What is Your Speaking Legacy?

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles, Greek politician and general during the Golden Age of Athens

Public speaking has always been a cornerstone of societal change, personal influence, and cultural growth.

From ancient forums to modern stages, powerful speeches have shaped our world.

Here are three distinct ways your public speaking leaves a legacy:

Inspiring Change in Others

Public speaking allows you to inspire action and motivate change by delivering messages that resonate with your audience.

The impact of a speech can extend far beyond the words themselves. Examples are:

• Winston Churchill’s speech to the English Parliament on 4 Jun 1940 in the darkest days of World War II: “. . . we shall defend our island whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills, we shall never surrender . . .”

• President John F. Kennedy’s 12 Sep 1962 speech about sending a man to the moon and returning him safely by the end of the decade inspired hundreds of thousands of people to create the reality of Neil Armstrong landing on the moon on Sunday, 20 Jul 1969 at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

• Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech (1963) is a timeless example of inspiring change. His powerful words fueled the Civil Rights Movement and continue to motivate people worldwide to fight for equality.

So, one way to leave a legacy in your public speaking is to inspire change in others.

By inspiring people to think differently, take action, or embrace new perspectives, a speaker’s influence can ripple through generations, which is the next way you can leave a legacy.

Creating a Ripple Effect

A single speech often goes beyond its immediate audience, creating a legacy through recordings, publications, or reinterpretations by future generations.

An example of this is John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address (1961), whose iconic line, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” continues to inspire civic responsibility.

Studies show that public speaking content retains its influence over time, especially when recorded and shared online.

For instance, TED Talks have reached billions globally, amplifying the legacy of speakers far beyond the stage.

The ability of speeches to transcend time and geography ensures that impactful messages resonate with future audiences.

So, two ways to leave a legacy in your public speaking are to inspire change in others and to create a ripple effect.

A third way to leave a legacy in your public speaking is to build a personal brand and influence.

Building a Personal Brand and Influence

Public speaking establishes a speaker as a thought leader, allowing them to create a personal and professional legacy.

Brené Brown, a researcher and speaker, gained global recognition through her TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability (2010). Her message about authenticity and courage transformed her career and inspired a movement around embracing vulnerability.

According to Harvard Business Review, public speaking enhances credibility, boosts career opportunities, and solidifies personal branding.

Your ability to share your values, expertise, and vision helps shape how you are remembered and respected in your field or community.

Public speaking isn’t just about the words you speak at the moment; it’s about the enduring impact those words have on individuals, societies, and history.

You leave a legacy that transcends your time by inspiring change, creating ripples, and building influence.

Remember that your voice can shape the future, whether you’re addressing a small room or a global audience.

Call to Action

• Before you speak, determine what you want your audience to do afterward and then plan your presentation accordingly to inspire them to do this

• Ensure your speaking goes beyond your immediate audience – create a legacy through recordings, publications, or reinterpretations by future generations.

• Become a thought leader to create a personal and professional legacy.

“Carve your name on hearts, not on tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” – Shannon L. Alder, inspirational author and therapist

References

• Carson, C. (2001). The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Warner Books

• Mio, J. S., Riggio, R. E., Levin, S., & Reese, R. (2005). “Presidential Leadership and Charisma: The Effects of Metaphor.” The Leadership Quarterly, 16(2), 287-294

• Sorensen, T. C. (1965). Kennedy. Harper & Row

• TED. (2020). Impact Report 2020. Retrieved from ted.com

• Zenger, J. H., & Folkman, J. (2012). “What Inspires People to Give Their Best?” Harvard Business Review