Sunday 22 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (Change for Leaders) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 62

Hi,

The face of the first US President, George Washington appears on the US one-dollar bill. The image was based on a portrait by Gilbert Stuart, which he never finished. He had kept the original, and he sold copies of it for $100 each. Stuart remarked of the portrait: "When I painted him, he had just had a set of false teeth inserted, which accounts for the constrained expression so noticeable about the lower part of the face." The work is often referred to as The Athenaeum because it was owned by the Boston Athenaeum for over 150 years. They had bought it from Stuart's daughter after he died in 1828.

It is said that the fact that an unfinished portrait of a president appears on a note of currency symbolises a lesson for leaders everywhere. Just like the unfinished portrait, every country and every business is an unfinished piece of work. They are works in progress that are subject to the Darwinian economics that has rattled the world’s economy and the desire and skill of their people to work together. The minute a leader pauses to say a country or company is complete is the day that they put them into reverse. The portrait of the US’s first president symbolises the fact that nothing is ever complete, and the only thing that ever remains constant is change itself.

That is what makes the role of a President and a leader a 24 hour a day, seven days a week job. Because nothing is ever finished.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.

Kellcomm, Princes Exchange,Princes Square,Leeds,LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Saturday 21 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (An inside story) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 61

Hi,

I was asked this week what is the greatest joy I received from the book so far. It is not the fact that it reached number 2 on iTunes UK. It comes from a personal letter I received from a lady in Detroit to say that the book has changed her life. She mentioned the new skills she learned for speaking in public, but there was something deeper. The book features a personal tribute to my dad who passed away in 2006. It is my dad’s story, but people tell me they have rewritten it to insert the people they loved too. I love the fact that iTunes considered it a self-development book as well as a business book. My writings have a social element because I believe we all have a duty to make this world better than it was before we entered it. When I write, it reminds me of my duty. To know that the words that highlighted my dad’s life have inspired people across the world is just mind-blowing.

On Sunday, I will reveal what Obama’s Presidency and every business can learn from a US one-dollar bill.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.

Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Friday 20 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (It's not water under the bridge) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 60

Hi,

Let us look at how panic statements in a crisis can magnify a leader’s problem. In 1990, Perrier Chairman Gustave Leven told the world that “Perrier is crazy” after it recalled its bottles of water due to benzene contamination in some isolated bottles. The line was from a French TV ad, but the rest of the world didn’t know that.

Perrier made two big blunders. They did not have an effective crisis plan so they allowed the media to take over the story. It got worse for the company because the media was offered two conflicting viewpoints from their operations in America and France. This example of poor communication damaged the credibility of a company that once dominated the bottled water market.

The main lessons here are that you must

• build teams that communicate with each other instead of around each other
• have a proactive plan for any crisis. A reactive approach never works

Tomorrow, I will reveal another exclusive behind the scenes story about writing the book.

On Sunday, I will reveal what Obama’s Presidency and every business can learn from a US one-dollar bill.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.

Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Thursday 19 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (A Pepsi Challenge) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 59

Hi,

This is the kind of story that offers a leader a major challenge. In 1993, a man in the USA claimed he had discovered a used syringe in a can of Pepsi after he drank it. He said he noticed the syringe as he emptied the final contents of the can into his sink. Other people came forward within a week to make similar claims.

Craig E. Weatherup was the CEO of Pepsi-Cola in North America at the time. Weatherup provided a lesson for any CEO who faces a crisis born out of malice. Firstly, he ensured every Pepsi employee was kept up to date with the strategy being executed by the crisis team of four people. Secondly, Weatherup allowed the media to come inside the company so he could show the world how Pepsi was canned. With the help of the FDA, he proved that it was impossible for a syringe to enter a Pepsi can. Weatherup decided to be proactive with the media, and he appeared on high profile shows such as Larry King Live. He also decided to place full page ads in over 200 newspapers to reassure customers that the Pepsi brand was safe to enjoy.

Tomorrow, I will reveal how panic statements in a crisis can magnify a leader’s problem.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.

Kellcomm, Princes Exchange,Princes Square, Leeds,LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Wednesday 18 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (The Customer is Number 1) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 58

Hi,

How would you feel if seven people died as a result of using your company’s product? How would you react to the news that someone had maliciously laced your product with cyanide? How would you feel if your sales dropped by 90% in just three months as a result? This is what happened to Johnson and Johnson after their Tylenol product was contaminated in 1982.

Their response is a lesson that BP should have noted after their oil spill in 2010. Johnson and Johnson looked at their issue with human eyes instead of financial ones. Their chairman, James Burke, formed a seven-member strategy team. Burke said its aims were first, "How do we protect the people?" and second "How do we save this product?" They recalled 31 million bottles of Tylenol, and they motivated their employees to tour the USA to meet with others in the healthcare profession to rebuild the brand. They lost over $100 million, but they knew their priority was to engage with people to show they cared. The return to profit was phenomenal, and Johnson and Johnson grew stronger from that year on.

Why didn’t BP's Tony Hayward adopt the same approach that James Burke took with the media? Maybe BP didn’t possess the Credo that has guided Johnson and Johnson since 1943. See here.

http://www.jnj.com/connect/about-jnj/jnj-credo/

We shouldn’t be surprised that the United Nations awarded Johnson & Johnson the Humanitarian of the Year Award 2011 for its leading role in its Healthy Mother, Healthy Child initiative. It really is the kind of company you would want to work with or for. It is certainly a company you would feel like buying from.

Tomorrow, I will discuss how Pepsi communicated after it had its own challenge in 1993.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.

Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Tuesday 17 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (Obama and the BP crisis) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 57

Hi,

When a company faces an unexpected crisis, it is only natural for its leader to feel surprise and a loss of control. Their focus must switch from normal strategy to repair and redevelopment. Many leaders make the mistake of offering a response that deals only with the short term pressure they are under. Great leaders take the longer view, and I will discuss one such example tomorrow.

Today, I would like to talk about how a leader’s words can magnify a crisis and cause more pain for its victims. In 2010, when former BP leader Tony Hayward paraphrased Winston Churchill in his response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the world stopped in shock. The man known as the ‘Bumbler from BP‘ said, "We are going to defend the beaches. We will fix this." However, Hayward failed to convince anyone that he possessed the authenticity of Churchill.

It seems that Hayward did not understand the gravity of the situation, and how his self-centred conversations with the media were reducing confidence in BP, and further tainting its reputation and finances. No one expected him to turn into Stallone or Schwarzenegger and save the day, but he owed the victims and their families so much more. He said, “There's no one who wants this over more than I do. I'd like my life back.” Hayward really missed the point when he said he should have gone to drama school. While I agree that media training is essential, you should not need an acting lesson to put human concerns above profits. I find it hard to believe that a leader of a company as big as BP did not practice for any possible crisis. JFK called CBS television in 1952, and he asked them for media training. That was eight years before he ran for President.

Every time Hayward spoke; he made the situation more painful for everyone. When he said, “The Air France airplane that fell out of the sky off of Brazil did not stop the aviation industry," he put profit over people again.” No one was surprised when Barack Obama said, "He wouldn't be working for me after any of those statements." The people at BP decided Obama was right.

If you decide to take any media training, please feel free to call me.

Tomorrow, I will discuss why Hayward and the team at BP should have studied Johnson and Johnson’s response to the Tylenol recall of 1982.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.

Kellcomm, Princes Exchange,Princes Square,Leeds,LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Monday 16 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (A Leader's Media Mess) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 56

Hi,

In 2008, Bear Stearns CEO, Alan Schwartz appeared on CNBC to dent a claim that the bank had a liquidity problem. Its stock was down 17% over the previous five trading sessions, and a rumour stated that Goldman Sachs was about to abandon Bear Stearns. If the rumour was true, it would tell the world that Bear Stearns trading partner did not respect its ability to trade.

Alan Schwartz had two choices. He could hide and let the rumour grow or he could defend his company’s reputation and reassure the market of its liquidity. What happened was an example of how a leader can help destroy his career and his company through poor communication.

Schwartz’s responses to CNBC’s David Faber’s questions were full of “em’s” and “eh’s,” and he used the words “not aware” twice. He showed investors and the media that he wasn’t really on top of things. His leader’s role that day was to instil confidence in everyone around him. Schwartz failed to calm the storm and his poor communication skills only led to further problems for Bear Stearns. The end was near for the 85-year-old investment bank.

In Schwartz’s defence, he may say that Faber’s leading question came from a rumour from an unnamed source. He could say that the information should not have been used to ask a leading question. However, I noticed from the video that Schwartz did not appear in the CNBC studio. He did not do the interview in Bear Stearns headquarters either. He did it live from Palm Beach, Florida. Was that a wise thing to do when his investors, staff and the media were looking for answers to the speculation and fear?

There is a lot more to appearing in the media than just turning up and being you. You must learn from a coach that understands the media and the world of business. Don’t make the mistake or your career could suffer?

Tomorrow, I will reveal what I believe was the reason Tony Hayward became a PR disaster for BP.

Take care,

Darren

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.


Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square,Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Sunday 15 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (A Lesson From GW Bush) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 55

Hi,

Can you imagine having to motivate a team of extraordinary but crestfallen heroes while standing on the crushed remains of a fire engine? That was the task that faced GW Bush after 9/11 as he inspired his country while speaking through a megaphone at Ground Zero. Bush and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani proved that passionate words at desperate times can be the simple fuel to inspire and reassure people. However, Bush generally struggled when he faced the media, and that was his fault or the training he received. It was definitely a “midsunderestimation” of the art of public speaking.

His defenders may claim that a great public speaker does not equal a great person. It could be said that Steven Hawking’s inability to speak clearly does not represent his intelligence and Adolf Hitler’s ability to persuade was not a sign of his integrity. However, leaders are judged at times by their public speaking skills. Sadly for Bush, he always looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights when he read from a teleprompter. Obama admitted that he likes Bush for his emotional intelligence and his ability to lead with conviction. It’s interesting to note that Obama understands that you can admire qualities in people you completely disagree with.

So with Bush’s speaking skills so weak, I often wondered how Al Gore did not romp to victory in the presidential election in 2000. I thought he would have beaten Bush with or without the Florida voting scandal. After all, Bill Clinton had left the economy in very good shape. I also wondered how Bush beat John Kerry in the 2004 race. After all, the war in Iraq wasn’t going well, oil prices were high and Bush was being lampooned on every democratic leaning TV channel.

Let’s look at Gore, firstly. If you watch the TV Presidential debates with Bush in 2000, Gore came across as too high brow and too aggressive. He was impatient with Bush and argumentative. Bush looked like a guy in control, and the sort of guy Joe Public would enjoy a pint of beer with. Well, Bush doesn’t drink anymore, but I hope you know what I mean. He spoke in everyday language, and he simplified and personalised his message. Gore offered convoluted evidence that suited the ears of a Harvard Professor rather than an average voter. Gore also made the fatal mistake of invading Bush’s space in an aggressive manner. Bush remained calm and dismissed the approach. In the week before the election, Bush wore an Al Gore, Halloween mask on the Jay Leno TV show. Once again, Bush came across as open and he proved he didn’t take himself as seriously as Gore. There is a difference between taking your job seriously and taking yourself too seriously.

Let us look at 2004. John Kerry served his country with distinction, but he too missed the point about how to win against Bush. His language was colourful and his points were extremely valid, but you needed a manual at times to understand his beliefs. Bush shows us that an audience will forgive mistakes if they feel a connection with the speaker. Keeping things simple is a great way to maintain the connection. I don’t mean simple as in basic. I mean the art of taking a complex issue and making it simple to understand. Bush reminded us that when you speak in public, use your emotional intelligence and unlike Gore and Kerry, keep it simple.

Starting tomorrow, for seven days, I will reveal the major PR disasters that could have been less harmful if the person speaking to the press had communicated more effectively. I start with Alan Schwartz of Bear Stearns on Monday and Tony Hayward of BP on Tuesday.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.

Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds,LS1 4HY

Saturday 14 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (Don't get caught out) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 54

Hi,

I was given a test at a recent keynote address about the Obama book. An audience member asked me what separated Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton from the previous First Ladys of America. I responded that they all had degrees. The person who asked the question seemed disappointed that I knew the answer.

I honestly revealed the only reason I knew the answer was because it appeared on a quiz on Bill O’ Reilly’s show on Fox News. Another question from another audience member followed. What would I have said if I did not know the answer? I would have owned up to my ignorance, but I may have questioned the source of the trivia. If it had been a question on a serious issue, I would have delayed my opinion until I was confident of the facts. I have seen many speakers take an audience's facts as gospel and get lured into replying in ignorance. It is normally the things you didn’t mean to say that get you in trouble. It’s important you never feel pressured into saying something that can harm your career or cause.

If the issue is a serious one

• always question the source. Do not proceed unless the source is credible.
• promise a reply on full disclosure of all the reliable facts
• stay true to your promise of a follow up

Tomorrow, I would like to show the one communication skill that helped GW Bush win two elections against Obama’s party. This analysis will help you succeed in any presentation or speech you make.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.


Kellcomm, Princes Exchange,Princes Square,Leeds,LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Friday 13 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (The Emotional Leader) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 53

Hi,

Before I started writing ‘How To Give A Better Speech Than Obama and change your world’ I decided not to read his two books first. I wanted to see if I could enter his mind through his speeches and through the thoughts of those closest to him. When I compared my book and his books afterwards, I found a remarkable consistency in conscience and values from the day he became a Senator. There was no spin and no desire to believe the media’s image of a political superman. What I found was a very humble, apologetic, patriotic and thankful person whose vision for fairness and equality was cemented in his work.

I finished reading ‘Dreams From My Father’ recently. It is simply superb because Obama opens his heart and soul to reveal his mistakes, his pains and his positive attitude despite the challenges he faced as a child and teenager. He takes you to Hawaii to reveal his upbringing, and the selfish father who left him. He takes you to Indonesia where his mum and step father made a new home with an ape called Tata. He chronicles his return to America and his journey to Harvard. You also feel his joy and pain when he visited Kenya to meet the family he never knew. His relationship with his half-brother Roy was one of deep understanding and love, and his relationship with his half-sister Auma was one of loving fun and big brother concern.

On page 429, Obama's words at his father’s grave reinforced my view of what is important in life. He said, “Words of encouragement. An embrace. A strong true love. For all your gifts- the powers of concentration, the charm – you could never forge yourself into a whole man by leaving those things behind.” Despite small-town and big-city politics, Obama’s book proves that most people have a need to be respected for their dreams and hopes. They want to be listened to and understood. They want to be loved. Obama understands that it is logic that makes us think, but it is emotion that makes us act.

Tomorrow, I will reveal what separates Michelle Obama and the last two First Lady’s from every other First Lady.

On Sunday, I would like to show the one communication skill that helped GW Bush win two elections against Obama’s party. This analysis will help you succeed in any presentation or speech you make.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.


Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Thursday 12 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (RFK - Courage of a Leader) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 52

Hi,

Great leaders know that you can only display true integrity and courage after you have paused for a moment of self-awareness. This moment challenges a leader to discover what may have been holding them back from their potential. Many of the people I admire are flawed individuals who decided to renew themselves by learning new skills and correcting old habits. I believe it takes real courage to admit a mistake and decide that maybe the Satellite Navigation for your life was calling out the wrong directions.

One of the people I admire most is Robert F Kennedy or Bobby to his family and followers. He lived in pre Satellite Navigation days, but his direction and drive were changed after he lost his brother, President John F Kennedy in 1963. For many years, he lived in the shadow of John. He managed John’s campaign to become president and worked alongside him in the post of Attorney General. When John was shot in Dallas in 1963, Bobby lost a brother, a friend, a soul mate and a boss. He sank into a depressing spiral, and his mind harboured a deep resentment for President Lyndon Johnson. Bobby could not accept that the new President gained praise for the Civil Rights Act that John had proposed. His anger and resentment found its biggest target – himself. He was alone politically, and his life lost direction.

Bobby eventually decided to forge his own political career and on March 16, 1968, he announced his intention to run for President. As he stepped out of his brother’s shadow, he found his true voice. He examined the errors he made while working with Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communism attacks. He reflected on his part in the 'The Bay Of Pigs' fiasco and his support for war in Vietnam. Bobby also revisited his once youthful ignorance of the plight of racially segregated people. He had achieved many great things, but he wanted to rectify a few errors and create a new vision for the American journey. It was Jackie Kennedy, who introduced him to the writings of Aeschylus and Sophocles. Their work had a profound effect on his decision to fulfil his own purpose. He was also greatly inspired by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who said that courage is "the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others." America’s crisis called for a leader, who was unafraid, who could bring together divided communities that feared and hated each other. Bobby developed the courage to change and the courage to lead. His courage allowed him to authentically challenge his followers to put their own self -interest aside to create a fairer society. Today,Obama possesses much of the sensitivity, integrity and glamour that Bobby possessed. Bobby was certainly not a natural speaker. Even the confidence of his family’s riches and the love of his audience couldn’t calm his nerves. Many people noticed his left leg shaking while he spoke in public. However, he eventually became a great speaker because of his character. Beautiful rhetoric and personality can help hold an audience's attention during a speech, but its character that creates a spirit to spirit connection that moves people to action.

Bobby gave his finest speech was on April 4, 1968 upon hearing the news that Martin Luther King had been shot and killed. The police advised Bobby not to speak, but he knew his country needed words that would heal rather than wound and divide. His five-minute speech was given at the back of a truck, and Bobby had no time to prepare and be briefed by his scriptwriters. He told his audience that he shared their anger, frustration and sadness because his brother was also killed by a white man. This was the first time he had spoken so deeply about his brother’s death. Bobby poured comfort into the hearts of black America while promoting the work of King’s mission for a peaceful and united America. He reminded them that King wanted an America where violence should have no place. While the killing of King sparked riots and unrest in over one hundred cities across America, but for Bobby’ speech, it could have been worse. He borrowed some words from his favourite poet Aeschylus, when he said, “Even in our sleep, pain, which cannot forget, falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.” It must be remembered that Bobby was qualified to speak to King’s followers because his beautiful words were validated by his genuine commitment for racial justice.

Less than two years earlier, Bobby visited South Africa at the height of Apartheid and when he entered the airport, he noticed there was white and black segregation. He approached the black people first and this set the tone for a five-day visit that epitomised what is missing from so many speakers. Bobby showed that all great speakers are great listeners first. It is simply impossible to become a great speaker if you are not a great listener.

Bobby educated himself on the plight of a segregated people in South Africa so he could help them and help himself understand the struggles of black people in America. In his “Day of Affirmation” speech at the University of Cape Town, he spoke about the importance of standing up for an ideal to defeat injustice because those ripples have the power to spread everywhere.

Nobody can ever say that Bobby Kennedy didn’t stand up to make the world a better place. Bobby was shot dead in California in 1968, aged only 42. The audacity of Martin Luther King’s dream inspired Bobby’s “Ripple of Hope” and lives in Obama’s “Audacity of Hope,” and indeed, all our hopes.

Bobby Kennedy will be remembered as a family man who loved his wife Ethel and his children very deeply. He had a boyish charm that people adored, and he also proved that not all great leaders need a title to be remembered for their courage.Obama has a title and now his courage as a leader will be tested like never before.

Tomorrow, I will share with you my thoughts on Obama's greatest book.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.

Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square,Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Wednesday 11 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (Obama's communication challenge) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 51

Hi,

Mitt Romney’s Republican primary success in New Hampshire has many people believing there will be a change in the White House soon. However, it might not be Romney, and we must remember that Democrat Obama lost New Hampshire to Hilary Clinton in 2008, and he still got his party’s nomination. Romney still hasn’t persuaded enough people in his own party that he is the man to lead them, so perhaps Obama should worry about someone stronger entering the race. When Margaret Thatcher was ousted from power, many people expected Michael Heseltine to become Prime Minister until an unassuming John Major entered the contest. Politics is a funny old game.

Obama is obviously worried about re-election and rumours in Washington suggest that Hilary Clinton may replace Joe Biden as Vice President. Clinton’s approval rating in the US is higher than Obama’s and even Oprah Winfrey’s. In 2008, the media loved the fresh faced and inspiring Obama, and Clinton was painted as old school and out of touch. Things have changed so don’t be surprised if before Election Day, Obama decides that the US needs its first female Vice President. It would certainly help his chances of re-election. Politics is a funny old game!

Obama’s communication skills will face their toughest challenge in 2012. He must communicate in a way so that people listen, understand and believe his message. He must also ensure they remember that message on Election Day.

Tomorrow, I will discuss why Robert F. Kennedy is my favourite US speaker of all time. I will reveal what the modern leader must learn from Kennedy's example.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.


Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square,Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Tuesday 10 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (Obama's decision making tip) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 50

Hi,

On November 2, 2006 Barack Obama offered the world an insight into his leadership skills on ‘Talk of The Nation’ in the US. All leaders must make tough decisions at times, and this interview offered us an insight into Obama’s decision making mind-set. He said, “If it’s something consistent with my broader values and is just a matter of tactics – having to take half a loaf - then that’s something I’m comfortable with.” He said that if his decision violated his core beliefs, then it would not be worth it.

It seems Obama operates with a win-win mentality where he wishes success for both sides of an issue. He admitted he had the courage to seek compromise if the longer-term picture demanded it. Compromise is not a weakness but courage to see past the quick-fix gain that may offer more harm down the road.

Obama highlighted a truth in our own lives that when we make a decision that is contrary to our values of integrity, we may pay a big price. That price may be a broken business or personal relationship that cannot be repaired. When we make a decision without values, we have to live with the harmful consequences that may run free from our control.

Tomorrow, I will discuss why Obama’s chances of winning the election this year are getting more difficult.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.


Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square,Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Monday 9 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (Cameron, Miliband and Obama gaffes) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 49

Hi,

In the last seven days, PM David Cameron made a remark about Tourettes and Shadow Leader Ed Milliband turned Blockbusters into Blackbusters in a twitter tribute to a TV legend. There was uproar on both sides of the political divide as members of parliament saw their opportunity to take a shot.

Cameron said that facing a certain member of the opposition was like facing somebody with Tourettes. He defended his remark as being "off the cuff," but he deeply offended people with the disability. Cameron is normally sensitive to people with disabilities. His son Ivan suffered from cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy before he passed away in 2009, aged six. Perhaps the real issue is that he became complacent in his language. Many leaders face a battle to bury the childhood banter of the college hall or sports dressing rooms, and they let it slip in times of complacency or anger. Cameron’s remark was appalling because it showed a lack of understanding and respect for people with Tourettes. Tourettes syndrome is an inherited neurological disorder characterised by tics - involuntary, sudden and rapid movements.

Ed Miliband paid tribute to the late Bob Holness, who presented Blockbusters for many years. It was unfortunate that his critics jumped on his mistake of tweeting Blackbusters instead. That was obviously a simple typo error. The real crime came when the post was blamed on an office junior. This raised a bigger question. Does the Shadow Leader not send his own tweets? If not, why tweet at all? It is almost like phoning the man next door and asking him to tell your wife that you love her. If you want to tweet, you should do it yourself, and never blame somebody else for sending it. Twitter is after all a personal communication tool.

The danger of the above mistakes is that they may force other people to stop communicating for fear of making an error that could cost them their career and position in society. The golden rule is that you should speak what you feel as long as it is within the law and within the spirit of decency. However, you must admit your error and apologise when you fall short. Cover ups and weak excuses didn’t save Richard Nixon’s job or save Bill Clinton’s reputation. Cover ups and weak excuses force people to create a blame culture and to make the problem worse. An honest apology to an audience that understands the weakness of human nature works best when it is delivered with sincerity.

Sometimes people in public life try to be funny when they shouldn’t. It is easy to judge their mistakes, but we must understand the pressure these people are under. Can you imagine if your every word was analysed, compared, contrasted, dissected and magnified every day? Would it be fair to say that we have all made an error in our choice of words or structure of phrases? Yes, these leaders have to be more careful, and perhaps we need to be more forgiving.

Barack Obama has been quick to seek forgiveness for the gaffes he made in his career. Obama once joked about Ronald Reagan’s wife Nancy having séances in the White House. Nancy Reagan had in fact consulted astrologers, and Obama quickly apologised for the insensitive gaffe. Obama also attempted to use humour about disabled people on the Jay Leno TV show. He quickly called the Special Olympics to apologise. All great speakers make gaffes that make them wish the ground would swallow them up. That is why a novice to the world of media should always engage in Media Relations training. If the practiced politicians can make mistakes, what chance does a novice have without training?

Tomorrow, I will share the words of Obama on key issues that will affect his re-election this year.


Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.

Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Sunday 8 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (The Iron Lady on Europe) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 48

Hi,

On 20 September 1988, 'The Iron Lady’ delivered a speech to define her party's view on Europe at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium. She was attacked before the speech for not committing Britain to the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM). 'The Iron Lady’ made the speech to dampen the attack that was being orchestrated by Jacques Delors, the European Commission’s president, and to show that Britain wanted to be a part of Europe.

The aim of the speech was to make five points. She believed

• the best way to build Europe was through a willing and active cooperation between
independent and sovereign countries
• the Community policies must tackle present problems in a practical way
• the Community should help enterprise grow
• the Community should not be protectionist
• European countries should have greater control over defence issues

'The Iron Lady' appeared to approach her speech with a desire to achieve a win-win solution. She began her speech with self-deprecating humour and respect for Britain’s European partners. She compared her invitation to speak like "inviting Genghis Khan to speak on the virtues of peaceful coexistence. “ Then she challenged the key attack against her when she said, "I want to start by disposing some myths about my country Britain and its relationship with Europe." She praised Europe's influence on British culture, and she spoke about a "common experience.” However, ‘The Iron Lady’ was quick to refer to the "special way" in which Britain contributed to Europe, and she reminded her audience that the "liberation of Europe" was mounted from the UK. She stressed that the history of the relationship was proof of "our commitment to Europe’s future." Her fun and warm introduction opened her audience up to receive the well-structured logical part of her speech.

‘The Iron Lady’ stressed that the European Community is "only one manifestation of European identity. “ She claimed that the founding fathers of the Community thought the USA was a perfect model, but she said Europe was a different model. She urged each nation to retain its uniqueness so that France could be France, Spain could be Spain, and Britain could be Britain. ‘The Iron Lady’ pointed to the failure of the Soviet Union to run things from the centre, and she stressed that Europe must preserve different traditions, powers of parliament, and national pride. She pointed out that it was not "right that the total community budget was being spent on storing and disposing of surplus food." ‘The Iron Lady’ warned that a state controlled economy would not work and a "free enterprise within a framework of the law would offer “better results.” She said it was plain common sense not to abolish frontiers so that citizens could be protected from crime. ‘The Iron Lady’ offered thanks to NATO for a “peace that has been maintained over 40 years.” This started her attempt to encourage the continuance of a vigilant approach to maintain peace in Europe.

The thrust of her speech was that Europe could "get there one step at a time" rather than by "utopian goals." She also said that it was ok to "relish our national identity and our common endeavour" at the same time. While Europe was looking inward to unite, she suggested it must continue to look outward as well. It is worth noting that ‘The Iron Lady’ gave her vision on Europe on mainland Europe. Tony Blair did the same thing in Ghent, Belgium in 2000. This added to the respect of the words spoken, and proved that the phrase “location, location, location” applies to great speeches as well as property.

This post is not written to show whether 'The Iron Lady' was right or wrong in her views on Europe. I do believe, however, that her speech was not as anti-European as her critics proclaimed. A study of her speech and Blair’s speech show many similarities of thought.

‘The Iron Lady’s’ speech showed how you can deliver your views with a reasonable argument that is effectively structured and supported by facts and comparisons. This was not a rant, but an authentic conversation with conviction, courage, and respect.

Tomorrow, I will discuss the recent gaffes by the PM David Cameron and the Labour Party leader Ed Miliband, and I will offer you some Obama gaffes too.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.

Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Saturday 7 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (The Iron Lady and Tony Blair) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 47

Hi,

I compared Tony Blair's communication skills to those of to ‘The Iron Lady’ in a previous post, but I would like to highlight the one thing that he learned most from her. If you study many politicians at Prime Ministers Question Time, you will notice the speed at which the leave their seat before they speak. Many act like they cannot wait for their words to escape their mouths. ‘The Iron Lady’ and Blair gave their public speaking an extra air of charisma by working at their own pace. Blair was a master at leaving people waiting for his next sentence. He would build anticipation by using the power of a pause, and by gently smiling at the opposition’s jibes. He could remain calm, and he had the confidence to wait for his opponents roars to die down before he said what was on his mind. It was almost like he had created a confident protective sphere around his body and mind that was impenetrable. ‘The Iron Lady’s’ calmness, composure and collected thoughts were always evident, and she only fired off her big attack when she desired. This is what powerful, communicators do. When they are under attack, they buy themselves time with their confidence, so they can respond in relation to their thoughts and values. They never allow anyone to intimidate them or force them into reacting emotionally against their will.

I watched Blair on the American TV show, David Letterman. He said that he still gets a feeling on the back of his neck at three minutes to twelve every Wednesday. He said it was a nervous experience when he had to face his opponents who were only eight feet away during the debate. It highlighted the fact that even great communicators suffer from nerves speaking in public, but they make sure their audience never knows.

Tomorrow, I will analyse 'The Iron Lady's' speech about ‘Europe’ in Bruges in 1988. I will also analyse the reaction to that speech in the UK.

Take care,

Darren

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.


Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds,LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Friday 6 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (The Iron Lady, Obama and Marilyn Monroe) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 46

Hi,

Former Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann compared herself to ‘The Iron Lady’ recently. She told a crowd of supporters in Iowa “We need another Margaret Thatcher, another Iron Lady.” Republicans were thrilled when ‘The Iron Lady’ came to power in the UK in 1979 because it helped them believe that the conservative candidate Ronald Reagan could become President. Times have changed and while I have analysed some of ‘The Iron Lady’s’ great communication skills, I must also highlight her weaknesses. There were times when she handed her critics a plate of venom to throw back at her. Francois Mitterrand once said, "Mrs. Thatcher has the eyes of Caligula and the mouth of Marilyn Monroe."

I will refer to three examples where ‘The Iron Lady’ did herself no favours. I will compare her style to Obama’s for greater understanding.

1 When you see Obama under pressure in a media interview, he keeps his energy levels intact. When ‘The Iron Lady’ was attacked verbally by a reporter, her annoyance was always obvious by her aggressive body language. Her steely eyes revealed her thoughts before she opened her mouth.

2 When Obama receives a personal attack, he responds with dignity because he understands that retaliation makes him look bad. He uses his legal skills to break the criticism down and respond with a very structured and intelligent viewpoint. ‘The Iron Lady’ had no problems with fighting fire with fire. Her views were delivered as if no thought was given to the depth of the question. While this may seem strong to some people, it showed a weakness of self-control to others.

3 When Obama appeared on The Oprah Winfrey show recently with his wife Michelle, he admitted that his communication during the election campaign was far better than since he took office. He admitted that the American people have not received the story of the journey for recovery. He understands that like all leaders in business, he got bogged down in the paperwork and failed to communicate with the people who really drive the economy. This he said would be rectified. Did ‘The Iron Lady’ ever openly admit any such mistakes?

Tomorrow, I will reveal some of the things Tony Blair learned from ‘The Iron Lady’

Take care,

Darren

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.

Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Wednesday 4 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (The Iron Lady's first speech as PM) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 45

Hi,

When Barack Obama gave his most famous speeches,he faced audiences that loved and praised his work. However, it is impossible to always face an audience that adores you. There will be times when your audiences are sceptical or worried, and you must use your greatest skills for such challenges. But what if your audience is abusive? When Obama was called a liar by Congressman Joe Wilson during Obama’s speech in the Senate in 2009, I smiled because there was much consternation over the attack. It made me ponder the differences between American and British politics. While American politics is more vicious in its negative campaigning, it does adopt a more respectful approach to discussions in the Senate. British politics is not as personally cruel in the campaign for votes, but life in the House of Commons can be a rowdy affair. When you speak in the House of Commons, you have to deal with the negative energy and barrage of insults that your opponents deliver. Even a rhinoceros would admit that their skin is not thick enough to deal with such criticism.

The Iron Lady’s first speech a Prime Minister was delivered on the steps of No. 10 Downing Street. As she spoke, you could hear the screams of abuse from her opponents who stood at the gates of Downing Street. It’s interesting to note that she kept her composure, focussed on her message, and she concentrated on delivering her beliefs to the public watching at home. It was a lesson in how to give a speech under pressure.
I listened to the Tony Livesy show on BBC Radio 5 Live last night. The discussion was on ‘The Iron Lady’, and whether you could admire somebody you disagreed with. The opinions were divided and proved once again that the debate on ‘The Iron Lady’s’ legacy could go on forever. I have noted some of her exceptional communication skills in this blog, but tomorrow, I will reveal her biggest weakness.

Take care,

Darren

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.


Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (The Iron Lady's humour) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 44

Hi,

William Pitt, who was prime minister from 1766 to 1768 famously remarked, “I know that I can save this country and that no one else can.” ‘The Iron Lady’s’ memoirs suggest a similar conviction. Even the former Labour leader Neil Kinnock admired her guts and tenacity to become a female Prime Minister and win three consecutive elections. Opinions over ‘The Iron Lady’ are divisive but the scale of her achievement’s still fascinates many people.

I posted yesterday that I would reveal some of ‘The Iron Lady’s’ most famous humorous quotes. I received messages last night from some of my followers who expressed their favourite quotes from ‘The Iron Lady.’ I decided to compile a list of the top five so I can include some of my followers in the post.

1.“I always cheer up immensely if an attack is particularly wounding because I think, well, if they attack one personally, it means they have not a single political argument left."
Tom Allen, Brisbane

2. “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't.”
Marie Chavenz, Los Angeles

3. “If my critics saw me walking over the Thames, they would say it was because I couldn't swim.”
Paul Benson, London

4. “In politics if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.”
Niki Zudoski, Berlin

5. “Of course it's the same old story. Truth usually is the same old story."
Rick Merril, New York


Tomorrow, I will reveal an insight into ‘The Iron Lady’s’ first speech as Prime Minister in 1979.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.


Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Tuesday 3 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (The Iron Lady's Lesson from Labour) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 43

Hi,

I would like to share the former Labour Party leader, Neil Kinnock’s words to the Welsh Labour Party conference in May 1987. Kinnock’s words hit me like an oncoming train because they brought realism, respect and understanding to my own life. I was a normal teenager in 1987 who thought that he could take on the world. I thought I knew it all, perhaps partly because I had achieved more schooling than my ancestors. My ancestors worked in the dockyards of Dublin and on farms across Ireland. They worked long hours for little pay and no security. As a teenager I wondered why they didn’t achieve more for their determination and skill.

Kinnock’s words made a silly teenager internalise the respect and gratitude that was owed to his parents and his ancestors. Kinnock's words also internalised my view that everybody should have access to a “platform.”

These are some of Kinnock’s words.

"Why am I the first Kinnock in a thousand generations to be able to get to university? Was it because our predecessors were thick? Does anybody really think that they didn't get what we had because they didn't have the talent or the strength or the endurance or the commitment? Of course not. It was because there was no platform upon which they could stand."

No matter how eloquent or skilful ‘The Iron Lady’ was, it was these particular words from Kinnock that made the biggest impression on me. Obama’s Vice President, Joe Biden was a Democratic presidential candidate for the 1988 U.S. election. Do you think his speech in 1987 was similar to Neil Kinnock’s speech?

These are some of Biden’s words.

"Why is it that Joe Biden is the first in his family ever to go to a university? ……. Is it because our fathers and mothers were not bright? ...Is it because they didn't work hard? …….It's because they didn't have a platform on which to stand."

If you had heard Biden’s words, you would have been impressed. When you discovered the similarities to Kinnock’s, you would have thought differently. The lesson here is that when you copy another person’s words, it is only right that you acknowledge their work. The better option is to write and deliver your own words.

I would like to reiterate that my book on Obama is not a political book. Obama once said that America is divided into Republicans and Democrats, but the majority of people’s politics lies somewhere in between. This book analyses the speeches and words of leaders from many political ideologies.

Tomorrow, I will reveal ‘The Iron Lady’s’ humour during her Labour Party battles.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.

Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds, LS1 4HY, United Kingdom

Monday 2 January 2012

HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world - (The Iron Lady v The Heckler) Darren Kelly, Kellcomm, Blog - Day 42

Hi,

At the 1980 Tory Party Conference, a heckler entered the arena and shouted abuse at Margaret Thatcher as she gave her keynote address. ‘The Iron Lady’ responded in a way that showed how great communicators deal with interruptions. When somebody interrupts your speech, there is no point avoiding the issue. You are better off incorporating their words or actions into your speech. However, you must display some humour or understanding that does not belittle your heckler. ‘The Iron Lady’ responded by saying, “Never mind, it’s wet outside. I expect they want to come in. You can’t blame them; it’s always better where the Tory’s are.” ‘The Iron Lady’ acknowledged the interruption but chose to use it to motivate her party instead of belittling the heckler. It showed her speed of thought, her sense of humour, and her ability to move on quickly from the incident.

You must expect interruptions from people in your audience who have a different agenda to you. How you respond to it, says a great deal about you as a speaker.

Tomorrow, I will analyse what I believe was the Labour Party’s greatest speech against ‘The Iron Lady’.

Take care,

Darren.

PS: 'HOW TO GIVE A BETTER SPEECH THAN OBAMA and change your world' - is available on iTunes and Amazon NOW!
Audio Version only.
Text version out January 31st.


Kellcomm, Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds,LS1 4HY, United Kingdom