Finding the Power of Speaking Plainly - Could it Be Your Secret Weapon?
There is a popular assumption that unless you can speak in soaring rhetoric that people will not respond. This certainly was the opinion shared by some of the media before the recent State of the Union address. Most of the commentators appeared to be bracing them themselves for an evening of boredom.
Surprisingly it was anything but ...
After watching President Biden's State of the Union address, I was inspired to reflect on what I had just witnessed. As a citizen, I was moved by listening to the President's speech, but as a Speaker Coach I found myself wondering how he was able to use his plain speaking style to have such a powerful impact.
Here are a few things I found as I looked closer.
Speaking with Authenticity is Powerful
One of the commentators said they thought Biden's superpower is: he is a "regular person", "a retail politician of handshakes and face to face communication".
In many ways that is the perfect description of how he delivered his speech. President Biden's style is conversational, filled with ad libs and causal banter. He gives a speech the same way he talks to people. We know he has a stutter and occasionally he trips over words...pauses, catches himself, and keeps on going.
He uses certain phrases throughout his speech: "Folks", " look folks ", "I mean this sincerely“, "the dignity of work", "we're just getting started" and "let's finish the job". Some may find it redundant, others might feel it establishes a sense of familiarity and security.
Humor as a Political Strategy
In the first few moments of his remarks, Biden said to Keven McCarthy: “I don't want to ruin your reputation, but I look forward to working with you".
Later in his speech when talking about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, he said: “And to my Republican friends who voted against it but still ask to fund projects in their districts, don’t worry. I promised to be the president for all Americans. We’ll fund your projects. We are just getting started, I mean this sincerely. See you at the groundbreaking.”
After talking about the deficit: " God love them “, " Those are the facts ... check it out... check it out”.
Biden's use of deadpan humor almost takes the sting out of his comments. Almost.
Speeches that Move from Confrontation to Consensus
“Some of my Republican friends want to take the economy hostage unless I agree to their economic plans. All of you at home should know what their plans are.”
Angry rumbling, yelling begins and the President keeps talking.
“Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset every five years.”
The word “Liar" rings out and the President keeps speaking.
“That means if Congress doesn’t vote to keep them, those programs will go away Other Republicans say if we don’t cut Social Security and Medicare, they’ll let America default on its debt for the first time in our history. I won’t let that happen. Social Security and Medicare are a lifeline for millions of seniors. Americans have been paying into them with every single paycheck since they started working. So tonight, let’s all agree to stand up for seniors. Stand up and show them we will not cut Social Security. We will not cut Medicare.”
“Stand up for Seniors”.
The vast majority of the hall stands up and cheers. Consensus, finally. This part of the speech turned electric and was considered by commentators to be the most effective moment of the night.
Sharing Values By Connecting with People
" I met Sara...Sara where are you.. Sara, how are you? ”.
“For 30 years, she’s been a proud member of Ironworkers Local 44, known as the “cowboys of the sky” who built the Cincinnati skyline. Sara said she can’t wait to be ten stories above the Ohio River building that new bridge. That’s pride. That’s what we’re also building – Pride.”
It was a simple interaction that spoke volumes about what the President is trying to achieve. And who could argue with this? Infrastructure is in everyone’s, Democrats , Republicans and everyone in between, best interest. Consensus, again.
Complexity with a Human Face
For me the heart of the State of the Union was when President Biden introduced the parents of Trye Nichols and then spoke about what happened to their son and along with "the talk ", "the talk". By doing so he brought this wrenching experience into the households of all those who were watching the speech.
“Joining us tonight are the parents of Tyre Nichols, who had to bury him just last week. There are no words to describe the heartbreak and grief of losing a child. But imagine what it’s like to lose a child at the hands of the law. Imagine having to worry whether your son or daughter will come home from walking down the street or playing in the park or just driving their car. I’ve never had to have the talk with my children – Beau, Hunter, and Ashley – that so many Black and Brown families have had with their children. If a police officer pulls you over, turn on your interior lights. Don’t reach for your license. Keep your hands on the steering wheel. Imagine having to worry like that every day in America. Here’s what Tyre’s mom shared with me when I asked her how she finds the courage to carry on and speak out. With faith in God, she said her son “was a beautiful soul and something good will come from this.’ Imagine how much courage and character that takes. It’s up to us. It’s up to all of us. We all want the same thing."
Honoring the Past and Recognizing Our Shared Tragedies
As we approach the third anniversary of COVID, the President slowed down and spoke in hushed tones.
“While the virus is not gone, thanks to the resilience of the American people, we have broken COVID’s grip on us. COVID deaths are down nearly 90%. We’ve saved millions of lives and opened our country back up. And soon we’ll end the public health emergency. But we will remember the toll and pain that will never go away for so many. More than 1 million Americans have lost their lives to COVID. Families grieving. Children orphaned. Empty chairs at the dining room table. We remember them, and we remain vigilant.”
Facing the Future. Wrapping Up With Conviction and Strength
“My fellow Americans, we meet tonight at an inflection point. One of those moments that only a few generations ever face, where the decisions we make now will decide the course of this nation and of the world for decades to come.”
“We are not bystanders to history. We are not powerless before the forces that confront us. It is within our power, of We the People. We are facing the test of our time and the time for choosing is at hand.”
“We must be the nation we have always been at our best. Optimistic. Hopeful.
Forward-looking. A nation that embraces light over darkness, hope over fear, unity over division. Stability over chaos.”
“We must see each other not as enemies, but as fellow Americans. We are a good people, the only nation in the world built on an idea. That all of us, every one of us, is created equal in the image of God. A nation that stands as a beacon to the world. A nation in a new age of possibilities*.
Surprisingly this plain sounding speech was layered with a complexity of ideas, emotions and inspirations. It rang with authenticity, (as well as an overused phrase or two), but when a speaker is able to achieve it, as Biden did, it can turn the simplest of moments into the most memorable ones.
If your style is considered ‘speaking plainly’, let's work together to ensure it reflects your authenticity, along with the power of your ideas. Let's arrange to explore how my public speaker coaching can help you deliver the impact you want.
Your message matters.