World Speech Day is an annual celebration of freedom of speech and is marked on March 15 each year. It is the initiative of Simon Gibson, who founded the day in 2015 at the Athens Democracy Forum. Public speaking events are held in over 100 countries, and people from all walks of life are encouraged to voice their opinions in front of an audience. Free speech, considered a vital tenet of democracy, sees a growing threat each year. With World Speech Day, Gibson aspires to bring forward the unexpected voices of dissent to center stage.
History of World Speech Day
World Speech Day is the celebration of speech and the power of words. A speech can heal a broken heart, bring a community together, and mend unforeseen bridges. World Speech Day aims to honor speeches for being the oldest medium of mass communication. Simon Gibson, the founder of World Speech Day and the not-for-profit organization of the same name, understands that even though not everyone is gifted with the talent of public speaking, all of us have something important to contribute to society.A stage can be an intimidating space to voice your opinions, but that shouldn’t be a barrier to communication. A thought, an idea, and a dream can become a revolution with the power of speech. On March 15, people are provided with a platform to voice their opinions. The organization also equips participants with tools and training manuals for self-development.“Speeches change the world,” says founder Simon Gibson, who established World Speech Day in 2015. The day is all about reaching out to unexpected voices everywhere. From middle-school classrooms to community halls, universities, think tanks, multinational companies, and democracy forums, the observation has inspired millions of people to let go of fear and embrace the power of their voice.Public speaking events are organized in over 100 nations, as people come together to share ideas, promote culture and build global citizenship. Every World Speech Day has a theme, with some of the past ones being, “Humanity at a crossroads,” “Using the simple power of speech to share ideas,” and “Thoughts for a Better World”.
World Speech Day timeline
Simon Gibson establishes World Speech Day at the Athens Democracy Forum (A.D.F.).
The first World Speech Day takes place on March 15 in Singapore, Athens, Tawau, and Moscow.
The second World Speech Day is celebrated in 80 countries, and speeches are broadcast via WSD T.V.
The event scales to over 100 countries, and participants present their speeches on Facebook and YouTube.
World Speech Day FAQs
How can I become a better public speaker?
You can become a better public speaker by thoroughly preparing your points, practicing your speech, and developing an instant connection with your audience through humor and warmth.
Which is the greatest speech in history?
Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” is regarded as the greatest live speech in history by many historians. It was delivered on August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
What is the ideal length of a speech?
Although it depends upon the occasion and circumstances, 20 — 40 minutes is the ideal length of a speech.
How to Observe World Speech Day
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Take the stage
There is no better way to mark the day than by giving a voice to your own thoughts. Prepare a speech about a topic you really care about, take the stage, and share your thoughts with the world. It doesn’t matter how trivial the issue is, as long as you’re registering your opinion.
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Encourage an unexpected voice
All of us are brimming with ideas that can one day change the world, but not all of us have the courage to share them. This World Speech Day, encourage an unexpected voice. Shower them with confidence, courage, and reasons as to why their voice matters.
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Join the global community
Join the global community of inspiring writers, thought leaders, artists, and activists on World Speech Day’s official site. Get access to tons of events, training camps, news, and be a part of the global movement.
5 Life-changing Benefits Of Public Speaking
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Public outreach
Through public speaking, you give a voice and a stage to your thoughts and make yourself accessible to the public.
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Research and deduction
The process of preparing for public presentations can hone your research skills tremendously.
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Personal branding
Establishing yourself as an expert voice in your field is impossible without being vocal about your skills.
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Writing skills
By committing yourself to public speaking, you can improve your writing and editing skills.
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Confidence
Public speakers exude a certain kind of confidence that can only be earned by taking the stage yourself.
Why World Speech Day is Important
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Every speech matters
Many times, we shy away from our potential and give in to cynicism. World Speech Day urges us to take down our inner walls of shame and fear, and emerge from our shells. On March 15, you are encouraged to take the mic, and share your thoughts with the world.
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Speeches change the world
In today’s world of fancy brunches and shaky diplomatic ties, a speech can make or break the world order. When wielded with caution, a speech holds the power to bring forth the solutions to many problems such as world hunger, climate change, and gender equality.
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We need unexpected voices
Simon Gibson founded the day to draw unexpected voices in. It is his cardinal belief that the key to progress is held by the most unexpected people. Through public speaking, these people will find their voices and free us all.
World Speech Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 15 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | March 15 | Friday |
| 2025 | March 15 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 15 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 15 | Monday |
