10 Shakespearean Quotesand How to Use Them

Your content is great.

Your content is great.

Seriously, great!

You always seem to find the right words toconvey your message.

You always seem to find the right words toconvey your message.

Know who else was really good at finding the right words?

William Shakespeare

Theatrical quotes from

can be useful in your presentations.

Theatrical quotes fromGiants of Playwrightingcan be useful in your presentations.

How?

Theatrical quotes fromGiants of Playwrightingcan be useful in your presentations.

Let’s get started!

You can use them to:

Introduce a new topicCreate interest and connectionHelp your audience think in metaphorsInspire action with expert words about the human

conditionConclude your presentation with an effective

stinger

From Shakespeare…

“A little more than kin, and less than kind.”

-from HamletUse it when you want to say “this has gotten too close for comfort, and it’s not good.”

“The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” -from Hamlet

When someone, or something, is trying too hard to prove they are telling the truth.

“O Time, thou must untangle this not I/ It is too hard a knot for me t’untie”

-from Twelfth NightPresenting a problem that seems insurmountable? Request help with this quote.

“From ancient grudge break to new mutiny/ where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.” – from Romeo and Juliet

Useful when two factions that have long been at odds have suddenly taken things to a more unpleasant level.

“Oh for a Muse of fire, that would ascend/ the brightest heaven of invention-”

-from Henry VWhen an idea is so great, that you WISH you could find the right words to describe it.

“Once more unto the breach dear friends, once more!”

-from Henry VInspire your audience to tackle a difficult issue once again.

Say “Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit and lost

without deserving.”

(from Othello) when talking about the complexities of

authenticity or branding.

“O! it is excellent/ To have a giant's strength, but it is tyrannous/ To use it like a giant.”

-from Measure for MeasureGreat to talk about corporate responsibility or intra-office relationships.

“Disguise, I see thou art a wickedness, wherein the pregnant enemy does much” -from Twelfth Night

Turn to this quote when you need to talk about the importance of transparency, and the problems created when it is lacking.

And Finally…

“But man, proud man,Drest in a little brief authority,Most ignorant of what he’s most assured,His glassy essence, like an angry ape,Plays such fantastic tricks before high heavenAs make the angels weep.”

-from Measure for Measure

“But man, proud man,Drest in a little brief authority,Most ignorant of what he’s most assured,His glassy essence, like an angry ape,Plays such fantastic tricks before high heavenAs make the angels weep.”

-from Measure for Measure

If you need to present a mea culpa for mistakes that have been made, especially if they were the result of hubris, this quote is can help.

Thank You!

Find more professional skills advice on the OC Blog, or download Acting Tips for Exceptional Presentations!