Read the sentence below, which is a run-on sentence: The Incas were an ancient people who lived in Peru they worshiped a sun god and grew many different kinds of potatoes.

There are several ways to fix this sentence. Which is NOT a good way to fix it?
The Incas, an ancient people who lived in Peru, worshiped a sun god and grew many different kinds of potatoes.
The Incas were an ancient people who lived in Peru. They worshiped a sun god and grew many different kinds of potatoes.
The Incas were an ancient people. The Incas lived in Peru and worshiped a sun god and the Incas grew many different kinds of potatoes.
The Incas were an ancient people who lived in Peru and worshiped a sun god. They grew many different kinds of potatoes.

each year on this day, i make it a point to listen to dr. martin luther king jr.’s great “i have a dream” speech. it’s electrifying every single time.

the content of dr. king’s speech, his inspiring presence, and the moment in history all came together to make the iconic “i have a dream” speech the defining moment of the american civil rights movement. but there are several other reasons why this speech, delivered over 50 years ago, remains an example of one of the best speeches in american history.

since part of my job is to people become better presenters, i’ve noticed several techniques that we can all learn from and be inspired by in this magnificent speech.

it’s anchored in a powerful related location

in most cases, you can’t handpick the spot to give a presentation, as mlk did for supreme symbolic effect when he stood on the steps of the lincoln memorial and echoed the opening words of the gettysburg address (“five score years ago . . ). but you absolutely can amplify your message by adapting it to your setting and location.