Create Your Communications Experience

Open Communication - Now and Forever?

 (UPDATE: See this clip from CNN 6/20/09, 4 days after I wrote the following post. They now call it "the Internet Revolution.")

The Iran protests and Twitter's hand in dramatically showing that an oppressive regime can no longer censor dissent may have changed communications forever.

Ahmadinejad's regime thought they had shut down all social media sites and Iranian ISP's even before the election. But they couldn't do it. With Twitter leading the charge, onsite observers sent hundreds of thousands of instant messages, videos and pictures through Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. The world perhaps watched even more intently because of this dramatic, historic and new communications experience - the perfect storm.

The Open Medium

Could a simple little message distribution system like Twitter have such profound change. I think so, and others like The Nation agree.

Twitter is the first truly open social media that I know of. Count the ways:

• In the news. Iran is not the first example of people flocking to Twitter to get their news immediately and unfiltered. The Miracle on the Hudson was just one of countless breaking news examples. And it was pressure from Twitter on the first day of the protests (last Saturday) that forced CNN to increase their coverage of the riots and discontent. 
• Open relationships. It's no coincidence that Twitter cannot be suppressed, technically as well as behaviorally. The culture of Twitter insists on open, not closed; free not censored; share not take. I personally am amazed at the real relationships I have built through Twitter with people from all walks and seasons of life: @speli (a new friend from the last week, several common interests including Iran), @ChrisSpagnuolo (acquaintance who became close friend), @Ed (an inspiring story, but for another time), @MichaelHyatt (top CEO who has become a friend with great insights/info), and the list goes on... Only because of vulnerability on both sides. Unique. Culturally driven.
• Those who succeed at Twitter are NOT those who Block their Updates. Twitter, and all Social Media, are for those who engage and share with others - insights, information, ideas, links, and actually, their lives. Blocked updates are an antithesis to Twitter - why take the time to join? There are other means of communicating privately - it's not on Twitter.
• Thus many corporations are going to have to change. As I've been advocating social media to high level clients and executives (often white, male and boomers) I've been talking to those experienced in control and hierarchy. I'll never forget the lesson learned several years ago, talking to a potential client (Fortune 100) who wanted us to help his direct reports be trained to write speeches and read them - so he personally could edit them in advance. We disagreed then. We didn't get that job. And it was in a different era, but many are still living in it.
• Philosophy in social media. Both Twitter and Facebook have made some decisions that backfired - and the immediate response from their millions of members changed their policies. Instantly. This is new - it used to take days and weeks to build pressure on media or institutions to change, if they even would change. Now it's instant, and responsive - open listening.

Perhaps communication has changed forever. It will be fascinating, and valuable for reasons beyond politics, to see how the Iran crisis plays out. My guess is that Twitter will go down as integral to the end result.

And more importantly, it may now be impossible for a repressive, censoring regime to succeed in any country. Or any company for that matter. How can you censor when people can connect openly with each other.

I think Twitter has changed the communications game. What do you think?

Sully: Authority and Authenticity

Eloquent in his brevity in his first speech (21 seconds long) after the 'Miracle on the Hudson' crash landing, Capt. Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger just had his first lengthy interview on '60 Minutes.' His legend continues.

There are many perspectives to analyze, laud and talk about when we consider this unique hero. It's the intention here to emphasize how the 'communication experience' Sully creates is that which reflects the man accurately. It is so rare that happens when a man or woman is NOT trying to make a 'presentation.'

He was uniquely brief in his first (of many) ceremonies honoring him, which reflects perhaps why he was also uniquely brief in his communications with the air traffic controllers when under intense pressure to pilot his aircraft to escape disaster. And he did it.

"I was sure I could do it," he said to Katie Couric in the interview - and we believed him. And we believed him throughout this long (for him) interview. (See complete 60 Minutes here.) When Sully said he had to 'force himself to use his training to force calm on the situation' Katie asked, "Was that a hard thing to do?" Sully replied, "No, it just took some concentration."

So cool, so task oriented (thank God) and so even in temperament. Is he a machine? No - and I (we) teared up along with him when his eyes filled as he reflected on the human lives involved, and the humanity effected by this epic event.

Captain Chesley Sully Sullenberger is a hero, deservedly so. He is uncomfortable with carrying this mantel, by his own admission And yet he acknowledged that this is a time where we want and need heroes - men and women of character and integrity that we can look to for guidance. People need to be inspired by role models who have authority and authenticity, and Sully Sullenberger has that. And he communicates that.

I truly hope that he sees his role now not in flying airplanes, but in using his new platform to teach us a thing or two about discipline, teamwork and leadership. I hope he continues to motivate people in his communications - he is so naturally good at it. Brief yet always making a point, getting out of his own way, and showing a slight smile with great eye contact. He connects. With authority and authenticity.

Sully, we want more...

Eloquence In His Brevity

Sully Sullenberger spoke publicly for the first time after his "Miracle on the Hudson." He spoke for exactly 21 seconds - three sentences. There was eloquence in his brevity.

We of course wanted more - we were yearning to have him tell us how he did it, of the heroic efforts, and the drama. But Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger would have none of it at this celebration of the hometown hero in Danville, CA (my former hometown BTW.) All indications in the press to date show him to be a humble, highly competent man of integrity. And his 'speech' reflected nothing less.

Now I hope we hear more. We need heroes to emulate and to learn from. He is certainly a hero, and I hope he allows us to get to know him in book and person. I think he has a lot to teach us. About preparation and leadership, and teamwork.



This was like that first potato chip - tasted great, but leaves us thirsty, yearning for another, and another.

There was eloquence in his brevity, and now I want more. How about you?

The Inauguration Speech - Pro and, yes, Con

President Barack Obama gave a great Inaugural speech today. Yet it was not legendary. Here's why - on both counts:

Pro

• Content. It was well written, struck the right note of hope and opportunity in the midst of very serious and difficult times.
• Rule of Three. If this was going to be a long post, I could take a page or two listing the oratorical devices he used effectively. Particularly the Rule of Three.
• His delivery was strong of voice and cadence. He is a master of cadence and oratory.

That said, expectation was his enemy. The great majority loved his speech, yet so many expected so much from the great orator that some were disappointed.

Con

• There was no memorable phrase that will stick with us. This man, this time and this occasion cried out for an elevated, singular moment like:

               "Ask not what your country can do for you..."
               "We have nothing to fear but fear itself..."
               "I have a dream..."

• For a master of rhythm and cadence, I felt President Obama did not use his pauses and applause moments with his usual skill. He didn't "work the crowd" in crass language, although I admit it's not easy to work a crowd of a couple of million people. And yet, such a crowd and an event as this can be combined to generate an unusually feverish pitch. The crowd was satisfied, but not elevated.
• Teleprompters. Obama could use the teleprompters more skillfully - and not just look side to side. If he varied his 'reading' rhythm he would be able to vary both his eye contact, his facial expression (not one smile) and his voice.

President Obama's greatest speech has yet to come.

Tonight I'm going to post some additional clips (in a new service and internet capability!) and show :

• The Most Momentous Moment
• The Most Singular Moment
• The Most Memorable Moment

The Top Ten Best (and Worst) Communicators of 2008

This Annual List of Top Ten Communicators of 2008 highlights the best (and worst) from business, politics (big this year), entertainment, sports and the professions. Take a look to see how communication skills helped make or break these notable individuals:

THE BEST

1.    Barack Obama
As his star continues to rise, there’s just no contest for #1 Best Communicator.
And it’s not just because he was elected President that he deserves #1, but that he was elected President BECAUSE of his communications ability. President Elect Obama is the first repeat at #1 (2006) and for the same reason. He vaulted from obscurity on the strength of his words and speeches at the 2004 Democratic Convention, and just kept talking. To date he hasn't really done much except communicate. Shows you how important that skill is. One of the greatest modern orators, we’ll now see if he can replace Bill Clinton as “the great communicator” while in office.

2.    Tim Russert
He was one of the best, and we’ll miss him.
One of our best TV journalists died this year, and he would have made this list without the posthumous honor. Russert was personable, energetic and open but also tough, incisive and smart. Meet The Press, and Network TV News will never be the same. His son Luke Russert was eloquent in his eulogy, and maybe there will be more…

  3.    Randy Pausch
An unknown, until he gave one speech about his mortality.
“The Last Speech” of 48 year old Professor Randy Pausch has deservedly received an amazing 8 million views on YouTube by 2008. This popular Professor took the stage at Carnegie Mellon late in 2007 to announce that this would be his last speech. He was dying of cancer. And this one singular moment remains a classic communication masterpiece – in addition to the emotion without maudlin, Pausch is funny, energetic and fully engaging. He did continue to speak in smaller settings until his death on July 25, 2008, and his communicating led to the best selling book “The Last Lecture”.

4.    Colin Powell
Always great, in 2008 he gave the interview of the year.
Colin Powell has always been a great communicator, and thereby a great leader. He is on the Top Ten this year for his masterful press conference when he endorsed Barack Obama. Clear, strong and in control in a Q&A with Tom Brokaw, Powell gave Obama perhaps the final boost he needed. It came from a highly respected communicator who himself could perhaps have been President had he chosen. He communicates like a President should.

5.    Mike Huckabee
The one repeat from last year – he can’t be held down.
Governor Huckabee deserves his repeat on the Top Ten Best list (he was #1 in 2007) because of what he continued to accomplish with his speaking style and quick wit. He did two new things of note in 2008: Became an upset winner and viable candidate for the Presidency before his ‘value proposition’ did him in. Then he went on to be a conservative spokesperson with a national TV Show on Fox, called “Huckabee”. I hunch he will continue to thrive because he communicates well in any setting.

 6.    John Chambers
A remarkable businessman who’s speaking ability drives his company.
It’s good to have a businessman on the Best list in this economically woeful year. Cisco CEO John Chambers is a remarkable communicator who has led the evolution of Cisco Systems into the "human network." As a spokesperson for the industry. He is articulate, an advocate (and on issues beyond business), and a highly respected innovator (such as in this 3D Telepresence demo from India). When government leaders and Presidential candidates want to align with a powerful business person, they call on Chambers.

7.    Sarah Palin
A remarkable woman in a remarkable rise to celebrity.
She electrified the public with her speaking ability and galvanized the Republican base. But I was even more impressed at her confidence under pressure. Several times. She was mocked by the media after McCain picked her as her choice for VP, until her acceptance speech when she wowed the country. After some missteps she was again counted out by the media and most others, until her electrifying speech at the Republican Convention. As a pure speaker on a national stage – whether using the teleprompter or not - she is surprisingly the best of all the candidates, including Obama. It’s the other communicating where she falls short. (See the Worst list below.)

8.    The New Communicators – Nancy and Garr, Seth and Guy
There’s a new breed of communicator, and they are leading a vanguard.
There are those who speak well, and also use the new tools of communication in creating a new paradigm for connecting and influencing in a shrinking electronic world:
•    Nancy Duarte and Garr Reynolds – both are best known for their design brilliance, but in 2008 they have exploded in impact with books and blogs. Nancy has written ‘Slide:ology’ and Garr has written ‘Presentation Zen’ – and both books are amazing best sellers that have revolutionized the business presentation business. Although they deal with design, both books are different and more profound – they deal with communicating messages effectively. PowerPoint will never be the same thank goodness. And Nancy and Garr are now in high demand on the ‘professional speaking circuit’ as well because they also communicate with excellence face-to-face.
•    Seth Godin and Guy Kawasaki – both are guru’s in the tech/internet/social media  space, because they are brilliant, speak brilliantly and funny, and then cast their influence further through books and blogs, tweets and tele, speaking and showering pithiness wherever they go. I’m amazed when I ask a business client if they’ve heard of Seth and his book ‘Tribes’, or Guy and his book ‘Reality Check’ (or any of their many other books) and I sometimes hear the response, “Who?” If you haven’t heard of any of these four, you will soon. And seek them out. They are the new communicators, coming at you in all media.

9.    Tina Fey
How could she not be on the Top Ten Best list? 
Tina Fey is not only a top comedienne, a brilliant writer and producer of the Emmy winning series “30 Rock” but a sought after celebrity. Newsday even called it "The Year of the Fey." And though she became a household name in 2008 because of her uncanny Sarah Palin parodies on Saturday Night Live, she was on the rise well before. She is always real, natural and honest, and she will be a communicating force in the future, and probably beyond television.

10.    Anderson Cooper
He’s one of a kind – leading a new breed of journalists.
Hard hitting yet compassionate. Personable yet objective. Anderson Cooper is incisive and engaged (images of Anderson Cooper being blown about in a hurricane come to mind). And above all he’s savvy. Cooper not only speaks with no hesitation, he can control a loud group of CNN spin-doctors with a light touch. When he does a set piece, it is a conversation rather than a lecture. He’s come far, and should go even farther.

___________________________________

The Ten Worst Communicators of 2008

1. George Bush
When George Bush speaks, nobody listens.
That is perhaps the greatest tragedy of this Presidency – the Bully Pulpit is gone. And it basically has been missing since shortly after September 11, 2001, President Bush’s one moment in time of powerful communicating. In the few weeks on and after 9/11 he was authentic, strong and powerful. He felt our pain and communicated leadership. But soon after he slipped back to the shrugs and smirks, and tangles of syntax and grammar. It perhaps reached a nadir in the response to Katrina. Such is not the communications of a leader. Having so little influence this past year, it is sad to put our President as the #1 worst communicator of 2008.

2. Richard Fuld
More than a poster child.
The CEO of Lehman is more than the poster child for the greed that was a big cause of our financial mess of this past year. Richard Fuld is also incompetent as a communicator, and not only gave a terrible visual impression in his congressional testimony, but what he said was as bad as how he looked. When you have made $430 million dollars you don’t act arrogant, nose uplifted, as your company goes broke. You don’t parse obtuse PowerPoints on national television, and not reap the consequences. A sad day for business, and a devastating day for Lehman Brothers.

 3. Rod Blagojevich
The hair, and everything else.
Well, appearance isn’t everything, but why the long hair (a 50 year old trying to be an 18 year old), and then the obfuscation, then the maneuvering. To say nothing of the eye dart and fidgety manner on camera. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is fighting the charges of corruption, and looks like he will drag it to the bitter end. So we’ll probably see more of the stark comparison of the communications and the manner of the pursued, Blagojevich, with the pursuer, Federal Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who is excellent in manner and content.

4. Elliot Spitzer
The tragic fall of a Governor who can actually speak quite well.
Tragedy occurs when a character is brought to ruin caused by his own weaknesses. NY Governor Elliot Spitzer’s fall as a rising star was never more apparent as in his 'mea culpa' speech, where he had not planned to resign. He was anything but resigned in manner. What was evident was his hubris and arrogance in communicating that he did 'something' without acknowledging breaking the law consorting with prostitutes. And to have his wife sadly standing by as he shows no humility – now that’s a tragedy.

5. Roger Clemens
Another fall from grace.
It seems that 2008 was a year with many falls from high platforms (and we haven’t even included John Edwards who was a Presidential candidate.) Although perhaps not as serious as Elliot Spitzer but just as sad was the case of baseball hero Roger Clemens, one of the greatest pitchers of all time. When Clemens lied to the Congressional panel about his history with his trainer, steroids, and then later about consorting with young women – there were millions of young boys who lost a hero. We need our heros, and we need them to speak the truth with confidence. This baseball great tried to speak with confidence on this national stage of congress, but he faltered, and it did not ring true.

6. Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin was both the best, and the worst.
From the stage and platform, and when well prepared, Sarah Palin is a great communicator. (She’s on the Top Ten Best List). But when she is either unprepared or caught off guard, she is a disaster. This is very unusual, and I can’t remember seeing it on this big a scale. Palin is actually good in an interview when she knows her subject (as in this clip with Maria Bartiromo talking about Alaska gas exploration). But millions now have seen her unprepared with Katie Couric, where she picks the wrong things to say. It’s a matter of judgment that did her in, as she chooses confidently but glibly. And this includes making a televised statement at Thanksgiving with a backdrop of a farmer preparing a turkey for slaughter. Palin is a paradox – a study in contrasts. It will be interesting to see where she goes from here.

7. Dan Rather
Rather is finally rousted.
Likability is paramount, and Dan Rather never had it. Think of likability and trust – they go hand in hand, as in Walter Cronkite. On the other hand we have Rather, who in both communication style and affability is curt and distant, and ultimately made a mistake that finally forced him out. And the only reason it took so long was the CBS brass for some reason kept him on in spite of diminishing ratings. (Katie Couric caught off guard comments on him.) His story of lack of communication connectedness is featured in my newly revised book just out, “You’ve Got To Be Believed To Be Heard.”

8. Al Davis
This man is grim.
Al Davis owns the Oakland Raiders, and he is grim. He could afford to be grim and distant from the press when he was winning, and he was. Now the Oakland Raiders are losing - badly, over many years with a record six seasons of 11 plus losses – and Al Davis is firing his coaches annually. And with vitriol. He looks, sounds and acts grim. People can be forgiven for making mistakes, but Al Davis is on this list because in never acknowledging his mistakes he is acerbic, closed, and arrogant. And looks like he is wrong too.

9. Rosie O’Donnell
This woman is grim.
Rosie O’Donnell is grim, and that’s not good for a comedienne. Rosie should be Rosie, but she not only gets caught up in mud slinging battles with her peers (past) on The View, and Donald Trump, and the media, she is vitriolic in her diatribes on political issues. Her face shows anger and intolerance. She has a good vocabulary but it doesn’t take her very far. Her new show Rosie Live premiered in November and bombed. Her popularity continues to diminish as her humor dims.

10. John McCain
A man of character but not of communication.
Although John McCain might not have won the presidency even if he was as good a speaker as Barack Obama, he still could have done much better. Sure it was tough to overcome the burden of Iraq, the economy and the unpopularity of George Bush. But when you’re counted down and out before you’ve picked your Vice Presidential choice, something else is wrong. And then when your VP choice of Sarah Palin so overwhelms your candidacy because of HER communications, you know where the problem is. It’s sad too, because McCain was so much better in his concession speech and after the campaign, when he could just be himself. Just think what might have happened if he had communicated with the same naturalness during the campaign.

Why Caroline Kennedy Needs Speaking Game

Caroline Kennedy wants a Senate seat, after years as a behind the scenes celebrity. But to succeed she must undergo a major change in her communication style if she is to become credible.

This is not an election. Gov. Paterson of New York makes the sole appointment when Hillary Clinton likely gives up her seat in about a month. But the Governor of New York will rely on polls, popular opinion and credibility. So it might as well be an election since Caroline has claimed she WANTS the seat, and the media is all over the story. And right now Caroline does not have the "chops".

Years ago I worked in Bobby Kennedy's Presidential campaign, and got to know something of how the Kennedy family worked. Caroline took after her beautiful and elegant mother Jackie Kennedy. John Jr. took more after his father and the rest of the Kennedy clan. Now Caroline wants to switch roles. I don't think she can do it without a communication face lift.

Here she is announcing her interest in the Senate seat last week, and doing so in an affable and attractive way. But with hesitation and uncertainty - not in the forceful way she needs right now. After all, we know she's affable and attractive. But is she strong? Is she a leader? Can she take the heat? And can she inspire and motivate people to accomplish things? Make a judgment here in an interview, and here in a platform speech...

Specifically, Caroline Kennedy needs to show confidence, strength and leadership in her speaking:

• Eye Communication. Look at people. As individuals. She glances down and her eyes flit about.
• Pause. Give emphasis on certain words and phrases. Get rid of non-words - the ums and uhs of uncertainty. Replace fillers with a pause.
• Stand Tall. She doesn't exactly slouch, but she doesn't fill a room. She needs some forward lean.
• Forceful voice. Lose the monotone. Bring in the enthusiasm. She should project more, breathing from the diaphragm.

We also know for the last 40-plus years she has shied away from publicity and the camera. She can't continue to do this as she did last week - make a statement and run. She has to show grit and answer reporters directly. She has to make news, not shun newsmedia. And she has to be eager to talk, not appear reluctant.

Perception is reality in the eye of the perceiver. How the public, and Governor Paterson, view her as she communicates is how they will judge her ability. Look at Sarah Palin - written off and mocked in the early days, before she spoke at the Republican Convention. Then she was viewed as the savior of the Republican party. Sarah Palin was compelling because of her speaking, Caroline Kennedy is not. Caroline Kennedy needs a similar signature moment - and perhaps she would be well served to create one.

Credentials? Not so important. Look at Barack Obama - President not because of accomplishments, but because of communication ability. Caroline can overcome the lack of experience in government by making a forceful case for the experience she does have, on Boards, in organizations, and her family experience in politics. Forceful is the key word, because the resume is thin. But Barack did it. She can - if she gets a communications face lift.

Blagojevich - Communications of The Pursuer and the Pursued

Interesting communications in the Blagojevich scandal. Patrick Fitzgerald is the U.S Prosecuting Attorney who announced the charges, and he is good, and a solid communicator.

On the other hand, likely soon to be ex-Gov. Blagojevich is not very believable in his first defense here. Why?

First of all, when you have the truth (apparent) on your side, you would tend to speak with conviction and certainty. When you are lying, or uncomfortable with what you are saying, it tends to show in behavior. Here's how:

Patrick Fitzgerald:

• Firm voice, solid eye communication with reporters, serious and calm facial expression
• Straightforward recitation of facts, strong Point Of View, mentions team indicating thoroughness
• Consistent - Fitzgerald has been through this before - see this blog post as he prosecuted Scooter Libby. He projects the same confidence and certainty, and was named one of my Top Ten Speakers in 2005 for his communications.

Gov. Blagojevich:

• First of all the hair. Now it shouldn't matter that much, but it does. First time I saw him and I wondered - toupee, or if not, why not a haircut. Remember "Blink" and Malcom Gladwell's 'Thin Slicing'. In the first two seconds we make a lot of judgments based on appearance.
• Hair aside, Blagojevich is jumpy, eyes darting, with a bit of a smirk. Glib is a word I'd put in his descriptive cloud. Says arrogance to me.
• His content is weak - not believable in the face of such serious charges. Lot of repetitive concepts with lot of non-words (ums and uhs).

This said, we can be deceived. Pathological liers who actually BELIEVE they did not do wrong, or justify their behavior so THEY think it is accurate, if not truthful, can look like they are telling the truth. (eg: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman!") But it is very hard to feign false confidence and certainty.

At least Patrick Fitzgerald does not have to worry about feigning or obfuscating. Blagojevich - a different story.

The Bully Pulpit Is Taken

Never has a President-elect wrested the reins of communication so fast. In less than a week Barack Obama has already taken hold of the Bully Pulpit - that very real lightning rod of power of the presidency.

Why?

• Obviously because Obama is an outstanding communicator. That is now a given, and people expect him to speak out clearly, and with force.
• Bush gave up the Bully Pulpit long ago. His voice as one of power and influence has long since been weakened, and is now almost irrelevant. Astounding for a U.S. President.
• The Obama people (and thus their leader) appear very smart. They ran a very competent campaign, and they are not slowing down. They are being immediately proactive on several communication fronts - media, internet, Obama appearances, key appointments that make impact, etc.

So power doesn't really shift for more than two months, on January 20th. But it already has.

Proving once again that the effectiveness of a President's communication determines the effectiveness of his presidency.

Transformational Election - Transformational Speech!

A rare moment of opportunity and execution came together in the Presidential Election and the victory speech. The election itself was transformational - that's not for this blog to expound as there are enough others talking, blogging and twittering over that major event.

Barack Obama gave a once in a decade speech in accepting the Presidency. He has an incredible ability to move people with oratory in both his behavior and content - and he took advantage of that when he had his most important audience of perhaps hundreds of millions of people across the world.

• Presidential: He looked and spoke like a President. Whether you voted for him or not, if you weren't impressed you were not looking and listening. He did all the right things, under pressure.
• All About You: He talked about the people of his campaign, the people of his country, and the people who did not vote for him. He did not gloat, but he spoke as one who wanted to unite. This speech was not about him.
• On Point: He had a Point Of View, and stayed on message - just as his campaign did. It was all about change. Change from a country of slavery to a country where a black man could be elected President. Change from a broken country to a healing country. It was a disciplined speech, just as he ran a disciplined campaign.
• Story: He used his usual picturesque language, and had a great story of Ann Nixon Cooper, a 106 year old woman from Atlanta who waited to vote for 4 hours. She was born a generation from slavery, and when women couldn't vote, couldn't drive and couldn't fly. Powerful contrasts to today, and the task at hand.
• Likability: This is one of the most important factors in communicating - and determines most elections by influencing the undecideds. Barack Obama has the unique quality of being both Presidential and likable. He is measured (actually professorial), easy going yet energetic. He smiles, has an open face and appears thoughtful (a listener). His personality and ability to connect with eyes, gesture and voice is impressive, and certainly helped him influence the vote in his favor. And those behaviors all came to the fore in this memorable speech.

There is more, and there are some things he could do better. But that's for another time. Tonight is President-elect Obama's night - and he took advantage of the opportunity to bring others along with him. That's what a great speech does.

Alltop - Inspiring New Ideas

Guy Kawasaki has a brilliant new product in Alltop. It's an aggregator - what he calls a 'magazine rack' of the best of the internet - and a lot more.

I noted it before for speaking, but after using it for awhile now, I find it to be the fastest for the best of whatever you're interested in. So...

Since this blog is about communicating and speaking, I'm going to feature here the best, or most interesting, or otherwise unusual post I can find from Alltop that relates to getting your message across, influencing, and making a difference.

Here's the first:

From the blog Speaking About Presenting:

Scientific Evidence for Banning Bullets

Multitasking is a delusion - which at a minimum should revolutionize anyone's use of PowerPoints or Keynotes. Tests prove (and experience shows) that you cannot be talking and have someone supposedly listening while they are reading your slides. (BTW - use Black Slides!)