I write about strategies to turn fans into customers and customers into fans. I also share ways to use real-time strategies to spread ideas, influence minds, and build business.
I am a keen observer of Presidential communications strategies.
I admit I am a big geek when it comes to the long drawn out US presidential campaign season. I enjoy the marketing and PR aspects. Many people think the two-year campaign is too long. Not me. I love all the debates and speeches and talk show appearances. All marketers can learn from Presidential campaign strategies.
If you are new to my blog, please note that this is a marketing strategy blog, not a political one. I make no observations on the political aspects of the President’s speech, nor the BP oil disaster.
The President spoke in the same way that every other President has – from his desk. In my opinion, this made his speech much less effective.
I think the address to the nation would have been much more powerful had the President stood instead.
1 As Senator, Presidential candidate, and as President, Barack Obama has delivered thousands of speeches while on his feet. Standing is natural for him. Sitting while delivering an important speech is not.
2 While tradition dictates that Presidents sit during Oval Office addresses, Obama has never been one for following others. His acceptance speech at the 2008 Democratic Convention, which he chose to do from Denver’s Mile High Stadium, was an important moment. Every other candidate going back many decades has spoken from the convention hall. If he had stood during yesterday’s Oval Office address, he would have signaled: “I am in charge.”
3 When you speak while standing, you have more control over your voice (because your diaphragm is in a natural position).
4 When you stand, you have more options for non-verbal communications like hand movements.
