEO of PepsiCo who has been ranked among the world's "100 Most Powerful Women" by Forbes Magazine, received an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree.

Nyberg started her career in television more than 40 years ago after earning a degree from Purdue University. Telling stories has been more than a career – it has been truly transformative. She shared with the new graduates the wisdom she's gained throughout her decades-long journalism career.

"All of our lives have a beginning, a middle, and an end," said Nyberg, who published her first book, Slices of Life: A Storyteller's Diary , in 2015. "Concentrate on the middle."

In addition to storytelling, Nyberg is deeply committed to service. When her third grandchild was born deaf from cytomegalovirus (CMV), the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in the U.S., she took action. She pushed for new legislation. Connecticut now requires all healthcare institutions that care for newborns to test them for CMV.

"I was passionate," she explained. "Passion fuels you. One day, you will be called upon to help. Find your passion and go after it."

Nyberg urged the Chargers to make their own impact – even if it was by offering something as simple as a smile. She also celebrated how much they've already accomplished, noting their tenacity, courage, and resilience. She offered a special recognition to the many members of the Class of 2024 who are the first in their family to earn a college degree. She left them with a challenge to keep learning, keep persevering, and to "change the world.

"Never give up on something you believe in that you know is for good," she said. "Champion those the world deems invisible. They need you. Always remember that you matter. All of you matter."

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55 Memorial Day quotes to honor and remember the fallen

Falling on Monday, May 27 this year, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer .

Much like July 4 or Labor Day, Memorial Day is a federal holiday , and banks, credit unions and the post office are closed in observance.

Families often use the three-day weekend as an opportunity to host backyard cookouts or spend the day at the beach to kick off the summer season.

Memorial Day, however, is also a designated day of remembrance for U.S. military personnel and intended to honor those who've given their lives in service to their country.

To pay tribute, we've gathered a list of Memorial Day quotes to recognize those courageous men and women who've made the ultimate sacrifice.

Established in 1868, Memorial Day was initially founded in remembrance of Confederate and Union soldiers who perished in the Civil War. In the decades since, the holiday, which is also referred to as "Decoration Day," has come to represent all Americans lost in war.

On Memorial Day it is common for friends and families to remember loved ones with flowers, flags and mementos placed at their gravesite.

However you choose to spend Memorial Day this year, take a moment to share one of these inspiring quotes and remember to thank members of the U.S. military for their service.

Memorial Day quotes

• “The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage.” — Carrie Jones
• “All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.” ― Winston Churchill
• “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” — Arthur Ashe
• “He who is brave is free.” — Lucius Annaeus Seneca
• "The wind is us ― it gathers and remembers all our voices, then send them talking and telling through the leaves and the fields." ― Truman Capote

• “One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one Nation, evermore!” — Oliver Wendell Holmes
• “Freely we serve, Because we freely love, as in our will to love or not; in this we stand or fall.” — John Milton, “Paradise Lost”
• “Liberty is the breath of life to nations.” — George Bernard Shaw
• "When duty calls, that is when character counts." — William Safire
• “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” — Elmer Davis

• "Scared is what you're feeling. Brave is what you're doing." — Emma Donoghue
• "For each thorn, there's a rosebud...For each twilight — a dawn...For each trial — the strength to carry on, For each storm cloud — a rainbow...For each shadow — the sun...For each parting — sweet memories when sorrow is done." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “We must dare to be great; and we must realize that greatness is the fruit of toil and sacrifice and high courage." — Theodore Roosevelt
• "The patriot’s blood is the seed of freedom’s tree." — Thomas Campbell
• “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” — James Allen

• "Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country." — George Washington
• “In valor there is hope.” — Tacitus
• “The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.” — W.E.B. DuBois
• “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”― Thomas Campbell
• “I got to fight on till I leave here, and I hope I leave some footprints.” — Mattie Jones

• “Your memory feels like home to me. So whenever my mind wanders, it always finds its way back to you.” — Ranata Suzuki
• "Without a sign his sword the brave man draws and asks no omen but his country's cause." — Homer
• "The legacy of brave men and women who have fought and died for their country is the freedom we enjoy as Americans." – Lucian Adams
• "Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier. We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just one step at a time." – Eleanor Roosevelt
• "The brave may fall, but never yield.” – Author unknown

• “One lives in the hope of becoming a memory.”― Antonio Porchia
• "Think about the past and consider the sacrifices men and women in the military have made for us." – Gary G. Wetzel
• "America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand." – Harry S. Truman
• “Bravery is being the only one who knows you’re afraid.” — Colonel David Hackworth
• “Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.” — Michelle Obama

• “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.” — Benjamin Disraeli
• "Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, Blossomed by the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels." – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
• "Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality." — Emily Dickinson
• "For let the gods so speed me, as I love the name of honor more than I fear death.' — Julius Cesar
• “Freely we serve, because we freely love, as in our will to love or not; in this we stand or fall.” — John Milton, “Paradise Lost”

• “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” — Nathan Hale
• "Americans may not only pay tribute to our honored dead but also unite in prayer for success in our search for a just and lasting peace." — John F. Kennedy, "Prayer for Peace," Memorial Day 1962
• "Be strong. Live honorably and with dignity. When you don’t think you can, hold on.” — James Frey, "A Million Little Pieces"
• "A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom." — Bob Dylan
• "Courage is found in unlikely places." — J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Fellowship of the Ring"

• "Our own heart, and not other men's opinions, forms our true honor." — Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• "Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul." — Michel de Montaigne
• "Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness." — Napoleon Hill
• “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.” — Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address

• “The essence of patriotism lies in a willingness to sacrifice for one’s country, just as true greatness finds expression, not in blessings enjoyed, but in good bestowed.” — William Jennings Bryan
• “I was born an American; I will live an American; I shall die an American!” — Daniel Webster
• “The way to be patriotic in America is not only to love America, but to love the duty that lies nearest to our hand, and to know that in performing it we are serving our country.” — Woodrow Wilson
• “I see that the old flagpole still stands. Have your troops hoist the colors to its peak, and let no enemy ever haul them down.” — Douglas MacArthur
• “The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.” — Calvin Coolidge

Quotes to inspire and uplift you

• Nature quotes that capture the beauty of our earth
• Inspiring quotes about change to help you grow
• Bible quotes to give you purpose each and every day
• Kindness quotes to help make the world a better place

Sarah is a lifestyle and entertainment reporter for TODAY who covers holidays, celebrities and everything in between.

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