History Main / LiteralSoapboxSpeech

See also RousingSpeech.

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[[quoteright:349:[[WesternAnimation/TheBraveLittleToaster https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rsz_0a2e287b_5e0e_4039_9daf_7ed4745b61861.png]]Actual soap box optional]]

* In ''Theatre/{{Hamilton}}'', Samuel Seabury stands on a box in the middle of town square to read his list of grievances against the Revolution. Hamilton comes over and argues with him, leading to them getting in a fight over the box, shoving each other off of it while taking turns standing on it.

* In ''VideoGame/Persona5'', disgraced ex-Diet member Toranosuke Yoshida is reduced to doing soapbox speeches after decades of political failure has left him with no political base to draw upon. Although the formerly selfish politician has changed his ways and sincerely wants to make the world a better place, he has no funds to campaign with. So he instead stands atop a soapbox and gives speeches to any passerby near Shibuya Station. After Joker helps restore his confidence, "Old Man Tora" becomes a popular figure among the youth for his progressive platform and is successfully reelected.
* ''VideoGame/DiabloIII'': In Act V, in the survivor's enclave in Westmarch, we find one individual standing on an actual soapbox seemingly attempting to start a new religion worshiping Malthael, who's followers will be spared his [[OmnicidalManiac wanton killing]], provided they donate, of course. Some of the crowd agree, others just think he's trying to get some quick coin.

* A minor running gag in ''WebAnimation/HomestarRunner'', mostly done by [[TheDitz Homestar]] himself. A sub-gag is how the soapbox in question is labeled with the supposed contents of it, with the count going up by one each time the soapbox appears, starting with "eleven soaps".

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* In ''WesternAnimation/TheBraveLittleToaster'', Toaster stands on a literal soap box as she announce to the other appliances that they're going to find the master.

* In ''WesternAnimation/TheBraveLittleToaster'', Toaster stands on a literal soap box as they announce to the other appliances that they're going to find the master.

* ''The Incredible Shrinking Woman'': Pat Kramer, a few inches tall, stands on top of a soapbox and yells at her family. "Honey, when you get down off your soapbox, we can talk..." says her husband.

A trademark tactic of the SoapboxSadie and the GranolaGirl.

[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* Discussed in the ''Series/ItsAlwaysSunnyInPhiladelphia'' episode "The Gang Gets Trapped.'' Dennis berates the Gang for their current predicament (trying to avoid being seen by the owners of a house they broke into), but they point out he stood on a table in a fast-food joint and made a RousingSpeech that got them all hyped up. He admits it was an awesome speech.
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!!Examples

-->'''Hobbes''' "You'd probably be more impressive if you tried using the soap."
-->'''Calvin:''' "Let me know if you see any multitudes."

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--> '''Stryker:''' Go on girl. Give them a good answer.\\
(''{{beat}}'')\\

* In ''WesternAnimation/SouthParkBiggerLongerAndUncut'', while forming LaResistance, Gregory of Yardale stands on a wooden crate with the word "SOAP" on it.

* While SLIGHTLY downplayed, there is, in fact, a place in England where people give public speeches, and are required to bring, if not a literal soapbox, at least something to stand on, based on a tradition involving a literal interpretatoin of 'on English soil'.

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* In ''WesternAnimation/SouthParkBiggerLongerAndUncut'', while forming LaResistance, Gregory of Yardale stands on a wooden crate with the word "SOAP" on it.

* ''Film/PacificRim'': Before ''Striker Eureka'' and ''Gipsy Danger'' head out to seal the rift once and for all, Stacker Pentecost gives his "Canceling the Apocalypse" speech while standing on the remains of a fallen Jaeger.

* ''Film/WhoFramedRogerRabbit'': When Eddie chews out Roger for entertaining the bar patrons when he's supposed to be hiding, Roger defends his nature to make others laugh and stands on a soapbox while making his case.

* In ''VideoGame/Persona5'', disgraced ex-Diet member Toranosuke Yoshida is reduced to doing soapbox speeches after decades of political failure has left him with no political base to draw upon. Although the formerly selfish politician has changed his ways and sincerely wants to make the world a better place, he has no funds to campaign with. So he instead stands atop a soapbox and gives speeches to any passerby near Shibuya Station. After Joker helps restore his confidence, "Old Man Tora" becomes a popular figure among the youth for his processive platform and is successfully reelected.

* ''Film/{{Midway2019}}'': Admiral Yamaguchi twice gives a speech while standing on what appears to be an ammo crate. He first does this to rally the pilots of ''Hiryuu'' 's air unit after the initial American attack that cripples the other three carriers. The second occurs at the end; amid the fires on the ship's flight deck, he announces the ''Hiryuu'' is lost and must be scuttled. Yamaguchi [[GoingDownWithTheShip asserts his intention to stay aboard]], ordering the evacuating crew to continue to serve the emperor and fulfill their duties.

--> '''Stryker:''' Go on girl. Give them a good answer.
(''{{beat}}'')

Given how the speeches are usually done on impulse, improvision is integral to the trope.

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* ''Film/IndependenceDay'': As July 4th dawns, President Whitmore grabs a bullhorn mic and jumps on the back of a truck to rouse the spirits of his pilots before they embark upon the battle that will determine if humanity survives or is annihilated.

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* ''VideoGame/TheSimsFreeplay'': Assigning your Sim to a soapbox in the park allows them to make a speech.

'''Aster:''' (setting one foot on the table and striking a hammy pose) NOT AT ALL! Like I said before I don't plan on showing [[LegendaryWeapon those gloves]] a loss! [[LargeHam I'M A LEGEND IN THE MAKING]]!

* ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'': Parodied in the episode "Camp Refoogee" where Stan makes fun of his daughter, Hayley's SoapboxSadie tendencies, a kid sets a literal soapbox in front of him during his speech.