Final answer:
Influential speaking can be perceived as a threat to those in power because it challenges their authority, exposes their flaws, and empowers marginalized groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Influential speaking can be perceived as a threat to those in power because it has the potential to challenge and undermine their authority. When individuals use their speaking skills to persuade and mobilize others, it can lead to movements and actions that threaten the existing power structures. For example, Martin Luther King Jr.'s influential speaking during the Civil Rights Movement posed a threat to those in power who wanted to maintain racial segregation.
Another reason why influential speaking can be seen as a threat is that it can expose the flaws and corruption of those in power. When powerful individuals or organizations are exposed through persuasive speeches or public statements, it can erode their credibility and legitimacy.
Lastly, influential speaking has the power to mobilize and empower marginalized groups to challenge the status quo. When individuals from marginalized communities use their speaking skills to bring attention to their struggles and advocate for change, it can disrupt the power dynamics and threaten those in power.