Everybody's Talking

Everyone is talking about politics these days - conventions, speeches, debates, issues.  Convention speeches given by the candidates,their spouses and running mates were news for weeks after they were given, now it's the debates.  Not only what is said, but how and where it is said.

The conventions were entertainment - great political theater.  No matter your political affiliation, they were a good show.  The debates are less theatric - but more revealing.  Besides the content and issues, it’s interesting to watch appearance, body language, and delivery, along with the audience response. 

Professionally  Speaking

As professionals who develop both speakers and speeches, we thought this would be a great topic to cover over the next several weeks as the debates continue and the races become more intense.

The style in which the convention speeches were given is called oratory.  An orator is a speaker distinguished by both a dramatic style of delivery and the use of rhetorical techniques.   Scripted and more dramatic in style than typical business presentations, oratory often includes such classic rhetorical devices as parallels, series of three, repetition, call and response.  The debates although less theatrical are equally rehearsed and structured. 

All presentations generate an impression.  Ask: what is your overall impression?  Then, how did you arrive at that impression?   Was it the content conveyed?  Was it the speaker’s physique, facial expressions, gestures, voice, posture?  There are three areas to consider when evaluating the impression made by a speaker:  context, content and delivery.

Given our current exciting political atmosphere, it is interesting to observe how the candidates generate audience response.  We have posted each of the candidate's convention speeches on our website.  Viewing the speeches more than once is a great exercise in sharpening your ability to analyze technique and style.      

So, over the next several weeks, we will use our newsletter to continue to sharpen your awareness of the how and the why of the candidate’s public communication and other topics that will help you improve and refine your presentation skills.

Click here to sign up to receive Professionally Speaking, and get a front seat for future newsletters!

Click here to view the speeches on our website.

A few examples of private coaching candidates: 

The slow-down in some industries has resulted in displaced professionals – men        and women who must go on the offensive to search for new jobs in different fields.     PSP helps with the transition by consulting on new career directions and polishing interview skills.

Companies that are diversifying or repositioning themselves in the marketplace engage PSP to assist their people for training to meet the requirements of an increasingly competitive global business environment.

Professionals who recognize the value of polished communication skills as a competitive advantage in a challenging economy.