The following are speeches are from very different people. However, all of the messages are positive and moving! We hope you find the inspirational speeches on living life, motivational, thought-provoking, and promote happiness. Sometimes hearing the passionate words directly from someone can convey a message with more impact and resonate more powerfully than simply reading the words.
Robert Waldinger: TED Talk
“Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”
The TED Talk “What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness” by Robert Waldinger, has been viewed more than 40 million times. He discusses the findings from the Harvard Study on happiness and lessons on how to build a fulfilling life. The entire TED Talk, shared here, is less than thirteen minutes and is a reminder to many of us of the significance of good relationships in our life.
Steve Jobs: 2005 Commencement Address at Stanford University
“Your time is limited so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, Steve Jobs shared stories from his life, challenges, and lessons he learned in his 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University. This was one of the very first motivational speeches I watched as a young adult. I shared it with others years ago, as I share the speech again here, in hopes that it may inspire others as well. The full speech, available from YouTube, shared by Stanford University, shown below, has over 40 million views.
Joaquin Phoenix: Best Actor 92nd Oscars (2020) award speech
Joaquin Phoenix’s best actor speech at the 92nd Oscars was thought-provoking and moving. He spoke about issues in the world and using “love and compassion as our guiding principles”. His full speech available from YouTube, shared by the Oscars, is below.
Source: YouTube. Oscars. Joaquin Phoenix speech after winning the Best Actor award at the 92nd Oscars.
Matthew McConaughey: 2015 Commencement Address at University of Houston
“Prioritize who you are, who you want to be…”
His 2015 commencement address at the University of Houston graduation ceremony is often cited as one of the best motivational speeches ever. In the address, Matthew McConaughey shared personal experiences and thirteen life lessons he learned. Various compilations and portions of his speech can be found available on YouTube.
Tyler Perry: “God’s Guidance to Your Dreams”
“Understand that you are worth it. You deserve the good things.”
In 2018, Tyler Perry joined Joel Osteen at Houston’s Lakewood Church. We recommend watching Perry’s inspirational solo speech as he spoke about his challenging background, life, faith, and ultimately accomplishing his goals and dreams.
The episode begins as a discussion with Joel Osteen, followed by a moving, funny, inspiring solo speech from Tyler Perry. The episode available from YouTube, shared by Praise on TBN, shown below has millions of views.
Source: YouTube. Praise on TBN. Tyler Perry: God’s Guidance to Your Dreams (Full Speech).
Chadwick Boseman: 2018 Commencement Address at Howard University
Chadwick Boseman delivered a personal and inspiring commencement speech at Howard University on Saturday May 12, 2018. After fighting colon cancer for four years, the Black Panther star died in 2020, at the age of 43, according to a statement on his social media accounts. Moreover, his cancer diagnosis was not known to the public at the time of filming Black Panther and during this speech.
Chadwick Boseman’s address was moving and personal, as he spoke about his own experiences and struggles in life and career. He encouraged the students to “…use your education to improve the world that you are entering” and to “press on with pride and press on with purpose”. The full speech available from YouTube, shared by Howard University, is below.
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