On the 78th Birthday of America's most extraordinary orator, we look back at the greatest speakers of the past year.

There are no Martin Luther Kings, but 2006 was a very good year for speakers and speeches.- - and oratorical courage.

Fueled by an increasingly unpopular war, resistance to the most solid political monopoly seen in decades, and the most contentious midterm election in recent history, speeches became a release valve for the tensions of 2006.

And we witnessed the oratorical rise of some fascinating personalities who were willing to use their words and their personalities to dive right into the stormy political and cultural waters.

Here are my choices for the best speeches and speakers of 2006. The theme for 2006 was courage. There are no doubt scores of speeches delivered at high school and college commencements, etc., churches, political rallies, Toastmaster clubs and hundreds of other places would merit inclusion in this list. If you witnessed one of them, I would love to see it and invite you to upload it or send any videos that you believe belong in this collection. (Richard@WordsThatShookTheWorld.com)

Criteria

The speakers and speeches here were chosen according to the following criteria:

1. An inspiring speech. One that, as all great speeches should in some way
2. Courage to give that speech, in the context it was given in, and/or
3. Artfulness in delivery and/or content

1. KEITH OLBERMANN's "Special Comments" on MSNBC's "Countrdown".

Clearly #1 of 2006. Speaker and speeches. A brilliant, transformational and courageous use of television and oratory in a year when many believed that The United States Congress neglected their duties of oversight under The Constitution and television news, addled by media consolidation and a lack of courage, neglected their duties to the public.

Many believe that Keith Olbermann, a two time Edward R. Murrow Award recipient, is our modern version of Murrow because of his courage and eloquence in holding powerful people accountable in a climate that has made it unpopular to do so.

This is the highest compliment a journalist can receive . . . and I agree.

See my comments on Keith's first Special Comment, August 30, on Donald Rumsfeld: "The Greatest Speech of the Decade". This, I believe, IS, at least, the greatest speech of the year in part because it was the first time in decades such oratory has been seen on television, but also because of the true genius of the writing and delivery.

And see ALL of Keith's 12 "Special Comments" of 2006 here, delivered live, when the spirit moves him, on MSNBC, weeknights at 8pm.

2. REVEREND JOSEPH LOWERY

Eulogy for Coretta Scott King

A close friend and colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King, Rev. Lowery is probably the greatest living orator in America today, and to a large extent carries the torch for his dear friend.

This speech is well known for the courage and boldness of the line "There may not have been weapons of mass destruction", delivered directly in front of President and Mrs. Bush. Lowery truly had seized the moment. Delivering a eulogy for a woman who was not only the widow of our nation's most celebrated civil rights and anti war leader, but had devoted her own existence to the continuation of his cause, the Reverend honored her spirit by reminding us that she wouldn't support misleading the people into war.

But this speech was far more than a political protest. As the one minute standing ovation would attest, this is a brilliant, penetrating, humorous, intelligent and thoroughly inspiring address delivered by a true master.

If you want to know how to stand, where to look, how to use your hands, how to use your voice, how to organize a speech, how to build rhythm and momentum and just about everything else about the art and science of giving a speech, watch Dr. Lowery!!

See the video here.

3. BARACK OBAMA

There is a reason this freshman Senator is the choice of many for the Oval Office and we can see it, hear it and feel it in every speech he gives. All of Senator Obama's speeches mesmerize his audiences because he does what no other political speakers have ever done: he has had the confidence and the courage to simply and fully be what EVERY speaker should be - - himself!!

That's why he's generating the buzz. But because it comes from his own authentic self and authentic passion, this buzz will NOT fade away.

Enter the 2008 campaign, or not. Win, or not, Barack Obama, with every speech, raises the bar for every other person who ever wishes to go into politics and give a speech.

Read my analysis of why "He's Ready."

And here is the link to all of his major speeches.

4. GEORGE CLOONEY

U-N Security Council Address on Darfur

This is a serious thinker and a serious and talented speaker who has the courage to use his fame to address substantive issues and causes.

His Darfur speech is not a great speech, per se, but is remarkable in many respects. Despite his celebrity and dramatic skills he is not manipulative nor is he at all overly dramatic. Nor does he pretend to be more of an expert than he is. He stays within himself and his very real and human concerns, sitting there because he is a celebrity but speaking simply and from his heart.

Acceptance Speech, Actor In A Supporting Role, "Syriana", Academy Awards

In this very short speech he turns a criticism into a compelling positive with a nuance and subtlety that only the very best orators can accomplish. As this critical website (but the only one that seems to have the link) indicates, there are many who criticize the speaker and the speech. I challenge others, from any political persuasion, to show the class, the insight and, indeed, care enough to use their 15 minutes or 15 years of fame to highlight issues more important than the acknowledgment of their managers and agents.

5. AMBASSADOR JOSEPH WILSON

Address to "People For The American Way"

Having suffered, along with his family, for his own exercise of free speech, Joe Wilson reveals a deeply philosophical and historical basis for his attacks on the Bush Administration and, in the process, his love for the U.S. Constitution. History and historical examples are critical, especially when the subject and the speaker are controversial. This extremely well written speech shows the former Ambassador to be one of the most thoughtful, passionate and eloquent voices in the country.

6. OPRAH WINFREY

On the Dedication of The Martin Luther King Memorial, Washington, D.C.

While hoarse and not at her best, this appearance clearly demonstrates her presence and the two things that have, with great reason, driven her extraordinary success and influence: she is passionate and she is real. As one of the true Philosopher Kings/Queens on the planet, anything Oprah says . . . shakes the world.

7. "The New" AL GORE

The "Inconvenient Truth" Presentation and Others

2006 revealed the extraordinary transformation of a very average, if not boring, speaker into an excellent and passionate communicator. Many of his speeches, on global warming and other issues, show qualities of oratory and leadership that might have made a huge difference had they been delivered 6 years earlier.

Read my analysis of "The Transformation of Al Gore" here.

View his "Inconvenient Truth" Power Point presentation here.

8. Republican SENATOR GORDON SMITH

Speech Against the Iraq War on The Senate Floor

It is extraordinary when a Senator speaks this candidly and so completely from the heart. It is even more extraordinary that a Republican who voted for the conviction of Bill Clinton and for the Iraq War would break free of the uniformity of his party in such a dramatic, outspoken and beautifully heartfelt way. Senator Smith is the first Republican to show this kind of courage in a long time.

Text: here.
Video: here.

9. Former Supreme Court Justice SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR (Ronald Reagan Appointee)

Attack on The Judiciary, Georgetown Law School

As surprising and refreshing as a Republican Senator having the courage to attack his own party's president and his policies is a former Supreme Court Justice, appointed by a Conservative President, attacking the Conservative Judiciary.

10. AZAH AWASUM

Winner, "The First National 'Words That Shook The World' High School Public Speaking Competition

15 years old

In her very first speech in front of an audience, on August 1, 2006, 15 year old Azah Awasum won "The First National 'Words That Shook The World' High School Public Speaking Competition". Her energy, confidence and depth of commitment shook the 500 fellow students and VIP Judges and won her a standing ovation and the title of Best High School Speaker in America. I was honored to sponsor this competition with The Anthony Robbins Foundation and The Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Organization, a competition dedicated to finding the next Martin Luther Kings, Barbara Jordans and JFKs. This extraordinary young woman, the daughter of Camaroon immigrants, is certainly on that path!
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Honorable Mentions

1. Donald Bowers

Runner-Up, "First Annual 'Words That Shook The World' High School Public Speaking Competition

This young man has the makings of a future Martin Luther King. When he held up the receipt for the Poll Tax his Great-Great Grandfather was forced to pay in order to vote, he mesmerized the audience, an audience consisting mainly of kids who had never even known that this horrible practice ever existed in America. Notice the power and presence of this young man.
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2. Jessica Henry

2nd Runner-Up, "First Annual 'Words That Shook The World' High School Public Speaking Competition

Energy, poise, passion and presence. Jessica personalizes and makes real an issue that she, and most youth in America, have never had to deal with - hunger. A supremely confident and talented speaker.

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3. Bill Clinton's Speeches of 2006

Every speech that he gives reminds us that this man, alongside FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan set the standard for presidential oratory in the 20th Century.

4. Bindi Irwin's Eulogy of her father, Steve Irwin

The poise of this 6 year old, especially under the circumstances, is truly remarkable.

6. Rep. John Murtha's Speeches on Iraq in 2006

It was this 30 year veteran, a lifelong military hawk, who started the real debate on the Iraq War with his passionate and eloquent speech on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.

6. Speeches from the TLC Public Speaking Show, "The Messengers".

I was honored to be the Senior Judge on this 8 week television show that aired in July and August of 2006. Some of the speakers and speeches were extraordinary and worthy of the kind of attention poured on contestants of "American Idol". Hopefully some day great speeches on television will receive that kind of appreciation.