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Nelson Mandela - a beacon of hope and peace, with the ability to overcome extreme adversity, was also a philosopher, orator and one who cherished humanity and justice. He gave hope to all with his amazing public speaking skills. He had the unique ability to mould his words and expressions to reach any audience without changing his message, and still remained passionate and true to his topics which were often extremely complex. Nelson Mandela was considered a master storyteller. Whether around a table or at a podium in front of hundreds of thousands, he could engage and capture the attention of all who listened. He was a miracle maker, bringing peace to a country divided and scarred by apartheid for half a century.
Part of Mandela’s strength was his hope for a society where all people live together in peace. He was unwavering in his fight against white domination. In 1963, Mandela and others in the African National Congress were accused of plotting the violent overthrow of the white minority government. During the ensuing trial, he said in his defense, “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society, in which all persons will live together in harmony, and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But, my Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Mandela’s speech during his trial received international attention and was published as I Am Prepared to Die. Ironically, expressing a willingness to be executed helped spare him that fate, and Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for 27 years.
When we believe in what we are saying, we can be persuasive and influential. This is one of the best ways through which we can truly awaken, inspire, and change the world.