Friday, August 23, 2013

Day 145: Nothing Like a Little Motivational Speech to Start the Weekend

Remember Herb Brooks? The late coach of the 1980 USA Olympic hockey team was a master of motivation. This was a team that, on paper, had no chance of winning a gold medal. But miraculously, they did. A group of unknown college players upset a heavily favored USSR team and then Finland to become a Miracle on Ice. It could've only been the great speech that encouraged such unwavering perseverance.
"Great moments are born from great opportunity. And that's what you have here, tonight, boys. That's what you've earned here tonight. One game. If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can! Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It's over. I'm sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw 'em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it."
This week, a couple more entertaining speeches surfaced. One sports-related, one not so much.

A friend's son just started his freshman year at Georgia Tech and last Sunday was the Freshman Convocation with a GT sophomore giving the welcome speech. This kid has a future in public and motivational speaking in his future. I feel like now I can build the Iron Man suit... click here to be inspired! Over 2 million others already have.

And then there was Tom Brady's speech to the Michigan football team — his alma mater — a couple hours before he took the field for a preseason game against the Detroit Lions. I'm sure he would like to soon forget the abysmal performance of his team in the 40-9 loss, but I bet not one of those players sitting in that room will soon forget the words Brady spoke to them.


I don't know about you, but after all these enthusiastic soliloquies, I feel like I could go out and conquer the world!! Not a bad way to end the week. TGIF!!

No comments:

Post a Comment