On Wednesday evening, Caitlyn Jenner was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs. At the ceremony, she was acknowledged for her courage in coming out to the world. Jenner’s speech captivated her audience, including fellow athletes, celebrities, and her own family members, among them her mother and children.
Why has Jenner been such a news phenomenon and why was her speech so powerful?
Our nation has had a long and proud history of correcting course, fixing our misjudgements, and ever increasing our tolerance. Notable examples include the abolition of slavery, women’s right to vote, and more recently, the legalization of gay marriage. In every case, the change began with a small group and reached a tipping point where most people adopted what was originally a minority viewpoint. Jenner’s speech proved she’s a key figure for her cause.
Listed here are 3 important lessons we can all learn from her speech:
1. A sympathetic speaker can convert people’s attitudes for the better.
Jenner did not appear to be trying to convert anyone, and that is part of the reason why she did. When Jenner spoke she was very open, honest, and appeared to be hopeful and optimistic about her future going forward.
2. A lot can be learned from listening to someone tell their story on their own terms.
Jenner simply told her story on her own terms in her own way, and we learned much that we didn’t know. Others in her position have been paralyzed with the fear of being honest about themselves, and we hope that her openness gives others the courage to be themselves.
3. The more enlightened we become, the more change will lie in front of us.
Jenner’s story is just one among many voices, and hopefully, it will pave the way for others to tell their stories.
Caitlyn Jenner’s full speech can be viewed here: