 The evolution of speech for African American Motivational Speakers
Oral
communication for African Americans derived from traditions that were
developed during slavery. Slaveholders were concerned about the
education of slaves and how it could inspire rebellions. These
oral traditions laid the groundwork and the primary methods of
preserving the history, culture and best means of keeping everyone
informed. The cultural aspects, as related to speaking, evolved
through storytelling and folktales. No one could imagine the
depth, breadth and impact that these events would continue to have on
the African American culture.
The heritage and speaking
styles of African American Motivational speakers comes from the period
of slavery. African American preachers and speakers
are known to use tone, volume and movement to engage audience.
Black comedians, preachers and even black speakers are not afraid to
engage audiences with a call and response oral statement to incite
energy. Some of the great black speakers are also entertainers
who incorporate singing and music in their speeches. Many black
motivational speakers are gifted with a natural charisma, and use their
charisma to connect both intellectually and emotionally with their
audiences. Music, dance, literature, art, religion and attire
were all prevailing factors for inspiration and growth for the African
American culture in its preachers and speakers. Each were
fully connected and present at all times. It is not to say that
speakers from other ethnic backgrounds do not have this capability; it
is the heritage of African Americans that carried this characteristic
forward through hundreds of years.
Today’s top black
speakers include nationally known political figures, journalists,
celebrities and athletes. Most will openly state that their
orator capabilities came from the church, as churches in the African
American community provide and promote an openness to worship, song and
dance.
One of the most noted African American speakers in
the political category is Donna Brazile. Donna Brazile is one of the
best known, most influential African American women in modern American
political life. She is Chair of the Democratic National Committee’s
Voting Rights Institute (VRI), an organization established in 2001 to
help protect and promote the rights of all Americans to participate in
the political process. Brazile is the author of Cooking with Grease:
Stirring the Pots in American Politics, a memoir about her life in the
political arena, and co-author of What We Do Now, published by Melville
House in 2004.
Earvin Johnson, Jr. is still noted is one of
the most highly sought-after sports figures. The 5-time NBA
champion is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Magic Johnson
Enterprises which was formed in 1987. Through strategic investments,
partnerships and endorsements, Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE) provides
products and services that particularly focus on ethnically diverse
urban communities. Mr. Johnson’s speeches are known to be highly
inspirational.
In the area of health and fitness, Olympic
Gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee is considered one of the greatest
athletes of all time. Sports Illustrated for Women voted Jackie Female
Athlete of the 20th Century, and ESPN named her one of the 50 Greatest
Athletes. She received these honors by becoming the first woman to win
back-to-back gold medals in the seven disciplined event, heptathlon;
the first woman to score 7,000 points in the heptathlon; and the first
American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the long jump, all on
her way to winning 6 Olympic Medals in four consecutive Olympic Games.
In March of 1962, she was named after First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy by
her grandmother , who must have known that her granddaughter would
surely be the first lady in some phase of her life.
In the motivational category, Mr. Les Brown is considered one of the leading black motivational speakers.
Les Brown has risen to national prominence by delivering a high energy
message which tells people how to shake off mediocrity and live up to
their greatness. It is a message he learned from his own life and one
he is helping others apply to their lives.
Audiences can
expect a major “wow” factor when booking an African American
motivational speaker. These speakers, like no others, know how to
capture and captivate their audiences. Think of it this way--the
essence of blues and jazz music linked directly to African American
culture. The goal of black motivational speakers is to connect
with the soul of each audience member.
This article was written by Robert Van Arlen, Motivational Speaker,
Business Strategist and Coach. He uses music to inspire and engage
audiences during keynote speeches. Robert also provides
strategic coaching to individuals and businesses worldwide.
To contact Robert Van Arlen, email him at robert@robertvanarlen.com or call 480 767-7974.
|
