Speeches can be powerful and the most destructive weapon in the world. I would like to take this opportunity to share one of my favourite speeches. It is the well-known “Speech to the Troops at Tilbury” by Queen Elizabeth I. The speech was made at a very critical time before the English army went into a battle. Historically, such battlefront speeches have usually been delivered by men, but, as the monarch of the kingdom, Queen Elizabeth gave a powerful speech to rally her troop. As a woman in the 16th century, her courageous action demonstrated the true power of women.

In the speech, she acknowledged the fact that many of her soldiers at that time did not believe she, as a woman, could be a successful leader (“I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman…”), but she also assured the troops of her authority as a ruler (“…but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too…”). Living in a time when society upholds gender equality, it is easy to forget how much courage it used to take for women to speak up.

In case you are interested, please find the speech below.

My loving people,
We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit our selves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear, I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects; and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust. I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. I know already, for your forwardness you have deserved rewards and crowns; and We do assure you in the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you. In the mean time, my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over those enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people.