The first question that we are confronted with when drafting a speech is what should it do ? Ultimately a speech is just words on the page if it does not propel us to act.

Bryan Stevenson gives a deeply meaningful and inspiring speech here. He executes the speech flawlessly, is masterful with his craftsmanship, and he does something simple which I think is overlooked in many speeches; he has a call to action. He asks the audience to do something, namely, to consider the injustice of the American penal system, and to act to make it more equitable. On his way to his call to action, Mr. Stevenson utilizes every bit of public speaking craft in the book. Notice the high ratio of personal, heartfelt stories, jarring statistics, comparisons, contrasts, analogies, and quotes. This is not a dry resuscitation of facts. This speech is alive , and more than worthy of the lengthy standing ovation it receives.

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