Rhetoric is the art of ruling men’s minds, mused Plato — and indeed, since the wise philosopher’s time, countless men have cleared their throats, raised their voices, held forth and held sway over audiences large and small.

The history of Pakistan is replete with the rousing words of national leaders, indignant politicians, fiery clerics and the occasional sportsman; their speeches are now symbolic snapshots, capturing the spirit of a certain age and time. From Jinnah’s August 11 speech, the anthem of liberals nationwide, to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s performance at the United Nations Security Council in 1971; from that first public broadcast announcing martial law in 1958 to the now ubiquitous refrain of democracy is the best revenge, what, so far in Pakistan’s history, has been the most iconic speech ever made?

The Herald has posed this question to a number of writers and commentators. Dawn.com invites its readers to also give their views. Selected comments will be published in the upcoming issue of the Herald.