I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
— William Ernest Henley“Invictus,” 1888
Motivational Speech Quotes
Six sourced lines on effort, courage and perseverance
Motivational speeches work best on contrast: name the struggle first, then give the line that answers it. These quotes come from poets, orators and playwrights, and each lists its author, work and year so your audience can trust the source.
If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
— Frederick Douglass“West India Emancipation,” 1857
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson“Circles,” 1841
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
— William ShakespeareHenry V, 1599
Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne’er succeed.
— Emily Dickinson1878
If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
— Percy Bysshe Shelley“Ode to the West Wind,” 1820
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Using a quote in a motivational talk
Douglass and Henley both land hardest when followed by a real example from your audience’s own world, such as a missed deadline, a lost game or a hard first year. Say the quote slowly, pause, then tell the story.