Blair's Blag
by Graham Davies
Whether he was telling the truth or not, Tony Blair gave his evidence to the Chilcot Enquiry with his usual distinctive presentational style.
He has mastered the knack of forcing a pause before he answers a question under pressure. He uses that moment to make sure that the first line of his answer is firm and compelling. For instance, when asked about the notorious three-quarters of an hour that it alllegedly would have taken Iraq to launch an attack on the UK, he said:
I must say right at the outset that this 45 minute number has taken on vastly more significance in retrospect than it ever did at the time.
He also managed to use the same open hand gestures as he always did when addressing audiences in far more relaxed circumstances. The tan suits him and the graying hair suggests that sponsorship from Grecian 2000 would be a sound commercial move.
Overall, he is still at the top of his presentational game....even though he will find it difficult to get anyone to vote for him ever again in any context whatsoever.
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Laughing Harriet?
by Graham Davies
Harriet Harman stood in for Gordon Brown today at Prime Minister's questions. Her opponent was William Hague, whose DNA is much more suited to the adrenalised rigours of spontaneous debate.
Of course, very little about PMQs is spontaneous, especially when Harriet is involved. She wielded the obligatory file of must-know-facts-and-figures in front of her as if it was a cross between a magic wand and insect repellent.
But she also made a valliant attempt to use a wepon not normally associated with Mz Harman: humour. When commentating on Hague's changed views, she said, "He is worse at reversing than I am".
I am delighted to say that this comic reference to her own recent driving difficulties fell totally flat. Harriet's presentation problem is that she takes herself so seriously, that no-one can take seriously her attempts NOT to.
It may take you 2 or 3 goes for you to understand the last sentence. That's how long it took me anyway.
by Graham Davies
Harriet Harman stood in for Gordon Brown today at Prime Minister's questions. Her opponent was William Hague, whose DNA is much more suited to the adrenalised rigours of spontaneous debate.
Of course, very little about PMQs is spontaneous, especially when Harriet is involved. She wielded the obligatory file of must-know-facts-and-figures in front of her as if it was a cross between a magic wand and insect repellent.
But she also made a valliant attempt to use a wepon not normally associated with Mz Harman: humour. When commentating on Hague's changed views, she said, "He is worse at reversing than I am".
I am delighted to say that this comic reference to her own recent driving difficulties fell totally flat. Harriet's presentation problem is that she takes herself so seriously, that no-one can take seriously her attempts NOT to.
It may take you 2 or 3 goes for you to understand the last sentence. That's how long it took me anyway.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Copy Bill Maclaren
by Graham Davies
Bill Maclaren, the distinguished Rugby commentator who died this week, used three presentational techniques that are accessible to people with much less talent than he was blessed with.
First of all, he prepared thoroughly. He researched and made notes about all 30 players on the pitch...and all the reserves. He could also tell you something about the referee and both linesman. He never had to struggle for a piece of personal knowledge, because he had it all carefully set out in front of him.
He also used strikingly distinctive language when under pressure. I will never forget forget him describing one hard-scrummaging wing forward as "rampaging like an angry octopus".
But his most important presentational asset was his sheer enthusiasm for his subject. Talking about Rugby was never a job. It was a passion.
Preparation, unique words and appropriate intensity are three things that everyone should use, whether they are presenting in a TV studio or a Company Boardroom.
by Graham Davies
Bill Maclaren, the distinguished Rugby commentator who died this week, used three presentational techniques that are accessible to people with much less talent than he was blessed with.
First of all, he prepared thoroughly. He researched and made notes about all 30 players on the pitch...and all the reserves. He could also tell you something about the referee and both linesman. He never had to struggle for a piece of personal knowledge, because he had it all carefully set out in front of him.
He also used strikingly distinctive language when under pressure. I will never forget forget him describing one hard-scrummaging wing forward as "rampaging like an angry octopus".
But his most important presentational asset was his sheer enthusiasm for his subject. Talking about Rugby was never a job. It was a passion.
Preparation, unique words and appropriate intensity are three things that everyone should use, whether they are presenting in a TV studio or a Company Boardroom.
Friday, 8 January 2010
Presenting Mrs Robinson
by Graham Davies
I never like to gloat when a pompous, arrogant politician falls flat on their face. OK, I'm lying. But I am particularly pleased to see the downfall of Ulster's leading Cradle-Snatching Christian.
Iris Robinson's presentational persona has largely been concerned with making pronouncements on the sinful behaviour of homosexuals. She has also preached extensively about the sanctity of marriage.
It turns out that she is a Born Again Hypocrite.
I would advise any public figure never to pontificate about other people's morality. It is a topic that simply should not be the subject of presentation from anyone outside of a pulpit.
by Graham Davies
I never like to gloat when a pompous, arrogant politician falls flat on their face. OK, I'm lying. But I am particularly pleased to see the downfall of Ulster's leading Cradle-Snatching Christian.
Iris Robinson's presentational persona has largely been concerned with making pronouncements on the sinful behaviour of homosexuals. She has also preached extensively about the sanctity of marriage.
It turns out that she is a Born Again Hypocrite.
I would advise any public figure never to pontificate about other people's morality. It is a topic that simply should not be the subject of presentation from anyone outside of a pulpit.
Friday, 1 January 2010
My Favourite Moment of 2009
by Graham Davies
My favourite Presentational Moment of 2009 actually lasted about 5 seconds. That was how long it took for someone to prove that what comes out of your mouth and how it comes out is more important than your age, your background and what you look like. It was a moment that has brought joy and hope to millions of people....and Superstardom for Susan Boyle and her cat.
She clearly still has serious personal issues. But they are the sort of issues than can be worked on quite effectively when you've got a few million quid in the bank.
Some commentators have moaned that she is no longer the "real" Susan. They say that her new look and vitiality are merely a Corporate Creation.
But look at the photographs of her from 30 years ago, when she was a vivacious and attractive teenager. That was the real Susan. Her real triumph is that she is now presenting herself in the way that she should always have done, for the last 3 decades.
She has become what she was meant to be. And if you are feeling a bit down about the way you are presenting yourself in 2010, have a look at that You Tube clip.....and see if you can watch it without breaking into great big smile.
by Graham Davies
My favourite Presentational Moment of 2009 actually lasted about 5 seconds. That was how long it took for someone to prove that what comes out of your mouth and how it comes out is more important than your age, your background and what you look like. It was a moment that has brought joy and hope to millions of people....and Superstardom for Susan Boyle and her cat.
She clearly still has serious personal issues. But they are the sort of issues than can be worked on quite effectively when you've got a few million quid in the bank.
Some commentators have moaned that she is no longer the "real" Susan. They say that her new look and vitiality are merely a Corporate Creation.
But look at the photographs of her from 30 years ago, when she was a vivacious and attractive teenager. That was the real Susan. Her real triumph is that she is now presenting herself in the way that she should always have done, for the last 3 decades.
She has become what she was meant to be. And if you are feeling a bit down about the way you are presenting yourself in 2010, have a look at that You Tube clip.....and see if you can watch it without breaking into great big smile.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
