Every student at some point will need to make a speech. Most often, it’ll be a part of your studies, and you’ll be asked to make a speech in front of your class. Sometimes you’ll need to make a speech outside of school too, such as for extracurricular activities or even graduation. Here are some inspirational quotes you can use for your speech, to inspire and motivate your audiences.

Oprah Winfrey:

The truth exonerates and it convicts. It disinfects and it galvanizes. The truth has always been and will always be our shield against corruption, our shield against grief and despair. The truth is our saving grace. You are here to tell it, to write it, to proclaim it, to speak it, and to be it. Be the truth. Be the truth.

Winfrey’s quote here articulates how important it is to stand up for the truth, no matter what. She made this statement while addressing graduates of a journalism school. If you’re looking to inspire your audience to stand up for what’s right, this is the quote you should use.

Walt Disney:

All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.

Everyone knows the story of Walt Disney, and how he worked hard to grow Disney from a tiny studio in California to the massive corporation we know today. This quote reminds your audience that if they want it, they’re going to need to work for it.

Cynthia Nixon:

When you stand up with courage, what you can achieve may surprise even you. And that’s what I want to share with you here today: Never doubt that you can make a space big enough for yourself in this world.

Cynthia Nixon is an activist and very much concerned with making the world a better place. Her quote here points out that it’s amazing what you can accomplish if you’re brave enough to stand up for what you believe in.

Justin Trudeau:

As you go forward from this place, I would like you to make a point of reaching out to people whose beliefs and values differ from your own. I would like you to listen, truly listen, and try to understand them.

The Canadian prime minister made this point about paying attention to those who are different to you. In your speeches, you’ll want to make your audience see that they should consider viewpoints different from their own. This quote is perfect if you’re looking to encourage your listeners to do this.

Winston Churchill:

Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts.

The UK prime minister made this very important point that you can use in your speeches. Failure is never a bad thing, it’s just a stepping stone on the way to success. Boost your audience’s confidence with this quote.

These quotes will help you make a speech that will capture your audience’s imagination. Try using one of them in your speech, and write something that’s perfect for your event.