Making things personal, talking about things that matter and relating to his audience is what makes Barack Obama one of the greatest orators of our time. A lot of his effectiveness as a speaker comes from what he says: he talks in plain English and uses a language that resonates with his audience. But it’s also about how he says it. He turns data and information into compelling stories that come alive for his listeners. He uses his voice tone and his body language to add power, feeling and impact to every word.
Richard Greene, the expert who helped Princess Diana to overcome her fear of public speaking, has analysed Barack Obama’s style. He notes that Obama uses his speeches to tell stories; he concentrates his words into a simple, identifiable message that creates images for the audience. He uses his body language to its full potential by standing tall, making eye contact, using gestures and ‘speaking’ with his hands.
By adopting some of the President’s communication techniques, we can at least make more effective presentations. And at most? Well, I guess that’s a story waiting to be told.
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