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
Sunday, 15 January 2012
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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