What We Can Learn from the Biden/Palin Debate

You are entering a no politics zone...

So if you want political commentary or biased spin, you are in the wrong place. :)

I watched the Vice Presidential Debate last night from two perspectives. As a voter I wanted to hear what both had to say. But I also wanted to see what I could glean from it from a leadership development and learning perspective.

To be Remarkable Leaders, we must communicate powerfully. The debate provided a wonderful learning laboratory to examine speaking prowess and persuasion approaches. Here are the lessons I learned, and how you can use them as a leader.

- Be yourself. Governor Palin was warm and down to earth. I must believe this is really her. She smiled talked normally - mispronunications, verbal habits (i.e. "also") and all. Senator Biden got emotional at one point when speaking about his family, and shared from his extensive experience in the Senate.

When speaking to a group, be yourself. Don't try to be "like" someone else as a speaker. Find your own voice and be authentic.

- Play to your strengths. Both candidates played to their relative strengths and it helped them communication more successfully.

Know what your strengths are and use them as a communicator. Talk to your experience and speak from your unique perspective and you will be more persuasive.

- Make eye contact. Governor Palin was exceptional at at looking into the camera - the closest thing she could do to looking viewers in the eye. Eye contact matters. Both candidates looked at their notes at different times, but not often while they were speaking.

In groups of 1 or 100,000, make eye contact - it builds connection, understanding and trust.

- Be clear on your core message. Both candidates had specific things they wanted to emphasize, and they made sure that they made those points.

A clear purpose coupled with repetition will help you communicate more effectively and efficiently.

- Answer the question. On this count, neither candidate did exceptionally well, but candidates seldom do in these sorts of events. In general, audience perception either or both would have one better if they had answered the questions they were asked directly.

People ask questions because they want to know the answer. As a speaker or leader we must make sure we understand the question, answer it, and make sure people understand our answer. To do less reduces our effectiveness and ability to persuade.

These are five lessons from the vice presidential debate. I encourage you to think about how you can apply these lessons,and to watch the remaining Presidential debates, looking for lessons and ways to become a more effective communicator yourself.


Also posted in Leadership.

Labels: Biden, communication, Palin, persuasion, Vice Presidential Debate

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