Posts filed under 'DC's Washington'
Dick Cheney’s relaxed his rhetoric on ABC’s This Week yesterday. The result: more content over style. He needs to be an elder statesman vs. an attack dog to make his case effectively re Obama and foreign policy. A dialed backed approach from Cheney works better as he comes across more as concerned with a sense of duty and less as someone with an ax to grind. The lesson here: accuracy rules the day. Now accuracy — especially in politics — is a matter of point of view. However, being accurate or adopting an “accurate style” with your approach and responses will trump “grandstanding” and find you as communicator as well as your message viewed as more trustworthy.
February 15th, 2010
In answering NBC’s Andrea Mitchell’s question re Oscar predictions, Joe Biden, instead of naming Avatar by its title, referred to the blockbuster and his viewing of it as “…this new program I looked at…” while looking down, stammering etc. Now, looking down, stammering, these are all obvious communication cues that say at the very least “I’m not confident in what I’m saying.” But what was noteworthy was Biden’s use of the word “program.” Dated as this term may be, it signifies that his reference here is the small screen which implies he saw Avatar’s TV commercials, not the actual film, which he went on to describe as “this science fiction thing.” Ms. Mitchell set him up to simply tell the truth, acknowledging that he’s a busy man. Biden clearly was feeling fiction.
February 6th, 2010
I teach it’s not just what words you use but how you use them. But before context, words on their own can have an impact, can have power. Words matter. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel’s used the word “retarded” back in August in a private political strategy meeting. This was reported and Rahm apologized. Yesterday he met with Tim Shriver, CEO of the Special Olympics, and apologized — again. Rahm was asked to join the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign as Shriver and other advocates for Americans with disabilities are committed to having the R word removed out of everyday speech. Sarah Palin has now lashed out at Rahm for using the R word and called on Obama to fire Rahm. Does she think R-bomber Rush Limbaugh should be fired as well? As hurtful and insulting as the R word is to anyone with a disability and those who love them, I’d ask everyone to consider the impact of Rahm’s use of the S word — “sorry.” Or does the word “sorry” not matter? The R word carries more weight because…? Here it is: it doesn’t all come down to authenticity and intention and context/circumstance. Was Rahm calling someone with a disability “r—-?” No. Was he sincerely sorry if he hurt anyone by the use of the word? Perhaps. Still, a word’s power is not only as lethal as the intention behind it. Take the word “gay” or the N word? These are hot button words on their own, no matter the intention behind their use. With certain words, it’s not about the speaker but the ears that these words fall on that count. So the question begs, what about free speech? Yes, what about it? And at what price? More than words, human beings matter.
February 4th, 2010
Harold Ford Jr. is bold. In 2006 he told Wolf Blitzer he’s against gay marriage. Two weeks ago he told Matt Lauer he’s for it. Yesterday, in defense of his “changed position” (nice) he told Stephen Colbert he has since been educated by friends and others. Ford was ready to be grilled by Colbert and his appearance was smart and necessary. Ford’s voice was clear as he found pockets to shoot his “prepared” answers at Colbert while keeping a sense of humor. Ford is a politician. He’d be in it to win it. It’ll be interesting to listen to his regionalisms and Wall Street essence relax as he sharpens up the persona that could convince New Yorkers he’d be best to represent them. Do voters care about flip-flopping? Isn’t it more about how you address your change of heart and what you actually had a change of heart about? Ford selling himself as someone who is capable of being enlightened isn’t bad. Flip-flopping denotes something quick, something reckless but there’s four years between his comments to Blitzer and Lauer. Do New Yorkers see Ford’s changed position as politically motivated? And, if so, then will New Yorkers buy Ford as someone willing to do anything on their behalf to represent them? Harold Ford Jr. from Tennessee and of Wall Street has evolved on issues of abortion, gay marriage and whatever else and now is a voice for New Yorkers. Bold.
February 2nd, 2010
“..I want them (Republicans) workin’ with us…” Obama told a crowd in Tampa yesterday. Like when Lyndon Johnson, as he’d move west, would go cowboy on a crowd, Obama adjusts his voice/accent when he’s on the road. Now he’s pushing economic plans. Dropping his “g’s” perhaps helps him connect with workin’ Americans. Is it a conscious choice on the President’s part? Yes. Because of his experience and talent as an orator, this “vocal” transition is automatic and he is aware that this happens naturally. Most of us have many different ways of “vocal being” daily. Depending on time and circumstance and to whom we’re speaking, the voice is surprisingly versatile. As a professional public speaker and/or leader, the trick is to take one’s personal vocal versatility and put it to great use to get your message across. Using the right words on the right audience is key. Choosing the words, your text, is first. You must always speak to an audience’s listening of you. This takes having had the experience of being on your feet and really considering “how do these people hear me?” When preparing/rehearsing a speech, the words will start to choose themselves as you improvise while keeping this question in mind. Then use the words. “Using” is having your way with them, your way — your style, your inflection, your musicality. You must find what you love about being in front of people and being heard.
Not sure if droppin’ the “g’s” alone will help President Obama connect with Americans who ain’t workin’, but he seems to be clear on whom his audience is this week.
January 29th, 2010
Here are two noteworthy bites from last night’s State of the Union Speech where the President’s voice and body language didn’t match. Speech Text: I know there are many Americans who aren’t sure if they still believe we can change - or at least, that I can deliver it. Speech Delivered: (dropped “at least” and “it”) I know there are many Americans who aren’t sure if they still believe we can change (pause) or that I can deliver. In dropping the it, there was a total emphasis on the word deliver thus shedding more light on the total man vs. the change the man ran on in 2008. And his voice tone was higher and softer while his chin remained in his consistent lifted position of strength. This denotes an unplanned “reading” occurred — something very real slipped out and more to the point, vulnerable. The voice is the mirror of one’s life-condition. The President has unresolved feelings in the area of “delivering.” The momentary lighter vocal tone suggested a deep awareness, a taking of personal inventory if you will. This similar vulnerable vocal tone appeared moments later. Speech Text/Speech Delivered: Our administration has had some political setbacks this year, and some of them were deserved.
Again, the President’s vocal tone and body language didn’t match . With hands clasped, body grounded and chin pointed up, his voice got higher and quieter at the end of the phrase and almost broke on deserved. Certain words move us, surprise us because of the feelings they arouse in us, not just as readers and listeners of the words but as speakers of the words. On some level, we know we’re faced with the choice: “What am I going to do about how these words make me feel?” What separates the enlightened from the non-enlightened, is you act Mr. President.
January 28th, 2010
On Friday, a day after Caroline Kennedy withdrew her name from consideration in an email (so much for being vocal and making sure your meaning is received), NY Gov. David Paterson introduced his choice to succeed Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate. His choice: from upstate, U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (pronounced with a soft “G”). His words: she is “dynamic,” “articulate” and “outspoken.” Her choice: to not present herself powerfully by reading and speaking in meek fashion from prepared notes only. Her words: “…this is the first time you’ve heard my name and don’t know much about me” and sentiments to the effect that New Yorkers will have two years to get to know her and she, them. Two years, really? In what world? Not in this sound-biting, text messaging, TV ads whose pace can give you whiplash world. She also referenced her own humility with “big shoes to fill” shout-outs to Hillary Clinton and how she has “inspired me into action.” And there was the beginning of the softening of her views and support of guns. Either this upstate upstart’s aim was off on the day or she has a new target — or both. No matter, as Gillibrand and the country learned when Sarah Palin was introduced onto a national stage: you only get one chance to make a first impression. For starters, don’t tell us you’ve humility — just have humility. Don’t tell us we don’t know much about you. Tell us much about you. “Dynamic,” “Articulate” and “Outspoken” — big shoes to fill. Senator Gillibrand, if the shoes fit…
January 25th, 2009
Caroline Kennedy hasn’t set herself up as a future political candidate. Her silence to date has not only not been golden, it’s proved deadly in a communication game that depends on potential voters either becoming suspect of you or championing you. Sweet and illusive are qualities usually reserved for those who choose not to be in the spotlight. During the presidential primary campaign, a very public Caroline did seem comfortable standing for Obama but the opposite was true in her brief clumsy bid to sit in Hillary Clinton’s Senatorial seat. And now, with the advent of today’s statements made by Gov. Paterson’s camp saying she “was not ready for prime time…never an option” and citing a “tax problem” and “nanny issue” — now would be the time to come out, hold a press conference, stand for yourself.
Sweet Caroline, if you want to have a chance at mounting a successful future campaign in New York, you must speak out and for yourself. Powerful as the Kennedy name is, your spokesperson is not the voice that will ring true here. It will be difficult. You will not feel safe. Do it anyway. Let your own profile be in courage. And if then you find all this is not for you, great. It will not have made your speaking up any less courageous. Remember that your speaking voice is not separate from you, it IS you.
January 23rd, 2009
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