In my recently published book, Say It Like Obama: The Power of Speaking With Purpose and Vision (McGraw-Hill, October 2008), I analyze for readers the key practices that have enabled Barack Obama to emerge as one of the most effective and powerful orators in a political generation. Obama’s techniques and best practices can clearly be employed with great effect through speeches and prepared remarks. Some people have wondered whether we can employ those same best practices during extemporaneous speaking. To borrow a phrase from Obama—“Yes we can!” Senator Joe Biden showed this brilliantly with his outstanding debate performance at the vice presidential debate of October 2, 2008.
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According to Senator Barack Obama, he was not informed about Senator John McCain’s dual decisions to “suspend his campaign” and to suggest that the presidential debates scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2008 be postponed. In light of the unanticipated news, Obama issued remarks before the media. Several things made his pronouncements effective.
Obama delivered his remarks in a formal setting, in business attire, looking “very presidential.” He spoke with assuredness and confidence, which no doubt helped to instill confidence among listeners. He stressed his commitment to nonpartisanship as he seeks to address the prevailing American economic crisis, underscoring a sense of strong ethics as he stated “partisan politics” should be cast aside when addressing the crisis. Obama stressed his desire to issue a joint statement with McCain to “send a strong signal,” encouraging Congress to take decisive action to address the economic crisis. He spoke with emphatic determination when indicating he intended to lead members in the Senate to take effective action. His tone and countenance gave the impression he would be an effective leader in this regard.
Obama’s choice to vet questions at the end of his remarks conveyed his confidence about his knowledge of the issues and his certitude about his choices. When asked whether he should be in Washington to focus exclusively on legislation aimed at addressing the economic crisis, Obama stated emphatically, “I am prepared to be anywhere at any time” as needed to help resolve the crisis, but that “presidents are going to need to deal with more than one thing at one time.” In other words, he would not suspend his campaign. Many Americans may be prone to agree-a U.S. president must be able to address multiple problems simultaneously. Obama likely scored many points when indicating that he has the capacity to do this.
Obama also insisted that he and McCain must “present themselves” to the American people in the September 26 debates, so that Americans can hear their ideas and understand where each would like to take the country, economically and otherwise. In indicating he was ready and eager to do this, Obama conveyed confidence in his ability to present himself before the American people and to vet hard questions about economic issues. He projected himself as a confident leader.
Economic Fears Give Obama Clear Lead Over McCain in Poll
“Turmoil in the financial industry and growing pessimism about the economy have altered the shape of the presidential race, giving Democratic nominee Barack Obama the first clear lead of the general-election campaign over Republican John McCain, according to the latest Washington Post-ABC News national poll.”
Comments by Dr.Leanne:
The movement of voters to Barack Obama’s camp reflects more than the raw reaction created amid the financial turmoil of the recent week. The particular way in which Barack Obama has responded to the crisis has helped him appear “presidential” and played a role. Obama delivered well-staged remarks about the economic crisis-in a formal setting; dressed in business attire and flanked by large U.S. flags; and surrounded by accomplished economic advisors such as Warren Buffet. A master of the craft of communication, Obama has succeeded through his delivery, presentation and substance in presenting himself as extremely knowledgeable about the economy and as backed by top economic thinkers as he formulates ideas about how best to address America’s crisis. The net result: a shift among voters and signs of confidence in his ability to lead the country.
