Greetings. Politics has had Pat and me thinking about the speaking styles of presidential candidates. We penned a column for a magazine on the subject and I thought you might be interested. So, it is our first feature. Also, Pat has more tips in the Coach's Corner.
Well, what are we waiting for?
Ty Boyd
ty@tyboyd.com
Presidentially Speaking
Presidential candidates get plenty of pricey advice about their speaking skills. But they don't necessarily follow it well.
As speaking coaches for executives in 30 countries, we've identified the high and low points in the Democratic candidates as speakers. See how you can incorporate their pluses into your own presentation styles, and learn from their lapses.
John Kerry - His face reminds us of Abraham Lincoln - long jaw, sad eyes. It's hard to inspire a crowd with that look in the age of television. Even at funerals, you can have a smile of compassion. We need the relief.
As Kerry campaigns, someone is counseling him to appear less glum and smile. We think that's building his appeal. He's adding more positive energy and fire to his speeches, but he still needs to remember to smile often.
At our Excellence in Speaking Institute, we teach that a good smile is like a million-dollar bank account. Only you can spend it. And it's worth nothing if you hide it from your audience.
When you give a presentation, you are the entertainment. Viewers watch the picture you make. Your expressions and gestures make the picture worth watching. People have short attention spans. Keep us engaged.
Howard Dean - Dean may never live down his primal scream. He crossed the line between passion and hysteria. In presentations, don't be afraid to show your passion for your subject. But don't lose control, either.
John Edwards - All those years as a trial lawyer taught Edwards how to sway the jury. His speeches blend facts and feelings. He's skilled at using a theatrical flair to convey his message. And his theme of two Americas - one for the rich, one for the rest of us - is effective because it answers his audience's primary question: "What's in it for me?"
Go here for the rest of the story.
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