From a purely public-speaking perspective, President Trump’s inauguration address was clear, decisive, and delivered at a controlled pace, with a strong emphasis and moments of deliberate pause. Aside from his familiar finger‑and‑thumb gesture, a hallmark of his campaign style, he appeared disciplined, almost as if he had stepped straight out of a presentation‑skills workshop. His[…]
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A Masterclass in Public Speaking: Lessons from President Obama’s Farewell Address
Advice Jan 14, 2017
For years, I’ve written about the craft of public speaking, and one figure appears again and again in that conversation: President Barack Obama. His command of language, his mastery of the pause, his instinct for metaphor, his use of humour, repetition, voice and gesture. These are hallmarks of a communicator who understands not just how[…]
Michelle Obama’s Final Speech Analysis: A Masterclass in Hope, Courage and Public Speaking
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Jan 07, 2017
Michelle Obama and her husband Barack Obama have long been two of my favourite public speakers. Few people consistently combine passion, eloquence, and grace. Whenever either of them steps up to a podium, you can be sure you’ll witness clarity, conviction, and humanity in equal measure. Her concluding speech as First Lady was no exception[…]
This article explores leadership communication and the impact of language. It is not a commentary on politics, policy or ideology. Yesterday Donald Trump demonstrated unequivocally the impact the spoken word can have not only on a country but the entire world. Every so often, the world is reminded of something profoundly simple yet deeply powerful:[…]
Leadership Communication Under Pressure: What the Clinton–Trump Debate Reveals About Speaking to a Global Audience
Advice Sep 27, 2016
Few communication challenges compare to a presidential debate. Speaking to a room of a hundred people is daunting; speaking to more than 100 million requires a different level of composure, clarity, and strategic intent. The 2016 debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump remains a powerful case study in leadership communication. Whatever one’s political views,[…]
Do Presidents Need to Be Inspirational Speakers? A Leadership Communication Perspective
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Aug 21, 2016
Throughout history, American presidents have delivered some of the world’s most memorable and influential speeches. Their words have shaped national identity, offered reassurance in moments of crisis, and inspired generations to act. Barack Obama often spoke of shared values and collective purpose. John F. Kennedy challenged citizens to contribute to something larger than themselves. Franklin[…]
I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a sales pitch where the speaker calls the president “incompetent,” labels the competition “stupid,” and then proceeds to insult his own business partners, until now. That’s exactly what Donald Trump did during his rambling speech at the Phoenix Convention Centre last week. With an audience of thousands in[…]
When it comes to public speaking, few can measure up to Barack Obama. Whether you agree with his politics or not, he is recognised as a masterful communicator. His ability to inspire and connect with audiences is unparalleled, and his recent State of the Union Address further exemplifies this skill. The Importance of Connection As[…]
