YouTube live-stream segment (TJ Walker, Oct 28, 2015) analyzing Dr. Ben Carson’s rise in GOP polling and the communication factors behind his appeal. Walker explains that multiple speaking styles can succeed (e.g., low-key/low-energy vs. high-energy), and attributes Carson’s popularity to a mix of delivery, compelling personal story (rags-to-riches pediatric surgeon), and policy/message clarity (sharp attacks on Obamacare and abortion). Walker invites viewer feedback on Carson’s style, offers to assess other politicians’ communication, and promotes a free online public-speaking/media course at mediatrainingworldwide.com.
Chapters
The next GOP debate is tonight and the spotlight is on Dr. Ben Carson, who's now number one in the polls across the country and in some key states like Iowa. What is the secret to his public speaking success? A lot of people who are concerned with public speaking presentation skills are mystified at the rise of Ben Carson, the, shall we say, laid back doctor presenter in the Republican primary for president. If you haven't seen him yet, he's very low key. Saturday Night Light is made fun of him basically being asleep with his eyes shut. He's very low energy, low key, especially compared to more dynamic orators or someone who is extremely enthusiastic like a Donald Trump. Guess what? It is a big world. There are a lot of different styles. There's no one style that's going to have mass appeal to everyone. And it's important to note Ben Carson now has the support of, in some polls, in some states, 25% of Republicans. But he by no means has the support of majority of Americans or majority of all voters. Here's the significance that I think is important for people who are trying to get a better sense of communication skills and presentation skills. It's a big world out there. There are a lot of different styles that can work. Nothing is going to have universal appeal. I know, I've been to conventions, seen a speaker, felt sorry for them. I thought it was the worst speech I've ever seen. And when the speech was over, standing ovation, people were in tears, they loved the speaker so much. So just because you don't like a speaker or I don't like a speaker doesn't mean they don't have good qualities. Part of being a speaker is not just how you speak, it's what you say and it's who you are. Socrates stressed this thousands of years ago with every speaker. It's really about those three things when it comes to understanding Ben Carson's appeal as a politician and as a communicator. I think it's two of those elements more so than his actually presentation delivery. Now, some people certainly do like low key calm because it does seem very different from other politicians. So some people, it's just the actual style of how he presents low energy, low key calm to other people. It's his personal story. I mean, this is someone who's had movies and books made about his life. Somebody who came from nothing and went to the pinnacle of the medical profession as a pediatric surgeon, overcame all sorts of obstacles, race, poverty. So for some people, it is just the sheer power of his personal story. For others, it actually is his message. They like the fact that he is willing to attack Obamacare with such force and attack abortion with such force. They like his clarity I'll be giving tomorrow an assessment of how all the candidates did in the in the debate last night. Tomorrow it will be last night. It's tonight as of this recording. I'd like to know your opinions too. First of all, what do you think of Ben Carson's presentation style? And if you don't like it, why do you think so many people do like it? That's number one. Number two, if you have any questions about how politicians can speak more effectively, what works for some, what doesn't work for others, or if you want me to rate another politician's communication skills, post your comments here. Whether you're watching this on YouTube or Facebook or any other platform, I'll be happy to answer your questions. And also if you would like to be a better communicator yourself whether you're running for office or not, I have a free online media and public speaking course. Very helpful to candidates, but business people as well. It is available on my website@mediatrainingworldwide.com youm can click the link below and you can get it. Absolutely no obligation. A free online video based public speaking and media training course. Thanks.
