Famous Speeches Sure to Inspire Your Next Declaration of Love (2024)

Whether it’s your new boo, your old BFF, or your tattooed barista, someone in your life is worthy of a little love. But articulating the abstract, undefinable feeling of l-o-v-e can be a pain in the . . . you know what.

We’ve worked on many beautiful speeches, but the most memorable professions of love? They don’t hold anything back. They’re honest and enthusiastic and unforgivingly passionate. So to help you express yourself like a pro, we’ve compiled a list of top speeches sure to inspire declarations of love to just about anyone in your life.

For your significant other who supports you from afar—and with whom you wish you had more red carpet photos:Ryan Gosling wins a Golden Globe in 2017 and takes the opportunity to thank his behind-the-scenes support system, Eva Mendes. And while the rest of us might have fawned more than Mendes, it had to have made her knees at least a little weak. Gosling reminds us that when it comes to a happily ever after, it takes two. (Minutes 0:55–1:33)

For your never-could-there-ever-be-a-smarter-cooler-stronger soulmate:The mic drop heard ’round the world. Though you’ll likely not be speaking to your sweetheart as the president of the United States, take a cue from number 44, who keeps it real in the most unreal of circ*mstances. In his last speech as POTUS, Obama applauds Michelle’s ability to take on the First Lady role “with grace, and with grit, and with style.” And if you’re lucky enough to find yourself a Michelle, you’ll need to deliver many speeches like this. She deserves it.

For that person who seeks light in the darkness:At a time when the world is at risk of forgetting the importance of love, Lin-Manuel Miranda has the perfect message to remind us that, “Love is love is love is love is love is love is love, cannot be killed or swept aside.” His words at the 2016 Tony’s spotlight the idea that love and kindness really can conquer all. (Minutes 1:50–2:46)

For your best and oldest friend who inspires you—and looks real good in a tuxedo:Before Barack and Joe, there was Matt and Ben, whose friendship inspired bromances, matching necklaces, and a Mindy Kaling off-Broadway play. From Beantown to Tinseltown, the pair shows us how best to conquer the world with your best friend forever. Their 1997 Academy Awards speech reminds us that before Gigli and Bourne, they were just two dudes from Boston with a lot of enthusiasm for some guy named Chris Moore. (Minutes 0:45–1:52)

For all the old friends who made you a survivor:Let’s face it: Not everyone is meant to be in your life for always. But even those once-upon-a-time friends were there at a time when you needed them. Or, if you’re Beyoncé, they, ya know, helped make you Beyoncé. In the classiest speech to ever grace the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, Queen Bey thanks all the founding members of Destiny’s Child, saying their name (saying their name) before she—bonus—calls out Jay Z in the cutest shout-out ever. (Minutes 9:00–10:53)

For the people who maybe you don’t always get along with but, hey, there’s love for them too:At the Screen Actors Guild Awards last month, Mahershala Ali proves there’s enough love to go around and that, sometimes, differences can be beautiful. Just as you’ll always have people in your life who disagree with you, you’ll always have a choice on how to react to them. So why not choose love? (From 1:00–2:00, or the whole speech)

For a parent who inspired you and put up with all your ridiculous hairdos:At the 2014 Academy Awards, Jared Leto tells the unlikely story of a young high school dropout who, against all odds, creates a happy life for her family. Spoiler alert: That girl is his mother and her child now has an Oscar. Let this speech be your inspiration when thanking Mom and Dad, whose early struggles paved the way for your achievements. (Minutes 1:36–2:24)

For all the people who make you feel seen and appreciated and validated:
It’s hard to believe that a goddess like Sally Field could ever feel unlikable—and yet, her Academy Awards speech from 1985 tells otherwise. Though it’s famously misquoted as “You like me! You really like me!” the sentiment holds true. Sometimes external validation ain’t such a bad thing. This Valentine’s Day, maybe it’s your turn to do a little validating. (From 3:20–3:50)

For the coworker you’ve thanked too silently in the past:Sometimes people need to hear your appreciation a little bit louder now. Here, Cuba Gooding Jr. accepts his 1997 Oscar by literally shouting praise to those who helped him along the way. Let this speech inspire your own standing ovation for all the coworkers who’ve helped you organize Outlook. (1:10–1:57)

For your insanely precocious daughter who inspires your funniest one-liners:They may pick their noses in your presence. They may make you park seven blocks away when you pick them up from school. But your kids also challenge you to look at life through a different lens, making you a little wiser and, most likely, a lot funnier. At the 2009 SAG Awards, Tina Fey shows us the right way to say thank you for using all my makeup. (2:28–3:24)

Marisa Polansky and Kristine Keller are the founders of Speech Tank, a concierge speech-writing service in New York City.