1988 Vice Presidential Debate -

1992 Presidential Debate

This event will be remembered for Ross Perot's infamous "There will be a giant sucking sound going south" reference to NAFTA.

What I find fascinating is the body language displayed.  Take a look at this clip at the 23 second mark where are three candidates are featured full screen for the next 10 seconds.  This was the time for closing statements, the final time during this joint appearance to drive home a message (something that Ross Perot did quite well).

Starting from left to right, President Bush was standing, somewhat awkwardly, shifting back and forth on his heels, and searching for a home for his right hand. 

Ross Perot occupied the middle position, hands clasped in front, looking very similar to a statue.  He did not move at all during the entire questions -- that includes even feigning interest in the question being asked.  Movement also encompasses the face, an important point to remember.

Finally, Bill Clinton occupied the far right position. half sitting, half standing, hands loosely held in front, looking very relaxed.

Throughout the clip, the President moved from his initial position to a position mirroring Mr. Clinton, then back to standing.  Finally, he appeared ready to pounce on Mr. Perot as he was finishing his closing statement.  Bill Clinton nodded, smiled, and never looked even remotely uncomfortable.  Body language is important! (I will be reviewing Mr. Perot's statement next month)

1992 Vice Presidential Debate

While it is unfortunate that it is this debate performance that many people remember, this clip illustrates why a clear, concise, coherent message is essential.  Without one, it is almost impossible to be viewed as a great leader. Great leaders are great communicators.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs - iPhone Introduction
An excellent overall presentation, from the limited use of slides, the very limited information on the slides, the use of movement, vocal variety, pacing, use of the "power pause," and the list goes on and on.  One of my favorite examples of the way a product introduction (or a pitch for funding) should go.

Cingular CEO Stan Sigman

It is hard enough following Steve Jobs, a very articulate, compelling and passionate public speaker, who obviously spent a great deal of time preparing for the iPhone announcement.

Mr. Sigman's performance has been widely criticized, with many pointing to the usage of note cards as a big no-no.  I disagree -- not practicing at length was the biggest issue.

Using notecards that allow you to occassionaly glance down and re-gain your footing, while not my first choice, is better than trying to memorize an entire speech, losing your place, and flubbing it. 

However, using notecards to highlight the biggest selling points of your business, and reading off of the notecards directly, certainly points to a lack of confidence in the material and a lack of preparation.  

I think a lot of critics would have overlooked the notecards had the speaker utilized movement, vocal variety, passion, and some positive body language -- all things that can be improved by practice.

There is no specific speaking style that works for everyone.  What works for you will probably not work for me.  Practice works for everyone. 

Prior to giving your next presentation --  practice, preferrably with an expert.  If not, at least try to do it in front of other people and videotape it -- a mirror doesn't necessarily give the greatest feedback.

Don't laugh! This is what happens when you fail to prepare....

John Edwards

Forget the candidate, forget the office.  What Doug Bishop shows in this ad is how to tell a moving story, stay on message, use repetition, and exude passion, all in less than 30 seconds. John Edwards should be extremely thankful that Doug Bishop was willing to appear on this ad.

Martin Luther King 'I Have A Dream

One of the greatest speakers of all time giving one of the greatest speeches of all time.  The speech is a perfect illustration of what passion brings to public speaking -- it is impossible to watch this speech and not feel the energy coming from MLK.

President Clinton - Biship Tutu -- Clinton Global Initiative
I picked this clip because of the extremely effective use of pause and focus on message....

President George Bush - Ground Zero - September 14, 2001

It is impossible to watch this speech and not get chills, not just from what the President says, but how the audience, made up of extremely brave firefighters and police officers, responds, and the interaction between the two. 

Pay attention to the clip at the 50 second mark, where the President, in response to volunteers screaming that they can not hear him, he instantly replies:

"I can hear you! I can hear you, the rest of the world hears you, and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon."

This was the President's most emotional address, and in my opinion, a classic Presidential speech.