The importance of confidence.

President Bush gave a Presidential speech. He was at his best. Some reasons, and thoughts, in order of importance:

• Presidential – he talked with confidence, as the leader of the country. That’s not usually his style, as he too often bobs and stumbles in the more informal settings
• Stayed with his strengths – for over 30’ of his 50 ‘ speech, he talked on the country’s security, terrorism, importance of fighting for freedom, etc. He rises and falls on this issue, and convincing the public that “We love our freedom. And we will fight to keep it” “We will not retreat.” “We will never surrender to evil.”
• Teleprompter skill – he’s better using the teleprompter, almost looking like he’s not reading. Fell away a bit at the end, but a good job. (If you are in a situation using a teleprompter, NEVER look at it out of the corner of your eye – always straight on.)
• No smirks (well, maybe one.) – one of the President’s quirks that undermines his confidence is lip smirks and jumpy shoulders. Not tonight. Went a long way to showing his confidence and leadership.
• I don’t recommend reading speeches (except State of the Union), but this was well written, with the rhetorical devices of:
  • Rule of Three
  • Set ‘em up and knock ‘em down
  • Repetition and alliteration
  • Contrast

• He got a laugh. Rare for him (except those who like laughing at rather than with) but the President was even ‘cute’ when he referenced his father’s favorite baby boomers – “me and President Clinton.” (Even Hillary in the audience had to chuckle.)
• Content – I don’t talk much about content here because others will do that. But it’s interesting as we look at what we can do in a short period of time as we speak – the President talked on one subject (security, terrorism) for over 30 minutes, than in about one minute each he hit:
  • Immigrants
  • Health care
  • Energy
  • Competitive initiatives
  • Technology
  • Tax credits
  • Crime
  • Welfare
  • Youth
  • Schools and skills
  • Aids
  • Whew….

Final thoughts

• Personally, whomever the President is I would like him (or her) to do well. I’ve been both critical and laudatory of Bush over the last year in these pages, but I’m delighted that we can go to laud on this speech. He did well.
• Governor Tim Kaine countered with the opposition view – too bad he didn’t have the formal setting the President did. He did a lot of hand clasp, and was a nice enough presentation but lacked passion.
• This blog is about personal impact, connecting emotionally and presentation effectiveness. If you want more on the political slant, one of the best blogs (by the author of “Blog”) is at www.HughHewitt.com. Albeit conservative, a lot to be seen on how to use blogs as it gives minute by minute accounts of the behavior and content of politics.