Oaths of office
The following are oaths of office given to presidents or prime ministers of various countries as they are sworn in. These monologues can be used as practice for intonation and phrasing; for example, the oaths can be recited by chunking or phrasing the sentences in different ways, into different thought groups, for different styles of flow or nuance. For example:
- I promise to serve my fellow citizens to the best of my ability.
- I promise to serve my fellow citizens | to the best of my ability.
- I promise | to serve my fellow citizens | to the best of my ability.
- I promise | to serve my fellow citizens | to the best of my ability.
- I promise | to serve my fellow citizens | to the best | of my ability.
- Prime Minister, Canada
I, _________, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will truly and faithfully, and to the best of my skill and knowledge, execute the powers and trust reposed in me as Prime Minister, so help me God
- Chancellor, Germany
I swear that I will dedicate my efforts to the well-being of the German people, promote their welfare, protect them from harm, uphold and defend the Basic Law and the laws of the Federation, perform my duties conscientiously, and do justice to all. So help me God.
- President, Russia
I swear in exercising the powers of the President of the Russian Federation to respect and safeguard the rights and freedoms of man and citizen, to observe and protect the Constitution of the Russian Federation, to protect its sovereignty and independence, the security and integrity of the State, and to faithfully serve the people.
- President, USA
I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
