By Rosemary Ravinal
Celebrated quotes condense complex ideas into a few words. They’re a form of sound bites, sticky and easy to remember. Wisdom from people you admire can shape your views and inspire you to emulate their greatness. In the realm of public speaking, the best quotes remind us that an influential speaker is not born but made through practice, willingness to face fear, and connection with their audience.
My column “10 Timeless Quotes to Motivate Your Speaking” is one of the most popular posts in my Master Communicator Blog. Readers and followers have commented that the quotes validated their own feelings about speaking and helped them dispel doubts about their abilities to communicate with impact.
Great orators and leaders from different eras, cultures, and backgrounds have shared insights that remain relevant today. Their words address universal themes such as fear, courage, clarity, and authenticity—challenges that every public speaker faces.
Here are more timeless quotes organized by topic to unlock your impact every time and anywhere you speak:
On empowerment and social change
1. “Women speaking up for themselves and for those around them is the strongest force we have to change the world.” —Melinda Gates
2. “Don’t ever diminish the power of words. Words move hearts and hearts move limbs.” — Hamza Yusuf, Islamic scholar
3. “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” — Malala Yousafzai
4. “The most powerful words in English are Tell me a story.” — Pat Conroy
5. “Words have power. They can bring people together or tear them apart.” — Barack Obama
6. “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” —Martin Luther King Jr.
On influence and leadership
7. “The art of communication is the language of leadership.” – James Humes, presidential speechwriter
8. “Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
9. “If you can’t communicate and talk to other people and get across your ideas, you’re giving up your potential.” — Warren Buffett
10. “You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart.” —John Ford, legendary film director
On fear and courage
11. “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” — Coco Chanel
12. “If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” – Taylor Swift (speaking about stage fright)
13. “There are two types of speakers: those that are nervous and those that are liars.” — Mark Twain
14. “Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.” – Maggie Kuhn, founder/activist, Gray Panthers
15. “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill
Public speaking is a skill that requires continuous learning and refinement. Great speakers understand that growth comes from persistence and practice. The power of someone else’s words can inspire you to greatness. For novices and pros alike, compelling quotes about public speaking affirm that your voice matters and that speaking up—whether for a cause, an idea, or a belief—can shape the world.
Contact Rosemary Ravinal for details on public speaking training programs or one-on-one coaching services in any of the following areas, in both English and Spanish:
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Public Speaking
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Media Readiness
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Presentation Skills
