Connecting With Obama
February 09, 2008 Filed in: Delivery
For some time, I've been wanting to write about
Barack Obama, but I've had a hard time finding the
correct angle. He is a modern phenomenon on the
United States political scene, and much of his
success can be attributed to his effectiveness as a
communicator. Obama connects with his audiences in a
way many other politicians find difficult. His
supporters identify with him like few others. They
don't speak of how "he" will do in the election. They
speak of how "we" will do.
Take a minute (or twenty) to watch Senator Obama's speech on Super Tuesday, and notice the reactions he gets from his audience throughout.
After watching him speak a few times, here are some of the techniques I've noticed him use time and again in connecting with his audience.
Repetition. Like many great speakers before him, Barack Obama uses metered repetition as a way of driving clear messages throughout his speech. Garr Reynolds already has a great article about this very point that I hope you'll take a look at. The use of repetition gives your audience a clear anchor of reference throughout a talk, and your listeners more clearly remember the speech. It's a simple but powerful tool that cannot be overstated.
Spontaneity. Somewhere around 2:23 in the video, Obama, in response to someone calling out at him from the audience, says, "You know I love you back." He breaks down a barrier that usually exists between citizens and politicians with those simple words, and his audience responds energetically and positively towards the simple gesture. Most public figures would have ignored such an individual or perhaps even responded callously. Senator Obama takes such moments in stride, allowing for spontaneous give-and-take while not derailing the message he has prepared.
A Bigger Cause. Barack Obama speaks often in terms of movements and causes. While speaking of his own progress and successes, he diverts attention from himself and onto the larger picture he represents. In doing so, he solidifies his position all the more. He states that this campaign is not about "me," but rather it is about "you," and he delivers this in a convincing and earnest manner. His audience feels connected to history, and they see their involvement as something larger than just another political event. His audience feels connected to all that he represents, leading them to feel connected to him.
All political leanings aside, any speaker could learn much from watching Barack Obama in action. For more, take a look at his YouTube page: YouTube – BarackObamadotcom's Channel.
Take a minute (or twenty) to watch Senator Obama's speech on Super Tuesday, and notice the reactions he gets from his audience throughout.
After watching him speak a few times, here are some of the techniques I've noticed him use time and again in connecting with his audience.
Repetition. Like many great speakers before him, Barack Obama uses metered repetition as a way of driving clear messages throughout his speech. Garr Reynolds already has a great article about this very point that I hope you'll take a look at. The use of repetition gives your audience a clear anchor of reference throughout a talk, and your listeners more clearly remember the speech. It's a simple but powerful tool that cannot be overstated.
Spontaneity. Somewhere around 2:23 in the video, Obama, in response to someone calling out at him from the audience, says, "You know I love you back." He breaks down a barrier that usually exists between citizens and politicians with those simple words, and his audience responds energetically and positively towards the simple gesture. Most public figures would have ignored such an individual or perhaps even responded callously. Senator Obama takes such moments in stride, allowing for spontaneous give-and-take while not derailing the message he has prepared.
A Bigger Cause. Barack Obama speaks often in terms of movements and causes. While speaking of his own progress and successes, he diverts attention from himself and onto the larger picture he represents. In doing so, he solidifies his position all the more. He states that this campaign is not about "me," but rather it is about "you," and he delivers this in a convincing and earnest manner. His audience feels connected to history, and they see their involvement as something larger than just another political event. His audience feels connected to all that he represents, leading them to feel connected to him.
All political leanings aside, any speaker could learn much from watching Barack Obama in action. For more, take a look at his YouTube page: YouTube – BarackObamadotcom's Channel.