Leading Through Language

Part II USE THE LANGUAGE OF LEADERSHIP

INTRODUCTION TO PART II: USE THE LANGUAGE OF LEADERSHIP

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

Martin Luther King Jr., August 28, 1963

The words of Dr King inspired hundreds of thousands of Americans to believe that civil rights, equality, and justice were all possible. While not fully realized, the tremendous progress made in the United States – and the world – since that day are powerful reminders of what leaders can inspire others to achieve.

Dr King's words serve as a powerful reminder that language can be invigorating and memorable. His use of rhetorical devices such as ...