What makes people so interested in the identity of the next president? Their infatuation likely stems from their desire for a capable, competent, and strong leader. However, what exactly characterizes a strong leader? The answer to this question may be found in two speeches from the Renaissance. In Henry V by Shakespeare, King Henry addresses his troops before they face the French army; In 1588, Queen Elizabeth spoke to her troops before they left to fight the Spanish Armada. These speeches demonstrate the qualities of a strong leader because their words affect their people’s mindset. “Speech to the Troops at Tilbury” and “Saint Crispin's Day Speech” both suggest that strong leaders know how to motivate their people, encourage their people,
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The speakers assure their armies that their triumph will be legendary and spoken of for years to come, and if they die in battle, their deaths will not be in vain. In “Speech to the Troops at Tilbury,” Queen Elizabeth states, “...We shall shortly have a famous victory.” In this line, she assures her people of their victory over the Spanish and confirms their upcoming glory, causing a wave of zealousness for the fight. In “Saint Crispin’s Day Speech,” King Henry says, “This story shall the good man teach his son” (39). Henry tells his troops that one day, the story of their success will be passed down from generation to generation, which emboldens his people’s drive for victory. These vows from the leaders motivate their people to fight their hardest to achieve the promises of glory. However, to more effectively convey these messages to their troops, both leaders use the tone of their speech to motivate their men. Overall, the two speeches have rallying and empowering tones, which helps energize the armies and prepares them to fight. Elizabeth and Henry are strong leaders because they can spark fighting fervor amidst their
The speakers assure their armies that their triumph will be legendary and spoken of for years to come, and if they die in battle, their deaths will not be in vain. In “Speech to the Troops at Tilbury,” Queen Elizabeth states, “...We shall shortly have a famous victory.” In this line, she assures her people of their victory over the Spanish and confirms their upcoming glory, causing a wave of zealousness for the fight. In “Saint Crispin’s Day Speech,” King Henry says, “This story shall the good man teach his son” (39). Henry tells his troops that one day, the story of their success will be passed down from generation to generation, which emboldens his people’s drive for victory. These vows from the leaders motivate their people to fight their hardest to achieve the promises of glory. However, to more effectively convey these messages to their troops, both leaders use the tone of their speech to motivate their men. Overall, the two speeches have rallying and empowering tones, which helps energize the armies and prepares them to fight. Elizabeth and Henry are strong leaders because they can spark fighting fervor amidst their