Public Speaking Tips

Learn from Leaders

Here they are: Barack Obama’s 5 key strategies (what he does when he presents, how he employs the skills of rhetoric to convey a powerful impression in the mind of his audience).

I. Repetition of certain tag lines & sentences 

• On this day…
• The time has come…
• If we…
• I think about…

Question for you: What tag lines would be useful for you to repeat more in your messages to make them more impactful?

II. Using pronouns 

The use of “we” creating a connection with the audience. Barack used “we” more than 150 times in his inauguration speech. Rarely uses “I” or “You”. Connects with the audience as the “same” as them.

III. Rhythm 

3&1 rhythm: use 3 items and add one more to make the audience feel more inspired;
It is called clap traps – rhythm itself makes people feel like clapping-. The brain loves this… Because the claptraps are great devices used by politicians in order to use timing to get great responses for the audience.
Tool: If we…than… (this will happen).

By doing this he creates a causal connection between what they can do and what future they desire. He always finishes on a poignant quote to create a powerful impact in the mind of the audience.

“If we come together and lift this nation from the depth of this crises; if we put our people back to work and restart the engine if our prosperity; if we confront without fear the challenges of our time and summon that enduring spirit of an America that does not quit, than someday years from now our children can tell their children that this was the time when we performed, in the words that are carved into this very chamber. “Something worthy to be remembered”.

IV. Stories 

• To connect with the audience.
• Makes the policy’s he stands for real.
• Share their troubles and issues.

Barack uses inspiring stories and real, detailed, specific, believable so people can relate to.

V. Inoculation 

Inoculate yourself from what the audience might pick (if you have challengers in the audience: preempt them on what they intend to say and lead them into a more rational seemly conclusion). First, you predict ahead of time what you think the audience is going to say or think in a negative way. Then, you say it so you get it out of the way, and:

• You reason on why you are saying what you are saying
• How you want them to feel, what this means for you
• What is going to cause from your perspective

Acknowledge what the issue is; deal with it there and then before they even have the opportunity to bring them up. Example from Barack’s Inauguration speech:” I know that we have not agreed on every issue thus far, and there are surely times in the future when we will part ways. But I also know that every American who is sitting here tonight loves this country and wants it to succeed. That must be the starting point for every debate we have I in the coming months.”
Tip: Chunk up to the highest positive intention!

Last but not least

“My budget does not attempt to solve every problem or address every issue. If reflects the stark reality of what we have I hearted…A trillion dollar deficit, a financial crisis and a costly recession”.

“So I know how unpopular it is to be seen as helping banks right now, especially when everyone is suffering on part from their bad decisions. I promise you – I get it. I also how this is a time we cannot afford to govern out of anger of yield to the politics of the moment. My job-our job- is to solve the problem.”

For you: As a Result remember this! These strategies you can perform and utilize to make an impact when you make a presentation or a speech. Take one of each at the time and practice it as much as possible. Remember to maintain rapport with your audience, calibration with your audience is the mother of all skills. Most of all, enjoy your development and success! In the meanwhile, have some serious fun!