Will A Speech Stimulate the Economy?

Posted on February 25, 2009 by Judy | Startegic.com, Judy@Startegic.com, 310.215.9975

Judy’s Gold Star Action: We teach it, we preach it, we speak it and we watch it happen before our eyes in our coaching workshops. You see it too. Powerful speakers are among the most influential people in the world. Develop stellar speaking skills, know your message and your audience. Deliver your message with emotion. Your confidence will soar as you become one of most influential people in your world.

Ring! Ring! People called with one question following President Obama’s televised speech to Congress. “What do you think of his speech?” No one doubts the President’s ability to deliver a good speech. His oratory skills resembled his campaign speeches for the first time since he became President. He was in such speaking shape, at times, you thought it was a campaign speech.

The triumph trademark confidence, hope, optimism and “we’re in this thing together” message was ever present throughout his speech. With a theme of rebuild, recover and “stronger than ever” it was enough to win him comparisons, in some camps, to Ronald Reagan. It’s that old positive attitude thing.

Lesson 1: We look to leadership, the same way your clients and teams look to you, for optimistic confidence. Doom and gloom doesn’t win support for your vision or rally the troops. Even bad news delivered with some hope is easier to accept. We’re not suggesting anyone put their head in the sand ignoring challenges, but leaders have a responsibility to help companies and countries move through difficulties. If hope is gone, what else is there?

Lesson 2: President Obama delivered a well-rehearsed speech. No matter what message you are trying to get across is, or the audience you’re trying to influence, your preparation pays off in every aspect. First, you look more relaxed. You can focus on delivering your points and not fret about what you’re going to say next. The key factor is to look and sound confident. You can’t project it if you don’t feel it! Rehearse your speech as many times as it takes to feel natural until “you own it.” Your impact will soar.

Fallout from President Obama’s speech lies not in his delivery but rather the content. Yes, it matters what you say as well as how you say it. Political pundits and the media continue to debate his stimulus plan citing the reasons it won’t work. “Big Goverment is back,” some cry. No matter which side of the political fence you’re standing on, or whether you’re for or against the President’s stimulus plan, does anyone believes good speeches will “talk” us through the recession? President Obama receives accolades for a professional, polished, well delivered speech and his oratory ability, once again, to arouse hope.