There’s a good chance that after two weeks of all politics, all the time you’re pretty tired of hearing about it. We definitely feel you–– lots of Kool Aid drinkers and lots of noisy rhetoric. But despite the fanaticism, the pundits and the endless commentary, there’s a lot we can learn as presenters from both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. In particular, here’s what we can learn from Bill Clinton’s masterful speech at the DNC on Wednesday night.
Find Common Ground
Bill Clinton is known for his ability to traverse through political parties, and he does well to point out that common ground in his speech. He repeatedly encourages cooperation, and then gives examples as to how it has worked. He says, “What works in the real world is cooperation,” and cites what’s initiatives in L.A. and Chicago as evidence.
This attempt at establishing common ground between political parties is a smart move by Clinton. He knows his audience– a crowd of the most diehard Democrats– but he also realizes that there are Republicans watching who also need to be addressed. By passionately promoting cooperation he stands firmly on common ground between parties, appealing to both sides.
Play a Smart Numbers Game
Clinton plays a very smart numbers game throughout his speech. He cites compelling statistics and delivers them in a way that is quotable, concise and memorable. For example, he repeatedly discusses the job score of both parties by telling it like a football score: “So what’s the job score? Republicans, 24 million; Democrats, 42 (million).”
He continues this pointed delivery throughout his speech: “Here’s another job score: Obama, 250,000; Romney, zero.” Again, later: “President Obama: plus 4 ½ million. Congressional Republicans: zero.”
And like any great presenter, he creates context around these statistics. He discusses the issues, gives his evidence and then presents the job score as a final, quotable punch line.
Stay on Your Toes
Twitter buzzed with journalists’ awed reflections on Wednesday night regarding the huge difference between Clinton’s written speech (that he provided to news outlets and was streaming on his TelePrompTer) and the one he delivered. Clinton’s masterful ability to ad-lib and improvise makes him one of the best public speakers around.
All of the changes he made– on the fly, no less– added emphasis and nuance to his points. One example, as mentioned in this excellent piece in the Atlantic Wire, was that he changed “you should vote for Obama” to “you must vote for Obama” and “you have to vote for Obama.” Notice how much stronger that plea is, how much more compelling that rhetoric is.
Be on your toes throughout the entirety of your presentation. Think of how you can change elements of your presentation to be more compelling while you speak. Don’t be a robot up there spouting off word after word. Feed off your audience’s energy and use your excitement to be spontaneous with your words.
