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.

Pre-Debate Coaching/Advice for Presidential Candidates

The official count down to the election next month has begun.

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting tired of the political rhetoric.

I would love one (both would be better!) of the candidates to simply call a halt to the negativity.

People want straight talk. People want solutions. People want honesty.

I wouldn’t miss the next debate this Wednesday, even though it’s my 20th wedding anniversary!

That said, I will forgo the usual “dining out experience” so I can be home watching the TV. Fortunately, my husband concurs.

Aside from the politics, it’s fascinating for me as a speaker and presentation skills coach to watch the candidates do what we at BRODY Professional Development say not to do, and also what to do.

A free bit of coaching advice to both presidential candidates:

1) be respectful of each other
2) look at the audience and the camera
3) don’t over talk, or cut each other off
4) don’t make condescending comments
5) avoid repetitive words or phrases (examples from last time: “my friend” and “look”).

Oh yes, and one more thing – with the advent of fact checking, let’s be honest with the information shared, please.

The truth will come out at some point, so why not now?

Political Presentations: Is It What You Say, Or How You Say It?

I hope you are having as much “fun” as I am watching and listening to the debate buzz.

Of course, I have friends on both sides of the fence. A few have asked if I was coaching any of the candidates – and a few have suggested that I do so (I’d be delighted)!

The answer is, “No, I’m not coaching any of the four candidates.” But, the real question is, “Who is?”

My work, and the work of BRODY Professional Development, is to help people in all industries hone their message and delivery – hence, the effectiveness of corporate professionals.

It’s always amazing to me to see and hear the difference that a little coaching and training can make.

Just last week, I was coaching a young female who works in an older, male-dominated environment. In a short time, with coaching, she was able to shift her message and maximize what she brings to the table.

She walked away with a greater sense of self confidence. I have no doubt that she will accomplish her objectives (selling her credibility and her ideas), when she delivers her next message.

If you have any suggestions for our presidential and vice presidential candidates on clarity and consistency of their messages, and how they should be delivering them, why not send them to me? I will post your ideas here.

My message for the week: “Speak up. Speak Out. Let others benefit from your ideas.”

Presidential Debate: All About Style & Delivery

The first presidential debate is over, and the political pundits have weighed in on both candidates’ performance.

Most of you reading this probably watched the debate, or at least read/heard about it.

So much of endless conversation following the debate had little to do with substance – and much to do with presentation style.

On one hand, this saddens me – and on the other hand, this is no surprise.

I see this regularly as I coach and train people on their presentation skills. We work on the message and the flow, but even with a great message, it can be ruined by poor delivery.

Here are four questions that presenters need to ask themselves (take note Senators McCain and Obama for your next debate):

1) Is my delivery congruent with my message?

2) Do I have good eye contact?

3) Do I have an executive presence (good posture, animated face, open gestures?)

4) Am I credible, believable and authentic?

There will be more presentation skills to analyze this Thursday, as we see the first Vice Presidential debate.

These are certainly interesting times!