There’s no doubt about it. President-elect Barack Obama is a gifted speaker. In fact, he’s one of the best I’ve ever heard, and I study speakers with great regularity.
Much has been said and written about his speeches and their impact on his audiences, the electorate and the recent election. In fact, it was his speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004 that launched him on the national stage.
That event, in itself, is testimony to his talent at the lectern. Nobody comments about bad speakers very often. But when they hear a really good speech, people are riveted.
As Ronald Reagan proved so well, people are drawn to strong communicators. As Barack Obama prepares to become the next Great Communicator in Chief, it is appropriate to consider what makes him so good. I think there are three things:
First, he has a well-defined message. His points are clear and his themes are easy to digest. Audiences don’t have to work very hard to grasp his meaning. And he’s speaking about themes that resonate with a large portion of the American people. So, not only is he good at delivering his ideas, his ideas are pressing the right buttons.
Second, he knows how to use words, phrases and vocal tone and volume to build excitement. Have you ever noticed how Obama starts a sentence and then gives it five or six different endings? And with each ending, his voice rises as he drives home his point. It is based on the call and response communication technique that is common in African American religious and political discourse.
Obama used this rhetorical technique when he claimed victory after the presidential election Nov. 4. In his acceptance speech, notice how, in telling the story of the 106-year-old voter named Ann Nixon Cooper, he issues the call and the audience responds.
And finally, Barack Obama is a good speaker because of the personality and demeanor he exhibits. He is apparently a very calm, unflappable person. They don’t call him “No-Drama Obama” for nothing. He is self-assured and firmly believes what he is saying.
All told, it’s a winning combination. Whether you agree with his politics or not, any speaker can learn a great deal about effective communication by watching Barack Obama.
