Social Movements
Social Movements are only as important as the person leading them. The person(s) leading a social movement must have charisma and be able to captivate an audience. Political scientists and historians are taught to analyze body language, especially during debates and speeches.
For this assignment, you will watch Dr Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream
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• Importance of body language while delivering the speech.
• Gestures, cadence and delivery style.
Answer the following:
- Provide a summary of the two speeches.
Sample Answer
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is one of the most iconic speeches in American history. Delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, King spoke of his dream of a day when all people would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
King’s speech was delivered with a sense of calm authority and unwavering conviction. He used powerful imagery and repetition to drive his message home. His use of body language was also effective, as he used hand gestures to emphasize his points and maintain eye contact with the audience.
Alicia Garza’s Speech on Black Lives Matter
Alicia Garza is a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement. In a 2014 speech, Garza spoke about the importance of the movement and the need to continue fighting for racial justice.