We Can Learn From Obama’s Inauguration Speech

One more day until we can stop saying “President-elect Barack Obama” and say “President Obama.”

Regardless of your political views, I am sure you are wishing him great success. After all, it is in the best interest of all Americans – and, perhaps, all world citizens.

If there has ever been any doubt about the importance of selling your message and yourself, our soon-to-be 44th president should have put that to rest.

President-elect Obama has used his background as a community organizer and his great oratory skills to mobilize, motivate and inspire millions.

He is a student of history and rhetoric. He plays to the heart and to the head.

Obama’s inaugural address should be interesting, indeed.

For students of public speaking (and shouldn’t we all be?), pay attention to how much logic, and how much emotion he uses. When does he pause for effect? When does he gesture?

Barack Obama is a studied and practiced person. He will have thought out and practiced every word, every dramatic pause for effect, and every gesture.

Peter Drucker said, “Spontaneity is an infinite number of rehearsed possibilities.”

When you watch the inauguration, and listen to President-elect Obama’s address, you will see a master at work.