Even the deepest McCain supporters cannot deny the talent that Barack Obama has for oration. His articulation, mannerisms, and wording all play a role in a delivery that has placed him beside the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and JFK. His speeches have been quoted all around the globe, even published in their very own book. He is so good, in fact, that his opposition has seized on this and tried to turn his skill into a negative. “They’re just words,” some have said. “He’s only a celebrity,” others have claimed. But there is no denying Barack Obama’s ability to captivate an audience, and in Shel Leanne’s book, titled Say It Like Obama: The Power of Speaking With Purpose and Vision, readers are given insights into just how to use these techniques for themselves.
Whether you’re Republican or Democrat, this book provides useful information for anyone wanting to improve one’s speaking skills. Though this book will probably be viewed more favorably by Democrats, it isn’t a political book, but rather one that focuses on that Obama Magic: just how does the man do it? Well, there are a number of things Leanne addresses: things such as body language, mannerisms, alliteration, repetition, pacing, and most importantly, how to tie the speech into one’s own life. One of the techniques Obama is known for is his ability to relate to his listeners by using his own life and struggles and then comparing such to that of the struggling American. One is also shown the ways in which controversy can be avoided, and dealt with in such a way that is both assertive, yet non-aggressive.
Of course, politics does rely on Political Correctness, and Obama is no exception to this. One has to be careful in the ways of phrasing, as a means of not alienating potential voters. And Obama has been guilty of using certain terminology that did in fact offend some (the point the book makes is the one about Americans being “bitter” and having to “cling to their guns.”) Yet, the book also stresses the importance directness serves when it comes to apology (Obama came right out and apologized for it, and the book notes why this was a smart move on his part). Admit you’re wrong, and people will respect you more for it.
Article comments
1 - Marc Anthony
Let's keep things in perspective. President Obama is a very capable speaker, well trained in rhetorical skills, and naturally verbal. He epitomizes great CEO-style oration. His words are not magic, not poetry -- he is no MLK, not by a long shot -- but he is sincere and knows how to move us with the clear language of straightforward ideas and personal experience.
President Obama's inspiring speeches come as a breath of fresh air after 8 years of unfocused, drawling and unpersuasive speeches of George Bush. But let's not overstate his skills.
He's a perfect living model for business presenters, and Leanne's book comes in handy for this purpose. I've already been coaching my presentation trainees with Obama-style rhetoric, techniques developed by Greek orators more than two millenia ago, but I'm grateful to Leanne for compiling all these good moments into one source. Saves me the trouble of downloading them off the 'net!