I’ve been listening to members of the Obama administration present their ideas.
They are smart people. Their ideas are well thought out (even though many of you reading this may not agree with the philosophies and/or solutions that they have crafted).
But, many of these administration members fail to sell their ideas.
Part of the problem is that they need to see themselves as salespeople, and they don’t.
But, they are – they are selling their credibility, experience, ideas, and themselves.
Subsequently, some of them fall flat.
Ideas rarely stand on their own merit.
President Obama knows this, and understands that style doesn’t replace substance ... but it is a critical part of selling the substance.
Passion sells. People connect on an emotional level, not just logical.
Perhaps one of the best communicators ever, Aristotle, talked about the necessity of using pathos (emotional appeals) as well as logic.
Our audiences – Congress included – respond to the emotion, not only in examples used, but also in message delivery.
People ask if I am a motivational speaker. My answer is no.
I am a content speaker who can motivate.
Of course, I love to hear, “You are so motivational.”
Isn’t that what we need from our leaders, and those who support them?
President Obama: With all due respect, some of your team members need speech coaching -- in order for them to get buy-in for their (and your) good ideas.
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My blog this week is all about the need for (and benefit of) professionals improving their communication skills.
With that thought in mind … seats at my April 2 open enrollment career development workshop -- BRODY BOOST Camp -- are filling up. To learn more about how BOOST Camp can help your career outlook/job security, and secure your seat today, click here.
Showing posts with label president. Show all posts
Showing posts with label president. Show all posts
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, October 13, 2008
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?
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?
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