Palin Packs…Err, a Punch!

Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin was first introduced to the majority of Americans during her speech at the National Republican Convention and came out looking for well, caribou maybe? She did pack a punch! As an executive speaking coach I look for how, or if, a speaker connects with the audience. Mrs. Palin projected confidence and defiance while looking at ease front and center. Her fresh presence combined with the “appearing out of nowhere” shock wave brought new attention to the GOP.

What will happen after the initial newness of John McCain’s VP choice wears off? Will Americans embrace what she stands for and her politics? How will the aggressive Governor fare with less enthusiastic folks than the crowd at the RNC? Will the reality hit that she could be one heartbeat away from the President of the United States? Answers to questions such as these will play out during the next few weeks. One thing is clear, she along with Fred Thompson, added life to the convention. Someone quick witted person stated before her speech, “The RNC was starting to look like an AARP convention!”

The Governor’s critics claim that she didn’t deliver any substance in her speech. Supporters talk about her style. Is anyone else surprised that she is getting as much press, if not more, about her looks as her politics or her speech? She claims her schoolmarm appearance is intentional to downplay her attractiveness. People want to buy rimless glasses like hers. Others want her to ditch ‘em altogether. The point is people pay attention to these things and they like to talk about them.

What worked for Mrs. Palin was her newness and the energy she brought to her speech. She seemed comfortable reading a Teleprompter. Critics are quick to point out her defiant attitude and the snarl. It will be interesting to see if the GOP find it an advantage to tone her down in certain situations such as media interviews. The slight snarl is something she might not be aware of, but a good coach can help her with some of the mannerisms that will distract from her messages as she gets into serious Q&A with the media and voters. She is visible on the campaign trail along with Senator McCain, but almost a week after her appearance on the national scene she isn’t saying much except excerpts from her script at the RNC.

The VP candidate’s voice could be one of problems. I remember an article years ago about voice analyzers who study voice quality. The article focused on politicians going all the way back to another woman VP candidate, Geraldine Ferraro. According to the research both Mrs. Ferraro’s and Presidential hopeful Walter Mondale’s voice would be more difficult to listen to over a period of time. Although subliminal, Mrs. Palin might be faced with the same challenge.

What are voice qualities that wear well to voters and your audiences? Think Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton: warm, comfortable and easy listening . Our voices play a subtle, but key role in our success.

JUDY’S ACTION TIP: When we coach executives or speakers, we encourage them to develop their own speaking style. Lest anyone think all the talk about style is incidental. We want to see someone with a little magic. At the same, we want to hear some substance. There are speakers who think because they provide good content lack of style doesn’t make a difference. Same principle applies to all style and no substance. It isn’t a choice of either or. You need both to win your audience.

Stay tuned,

Judy Jernudd

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