I haven't posted here in recent months given the pressure of other work, but I couldn't let the passing of American civil rights activist Jessie Jackson pass without comment.
For this is a blog primarily about making an impact through the medium of public speaking - and that is something that Jackson did time and time again.
For those not familiar with his work, this 5 minute video from Sky News shows the power of truly great oratory. The speech was delivered in 1988 and starts low and sombre, tells a story, and then gradually increases in volume, power, and positivity as he reached the climax of the speech.
If this stirs something in you, then think of what it must have done to his audience back then and “over there”. Think also about the positive message it still sends to many in what is sadly a once again deeply divided USA today.
Great oratory is for more than now. A good speech will live long in the memory.
RIP Rev Jessie Jackson.