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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.