Blair's Guest Appearance
by Graham Davies
Today, I almost felt sorry for Tony Blair. Almost. Until I remembered the size of his bank account.
The speech in his old constituency didn't have particularly special content. His core Micro- Statement was merely a re-hash of an old theme: in a crisis, the country is better off with a safe and experienced pair of hands holding the keys of 10 Downing Street.
The distinctive over-emphasis of key words was still there as was the equally distinctive perma-tan. But a new feature was a strange mid-Atlantic accent. He sounded like an Americanized British Rock Star. In public speaking terms, that is precisely what he is.
No Blair speech will have a significant effect on the election. But each one reminds his corporate client base of how affably available he is. Nice marketing, Tony.
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Monday, 29 March 2010
Predictable Chancellors
by Graham Davies
All 3 were smooth and sleekly rehearsed, with opening statements that were the epitome of bland vanilla efficiency.
But it was immediately clear that Vince Cable held a political and physical position that Osborne and Darling both envied: smugly central and devoid of past responsibility or potential future high office. He was the only one who was prepared to say where the biggest cuts should come and how much they should be.
I could sense the other 2 thinking, "You wouldn't be so keen on telling the truth if you had any chance of actually being Chancellor. You lucky sod."
The main football match was between Darling and Osborne. But Cable had the delicious privilege of playing for a third team that didn't need to defend, but was allowed to score by kicking the ball into the goal of either the other 2 teams.
Naturally, there were no big scores or big misses. Final score: nil-nil-nil.
The only thing I really disliked was when they agreed with each other. We can't have top politicians doing something as stupid as that.
by Graham Davies
All 3 were smooth and sleekly rehearsed, with opening statements that were the epitome of bland vanilla efficiency.
But it was immediately clear that Vince Cable held a political and physical position that Osborne and Darling both envied: smugly central and devoid of past responsibility or potential future high office. He was the only one who was prepared to say where the biggest cuts should come and how much they should be.
I could sense the other 2 thinking, "You wouldn't be so keen on telling the truth if you had any chance of actually being Chancellor. You lucky sod."
The main football match was between Darling and Osborne. But Cable had the delicious privilege of playing for a third team that didn't need to defend, but was allowed to score by kicking the ball into the goal of either the other 2 teams.
Naturally, there were no big scores or big misses. Final score: nil-nil-nil.
The only thing I really disliked was when they agreed with each other. We can't have top politicians doing something as stupid as that.
No Barriers Cameron
by Graham Davies
I realise that I am running the risk of saying too many nice things about David Cameron at the moment. However, he keeps on adding facets to his presentational persona.
His performance on the Politics Show yesterday was a spectacular demonstration of barrierless presenting. There was never a hint of him hiding from anything, with the possible exception of the specifics of tax bands.
His default body language is very open. His natural tendency is to engage rather than confront. He is now just so damned likeable....for a politician.
I suspect that his minders may tell him that a certain level of aloofness may be desirable over the next few weeks. It is just possible that the British people may not want a Prime Minister who is quite so approachable!
by Graham Davies
I realise that I am running the risk of saying too many nice things about David Cameron at the moment. However, he keeps on adding facets to his presentational persona.
His performance on the Politics Show yesterday was a spectacular demonstration of barrierless presenting. There was never a hint of him hiding from anything, with the possible exception of the specifics of tax bands.
His default body language is very open. His natural tendency is to engage rather than confront. He is now just so damned likeable....for a politician.
I suspect that his minders may tell him that a certain level of aloofness may be desirable over the next few weeks. It is just possible that the British people may not want a Prime Minister who is quite so approachable!
Friday, 26 March 2010
Eulogies
by Graham Davies
Eulogies are at the extreme emotional end of the presentational spectrum. Sadly, I have recently had to advise several clients on how to do them effectively.
Don't tell the whole life story of the deceased. Instead, pick out the real highs: the things that he and his still-living friends and relatives would really like to remember him for. And don't be afraid of humour. Funerals should have laughter as well as tears.
This is one of the few scenarios where I recommend that you use a fully written-out script. It is very difficult to use brief notes as memory-joggers when you have to use the majority of your mental strength just stopping yourself from breaking down.
The most important piece of advice is this: even though it will be painful, rehearse the speech properly, out loud, all the way through, as many times as you can. This allows you to experience the emotion of those words in private before you have to share them in public.
This is the best way of making sure that you control your feelings on the day, rather than letting them control you.
by Graham Davies
Eulogies are at the extreme emotional end of the presentational spectrum. Sadly, I have recently had to advise several clients on how to do them effectively.
Don't tell the whole life story of the deceased. Instead, pick out the real highs: the things that he and his still-living friends and relatives would really like to remember him for. And don't be afraid of humour. Funerals should have laughter as well as tears.
This is one of the few scenarios where I recommend that you use a fully written-out script. It is very difficult to use brief notes as memory-joggers when you have to use the majority of your mental strength just stopping yourself from breaking down.
The most important piece of advice is this: even though it will be painful, rehearse the speech properly, out loud, all the way through, as many times as you can. This allows you to experience the emotion of those words in private before you have to share them in public.
This is the best way of making sure that you control your feelings on the day, rather than letting them control you.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Cameron Performs
by Graham Davies
David Cameron needs the adrenalin surge of a live audience to present at his best. His budget reply yesterday was his most compellingly combative performance for some time.
Admittedly, he doesn't do indignation well. It always comes across as rehearsed pantomime. But he now has a knack for memorising and delivering one-liner gags so sharply that they do not sound rehearsed. Which of course means that have been. Rather alot.
He has now become a political presentation all-rounder. Despite the recent Gay Times video problem, he has real charm in a one-to-one interview. The Faithful now adore his gee-up set pieces. And now he can even get Opposition MPs laughing at his jokes in the House of Commons.
These are 3 very different skills in very different settings, and he is at the top of the game in all of them. This is the political presentation equivalent of playing for England at tennis, squash and badminton...all at he same time.
I would love to finish this piece off with a nice double entendre about rackets, but I can't give you one.
by Graham Davies
David Cameron needs the adrenalin surge of a live audience to present at his best. His budget reply yesterday was his most compellingly combative performance for some time.
Admittedly, he doesn't do indignation well. It always comes across as rehearsed pantomime. But he now has a knack for memorising and delivering one-liner gags so sharply that they do not sound rehearsed. Which of course means that have been. Rather alot.
He has now become a political presentation all-rounder. Despite the recent Gay Times video problem, he has real charm in a one-to-one interview. The Faithful now adore his gee-up set pieces. And now he can even get Opposition MPs laughing at his jokes in the House of Commons.
These are 3 very different skills in very different settings, and he is at the top of the game in all of them. This is the political presentation equivalent of playing for England at tennis, squash and badminton...all at he same time.
I would love to finish this piece off with a nice double entendre about rackets, but I can't give you one.
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Cameron's Fluff
by Graham Davies
Okay, he should have been better briefed before the Gay Times video interview. He should have known more detail about Tory MEPs' voting record. He should also have given alot more thought to the very fundamental question of what issues should be the subject of 'free' votes.
I am certain that his media bodyguards at Tory HQ were screaming at the screen when they saw his performance. However, I am certain that Dave's stumbling has done him no presentational harm....and may actually have done him some good.
This is a politician that does not always try to bluff and bluster his way through on camera. He actually takes the radical step of carefully considering the points that are put to him. He is then capable of changing his mind and politely correcting what he has just said. I cannot imagine any other politician pulling this off with such charm.
The stumble-and-self-correction is a surprisingly endearing ploy...as long as it does not become a habit in election battle conditons.
by Graham Davies
Okay, he should have been better briefed before the Gay Times video interview. He should have known more detail about Tory MEPs' voting record. He should also have given alot more thought to the very fundamental question of what issues should be the subject of 'free' votes.
I am certain that his media bodyguards at Tory HQ were screaming at the screen when they saw his performance. However, I am certain that Dave's stumbling has done him no presentational harm....and may actually have done him some good.
This is a politician that does not always try to bluff and bluster his way through on camera. He actually takes the radical step of carefully considering the points that are put to him. He is then capable of changing his mind and politely correcting what he has just said. I cannot imagine any other politician pulling this off with such charm.
The stumble-and-self-correction is a surprisingly endearing ploy...as long as it does not become a habit in election battle conditons.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
The Samantha Factor
by Graham Davies
Samantha Cameron is a superbly presented all-rounder. She is a successful businesswoman and a major contributor of time to several charities. She has gone through both the joy and sorrows of motherhood. She is the practical personification of David's compassionate words about the family.
Politically, her profile has been deliberately subterranean. However, she has certainly been a significant voice of reason in content-brainstorming meetings before her husband's most important speeches.
Her most distinctive presentational skill so far has been the knack of appearing comfortable and relaxed on camera, without ever seeming to actively seek the attention of the lens.
In fact, her Personal Political Brand is so strong because she has shrewdly not made any public pronouncements. This is one of the occasions when silence should be warmly applauded.
by Graham Davies
Samantha Cameron is a superbly presented all-rounder. She is a successful businesswoman and a major contributor of time to several charities. She has gone through both the joy and sorrows of motherhood. She is the practical personification of David's compassionate words about the family.
Politically, her profile has been deliberately subterranean. However, she has certainly been a significant voice of reason in content-brainstorming meetings before her husband's most important speeches.
Her most distinctive presentational skill so far has been the knack of appearing comfortable and relaxed on camera, without ever seeming to actively seek the attention of the lens.
In fact, her Personal Political Brand is so strong because she has shrewdly not made any public pronouncements. This is one of the occasions when silence should be warmly applauded.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Will the Debates make a difference?
by Graham Davies
The televised Election Debates between the main party leaders will epitomise the way that our attention span for life in general and politics in particular is getting shorter and shorter.
It is likely that each debate will last 90 minutes. This is a long time on television....and I suspect that many people who are watching the beginning of each programme will not make it to the end. The novelty of the situation will not ncessarily generate enough magnetic adrenalin to keep thumbs away from remote controls.
The main problem for both Brown and Cameron is that they both have every incentive to play safe and almost no incentive to take presentational risks that really differentiate themselves and their policies.
Brown does not want to harm the solidity he gains by virtue of being the sitting Prime Minister. Cameron does not want to harm his own solid lead in the opinion polls. Only Nick Clegg can be a bit more edgey, because he is never going to lead a government himself.
The likely result is that even the viewers with the most stamina won't feel any more enlightened about the real differences between a government led by Brown or Cameron.
by Graham Davies
The televised Election Debates between the main party leaders will epitomise the way that our attention span for life in general and politics in particular is getting shorter and shorter.
It is likely that each debate will last 90 minutes. This is a long time on television....and I suspect that many people who are watching the beginning of each programme will not make it to the end. The novelty of the situation will not ncessarily generate enough magnetic adrenalin to keep thumbs away from remote controls.
The main problem for both Brown and Cameron is that they both have every incentive to play safe and almost no incentive to take presentational risks that really differentiate themselves and their policies.
Brown does not want to harm the solidity he gains by virtue of being the sitting Prime Minister. Cameron does not want to harm his own solid lead in the opinion polls. Only Nick Clegg can be a bit more edgey, because he is never going to lead a government himself.
The likely result is that even the viewers with the most stamina won't feel any more enlightened about the real differences between a government led by Brown or Cameron.
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