Public Speaking 911 Blog

Why is Barack Obama one of the most gift speaker of this generation? And, more importantly, how can you learn some of Obama’s speaking techniques to become a better public speaker yourself? 

There’s a new book coming out which attempts to answer those questions.  “Say It Like Obama: The Power of Speaking with Purpose and Vision” is written by Dr. Shel Leanne, president of Regent Crest, a leadership development company that helps empower young business leaders for success. A Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Leanne holds a B.A. from Harvard College and earned Masters and Doctoral degrees from Oxford University. 

Yeah, she knows her stuff.

And, in her book she includes Barack Obama’s 2004 and 2008 speeches before the National Democratic Convention, with an examination of the techniques Obama uses in those speeches. 

She also examines other speeches Obama has given, and how he is able to use his strong communication skills to earn trust and  confidence, convey his vision, and persuade others to action. 

According to an editorial review on Amazon, the book “gives you the tools you can use to instill positive change at every level of your organization by learning how to:

• Make a strong first impression
• Use body language and voice
• Establish common ground
• Gain trust and confidence
• Win hearts and minds
• Drive your points home
• Convey your vision through imagery and words that resonate
• Build to a crescendo and leave a lasting impression”

Obviously not everyone has the natural speaking gifts that people like Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy or Winston Churchill possess(ed).  But, everyone can learn what techniques work.  It is by practicing these techniques that allow you to nurture your own inner talents of communication.  You may want to give this book a look.