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[…]
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A Masterclass in Public Speaking: Lessons from President Obama’s Farewell Address
Advice Jan 14, 2017
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[…]
Why I Disagree with Simon Sinek About Millennials — With Respect
Leadership, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Jan 04, 2017
My son knows my passion for public speaking, so when he pointed me toward a Simon Sinek video, I was excited. I admire Sinek. I’ve learned a great deal from him, but fifteen minutes in, I felt something I didn’t expect: discomfort. Not because he’s wrong about everything, but because his conclusions about millennials felt[…]
Effective presenting isn’t about charisma, theatrics or perfect slides. It’s about understanding how human beings think, decide and act. Strip away the noise, and every impactful presentation is built on three pillars: Facts Feelings Future Learn to use these well, and you shift the entire energy of the room — including your own. Facts —[…]
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,[…]
