Archive for February, 2006

Take a look at this clip – it is funny. But that’s not why I’m playing it.

As a matter of fact I sat on it for a week, because I don’t want to make light of the President – either President Bush or President Clinton, as is the case here. But I decided to run it since there is an insight to be gained. And an important one.

If you didn’t think facial expressions and gestures counted much in impact, think again. Or rather see and hear again on this streaming video.

The behaviors of communicating effectively, or not very effectively, are paramount as to whether you are treated with respect over time. When people see you a lot, they get used to your mannerisms, and even at an unconscious level they see you as confident, or lacking confidence, in the broadest terms.

Take a look. There is such a vivid example here from national television.

Considering that several people took offense at where I put President Bush in the Ten Best and Worst communicators list of 2005, I think I’ll put up another blog pretty quick so this isn’t the last post. (Of course there will always be more on the communications style of the President – as I often say “the effectiveness of our communication determines the effectiveness of our life” – or our country as the case may be!)

The Opening Ceremony of the Olympics is always a must-see for me – mostly because of the inspirational experience that is delivered. Last Friday, Torino presented the world with one of the most scintillating visual and auditory displays ever. Themes of passion, competition and unity of the Games wove through a breathtaking display of Italian history and heritage. The Parade of Nations encompassed more than 2,600 competitors representing 80 nations. The event culminated in the torch lighting, and concluded with a moving performance by opera great Luciano Pavarotti.

A triumph, no doubt for the Olympic Committee. They set out to create an inspirational experience, and succeeded with flying colors. But what about the experience of the next two weeks? In reality, each athlete creates their own communications experience (from both their performance and media interviews) – but how many of the 2,600 will keep in the overall spirit of the Games and how many will deter from it?

I don’t have precise numbers, only two case examples: Bode Miller and Michelle Kwan.

Bode, skiing’s brash bad-boy, is known for his unconventional style and all-or-nothing attitude when it comes to competition. This year, he will compete in all five Olympic ski events. His recent infamy is a result of several media interviews: talking of his own drunk skiing, blasting drug testing, and suggesting that Barry Bonds and Lance Armstrong took performance-enhancing drugs.

In spite of all this, he is honest, a true competitor, and probably has good intentions (after all, he did apologize for those comments). But it is the aloof, renegade experience of Bode that flies in the face of why we watch the Olympics – to see the gracious victory of real talent honed by grueling training and coupled with a sense of national pride.

In contrast is Michelle Kwan. At the age of 25 she arrived in Torino for her third Olympics. She began as an alternate on the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Team, at the age of thirteen. On Monday, she officially withdrew from competition due to an injury. Selflessly, she acknowledged that she could not represent the U.S. to the best of her ability.

"I would love to compete in my third Olympics, but I love and respect the sport, and I think it’s all about the United States bringing their best team to the Olympic Games…I wouldn’t want to be in the way of that."

Peter Ueberroth, U.S. Olympic Committee Chairman, stated, “Michelle Kwan means more to the United States Olympic Committee than maybe any athlete that’s ever performed for the U.S. Olympic Committee…She’s been a leader, she’s been gracious, she’s somebody that cares for so many youngsters that are training in our country…She’s made a courageous decision."

Michelle embodies the true spirit of the Olympics by creating a communication experience that is warm, has huge heart and is full of pride – pride of her sport, her team, and her country.

Over the next two weeks, keep an eye out for the experiences created by each of the athletes.

This Top Ten Best Communicator of 2005 remains on our best list so far this year. With his trademark wraparound glasses, Bono addressed the 52^nd Annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. last Thursday. See it here.

In a room full of world leaders on both sides of political and religious divides, he created a communications experience that was inspiring, enlightening, and a very direct, effective call to action.

Though stationed behind a lectern and equipped with a formal written speech, he did an outstanding job of connecting. Behaviorally, his charm, humor, and passion for his cause far outweigh any communication idiosyncrasies – the um’s and uh’s, the repetitive stroking of his goatee.

He warmed up the crowd acknowledging the oddity of a rock star speaking at a prayer breakfast, stating he was not a man of the cloth, unless of course, “that cloth is leather.”

During the course of his 21-minute speech, he received four rounds of applause. Here’s how:

• Struck emotional chords by highlighting the unifying theme of poverty, quoting numerous scripture and teachings from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

• Lauded the progress and contributions of churches worldwide to AIDS, global health, and poverty, while presenting staggering statistics on the work to be done.
• Used an inspiring and personal story to introduce his point of view:

A number of years ago, I met a wise man who changed my life.

In countless ways, large and small, I was always seeking the Lord’s blessing. I was saying, “You know, I have a new song, look after it… I have a family, please look after them… I have this crazy idea…”

And this wise man said: “Stop. Stop asking God to bless what you’re doing. Get involved in what God is doing—because it’s already blessed.”

Well, God, as I said, is with the poor. That, I believe, is what God is doing.

And that is what He’s calling us to do.

Finally, he was textbook in his presentation of content:

• Point of View: “See the flow of effective foreign assistance as tithing” (perfect for the church-going crowd).

• Action Step: “Additional one percent of the federal budget tithed to the poor” (specific and measurable).
• Benefits: Listed several, but more importantly, he hit on what’s in it for both Africa and the U.S.

Impressive and influential speaking that has already changed, and will continue to change the world. We’ll keep an eye on that additional one percent – estimated to be approximately $26 billion.