 The speech scene employed over 500 extras , an unusual occurrence for the series . Much of Dwight 's speech is based upon a real speech by infamous Italian leader Benito Mussolini . The episode received largely positive reviews from television critics . In its original broadcast , " Dwight 's Speech " earned a Nielsen rating of 4 @.@ 4 in the 18 – 49 demographic , being viewed by 8 @.@ 4 million viewers . 
