Yes I Am (listening)!

Posted on September 3, 2008 by Dave

[Left to Right (hehe): Barack Obama, John McCain]

Despite the many exciting television offerings this fall, right now Americans are watching people talk at podiums.  No special effects, no gratuitous sex, and the soundtracks are pretty lame.  But these non-airbrushed older folks are somehow keeping us captivated with just their words.  And that is AWESOME.

When Barack Obama and John McCain speak, people listen.  And isn’t that half the battle, or more, in politics?  And in the business world, heck, even in parenting.  Effective communication is a vehicle for your message.  And according to one of our TeachStreet teachers, Rod Mattson, public speaking classes can be taught.  It is all about understanding your audience and their perceptions.

If I know anything about this blog’s audience, it’s that we like learning new things and sharing our experiences with others.  So check out these public speaking classes in your area.

Who knows?  Maybe one day I’ll forgo a Gossip Girl premiere to watch you up at that podium on TV too!  Remember to thank the little people (and websites)!

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  • http://www.teachstreet.com Harold

    Annie, if you ran for president you have my vote!

  • http://www.teachstreet.com Joseph

    i cant wait for the political season to heat up, especially with the debates…and i hope they actually have some substance.

  • http://www.teachstreet.com katie

    As someone who majored in “Rhetoric” or the study of persuasion (a.k.a. I got a B.A. in b.s.), I can totally appreciate this. Public speaking terrifies so many of us, but really, it’s something that can be learned. And I’m living proof that one CAN in fact get over the fear factor.

    For the record, picturing your audience naked doesn’t work (at least it doesn’t work for me), but learning how to look at your audience without really looking at them does. Quick tip: Just look at people’s foreheads or the bridge of their nose; it’s almost like looking them in the eye, but without all that scary eye contact.

  • http://www.teachstreet.com Dave

    Loved this post — I actually did Toastmasters when I was in grad school to try to improve my public speaking — I got just as stressed preparing for those ‘fake speeches’ as I did for real ones, but it definitely improved my ability to get up in front of a crowd, stay on topic (or try) and have a theme. Other assistance over the years has come from folks like Seth Godin, and others, on improvements to the presentations/slides themselves (moving away from all-text, and incorporating more meaningful visuals, etc.)

    I think this election’s gonna be a great one — I’m really looking forward to meaningful debate (I’m a sucker… every 4 years, I hold out hope :-) )