He is the face of change. His slogan “Yes we can!” inspired millions of people not only in the United States, but in Canada as well. On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama – a virtual unknown barely two years ago – seals his place in history when he is sworn in as President of the United States, the first African-American incumbent of the White House. Obama’s realization of an unlikely dream is, to no small degree, rooted in his ability to lift a nation; to not just outline his vision but inspire his audience to join the journey that would take them there. Few people are blessed with Obama’s compelling oratorial skills and his motivational abilities. What is it that makes him special, and is there something that lesser mortals can learn from him? We put the question to five people with proven leadership and speaking skills, who distilled for us 10 key points that each of us can emulate:
[Interviews by Frederick Rocque]
- Be authentic: The hallmark of a leader is their ability to connect to their followers. Barack Obama is masterful in his ability to come across as being very real and empathetic. From the tone of his voice to his body language to his rhetoric, he demonstrates a very authentic and engaging style. In this age of many leaders who don’t walk the talk, Obama reflects a particularly genuine style. - Robin Sharma, author of The Greatness Guide and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.
- Inspire: Obama is a beacon of hope in a world where many people are confused. The best leaders have this ability to show their followers a clear mountaintop and then galvanize them at an emotional level so they walk towards it. Obama has this ability and inspires his followers to reach for the best within them and then join him in the building of a better world. - Robin Sharma, www.robinsharma.com.
- Keep it simple: Obama communicates eloquently, powerfully and passionately without ever getting tricky. His words are not of the high-brow, complicated, intellectual variety. Instead of impressing he is more focused on conveying, communicating, and paradoxically, becomes seen as impressive. Simple words, simple phrases, simple message; easily understood and calmly conveyed. - Ray Pons, keynote speaker, author and founder of The Growth Coach.
- Maintain rhythm: Obama speaks at an even tempo and measured pace. He has a smooth rhythm allowing the words to flow. Some speakers can seem to be in a rush to finish and will often get tongue tied creating unwanted tension. Pace the message. Allow yourself to pause - it lets the message sink in and gives the audience time to savour what has gone (they can, and often will, applaud). - Ray Pons, www.raypons.com
- Be positive: Obama uses positive, powerful words in all his messages. This is exemplified in his “Yes We Can” YouTube video, viewed by more than 2.2 million people. He encourages the crowd to believe in change and not to be fearful of it. He promotes opportunity and prosperity through words like “healing the nation” and “repairing this world”. He empowers the audience with the mantra: ”Yes we can!” - Mary Fenuta is CEO of Passionately Inspired Solutions Inc.
- Respect the listener: Barack Obama praises and respects his audience, and makes them understand that He cannot change history, but “We” can. He builds hope in the hearts of the nation by reinforcing and uplifting the human spirit and insists that “uniting as one” is the ultimate answer to bring about change that works. - Mary Fenuta, www.PassionatelyInspiredSolutions.com.
- Show credibility: When Obama speaks, it seems as if he is doing so without a script, and from the heart. It is likely that every word leaving his mouth was strategic, practised and deliberate, and yet everything he said was believable. His communication of his vision was clear, he seemed knowledgeable, his opinions were backed by verifiable facts and figures. - Maureen Bogoroch-Ditkofsky, author and leadership speaker.
- Stay in control: Obama is able to demonstrate unflappability even while under fire. By not losing nerve and never losing his cool, he was able to instil confidence. To me, what was quite inspiring was his ability to appear to be in control, to take charge and make tough decisions and yet to exhibit humanity at the same time. - Maureen Bogoroch-Ditkofsky, www.2golead.com.
- Remain humble: Barack Obama’s humility shows up in his eagerness to embrace others’ viewpoints. He actively seeks counsel from others, and doesn’t try to pretend he knows everything. He is open to new viewpoints. - Randy Park, author of Thinking for Results and The Prediction Trap.
- Look to the future: Obama looks to the future not with the idea of predicting or controlling it, but with the goal of understanding it and preparing for it. The difference is that he takes in information that might be contrary to his initial assessment. - Randy Park, www.thinkingforresults.com.
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