What From of Public Speaking Appeals to You???

Patroklos · January 13, 2004, 16:29

Hey all,

Watched a story on the news today about how fiery and confrontational Dean is in this public addresses. I don't think he is any more fiery than some other candidates. He does go ballistic on rude journelists sometimes, but they derserve it. It brings up a good question.

What triats in a public speaker turn you onto a speakers message?

Obviously what he is saying matters, but delivery is very important. I tend to like firm and calm speakers.

What turns me off is the high and mighty preacher syndrome where volume makes right, and of course sarcastic speakers why just throw insults. Don't get me wrong that is entertaining sometimes, but not serious in my opinion.

What appeasl to you?

The Andy-Man · January 13, 2004, 16:34

i hate blair types who stop every second word like we are so stupid we can't handle more then 2 words in one go.

I really like the old man type with the deep and booming voice...

loinburger · January 13, 2004, 16:39

I like people who give me money, a la the Joker in Batman. I probably wouldn't vote for the Joker, though, what with him trying to murder me and all that.

The Andy-Man · January 13, 2004, 16:43

Quote:

Originally posted by loinburger
I like people who give me money, a la the Joker in Batman. I probably wouldn't vote for the Joker, though, what with him trying to murder me and all that.

If its Jack Nicholson playing the joker, i'd vote for him any time of the day, 'Love that Joker'

Patroklos · January 13, 2004, 16:43

heh, I am not sure about the Penguin, you know with all the nose biting and such.

Yeah dramatic pauses are way overdone. Todays politicians are like LOTR characters. Stopping to stare into the publics eyes in some psuedo homoerotic pose every sentance, before realizing they ween't done talking and continueing.

The Andy-Man · January 13, 2004, 16:46

my problem with modern politians is they have no style or flow, and they want to seem like 'really really really really really nice people'

I don't want a nice guy in chargem i want a brute who gets the job done

GePap · January 13, 2004, 16:55

Good hand movement is critical. The individual must be able to use their voice well- they have to make you know where the punctiation would go if it were writen. never look like you are reading of a script-keep eye contact with the crowd.

Know how to pause- as has been said, it sould never be long, but you can;t go on for 3 hours straight either.

Patroklos · January 13, 2004, 16:57

Thats true, you don't want to drone on, it is like ranting in here without breaking up paragraphs.

Used strategically pauses can add alot to specific points, but if you use it all the time the emphasis is lost.

The Andy-Man · January 13, 2004, 17:06

you should also say something shocking it, and try your best to leave the audience stunned by your brilliance. Standing ovation is for wussies

Whaleboy · January 13, 2004, 18:31

I like rational arguments that actually stand up in a critical analysis. If they are going to use literary devices and metaphorical language, I like them to have a coherent argument underpinning. Anything else irritates me :anger:

chequita guevara · January 13, 2004, 18:33

Quote:

Originally posted by The Andy-Man
If its Jack Nicholson playing the joker, i'd vote for him any time of the day, 'Love that Joker'

That explains Thatcher.

The Andy-Man · January 13, 2004, 18:41

Quote:

Originally posted by chegitz guevara

That explains Thatcher.

did some one say.. thatcher

The Andy-Man · January 13, 2004, 18:47

speaking of mrs T and speeches, i always liked her 'the lady's not fo turning!' one. I like the line before it, 'The pres are speaing that word 'U-tutnr.' well i say, you turn if you want to...'

:) Smiley · January 13, 2004, 18:48

It'd either better be about something I've got interest in, or it better be entertaining. Also, good speaking is concise.

Lawrence of Arabia · January 13, 2004, 18:57

i like to give huddle speeches (like before a game)

General Ludd · January 13, 2004, 19:16

Quote:

Originally posted by Patroklos

Obviously what he is saying matters

That's all that matters to me. I like the person to just talk normally. I get quite annoyed when they start infusing their message with charisma, passion, or whatever... Just say what you've got to say and don't mess it up with fake emotions.

Patroklos · January 13, 2004, 19:29

Eddie Izzard, when he was talking about singing national anthems, stated that what people get from you when speaking:

1. ) 50% what you look like when you say it.
2. ) 40% how you sound when you say it.
3. ) 10% what you say.

He was making fun of people singing in groups whe didn't know the words, but would make up for it with a booming voice and hand gestuers. Not an authoritative coment in any way shape or form, but pretty funny because you see people do this at football games or for church songs all the time.

I am sure more than a few people get carried away by charisma, probobly can't remember what the hell was said five minites later, but it had such POWERFUL delivery

The Andy-Man · January 13, 2004, 19:32

Eddie Izzard is usually always right (we will pretend he has no views on Europe

)

General Ludd · January 13, 2004, 19:33

Personally, whenever I hear someone giving a really charismatic or passionate speach, I can't help but think of Hitler.

Patroklos · January 13, 2004, 19:54

I have heard that opinion before, and I can't say I am immune to the same thoughts. But then I ask myself is in angry charismatic or happy charismatic. Or is the person pissed off or elated over what he is talking about. Both annoy me but the angry version more.

Good thing about that is ist is almost impossible to pull off that angry strategy systemically anymore, as people will always think of that one guy...

Japher · January 13, 2004, 19:58

I like it when speakers use props and tell jokes. Or, just say funny things that they don't realize is a joke. I also like them to look like monkeys and make pouting shapes with their mouth when they talk, and not really move their mouth much. I also think it helps if they have a Texan accent, or at least some sort of mutilated form of a southern accent....

Jamski · January 13, 2004, 20:21

Anyone that can get to the point in under 3 minutes, using only correct English and without shouting.

-Jam

OzzyKP · January 13, 2004, 20:39

When speaking I go for a very informal tone. Try to have a conversation with the audience as much as possible. The more back and forth the better. I know my material well, so I am able to field any question well. Though I do often get tough questions and have to do my best to spin. I'm getting better at handling the tough question though.

I don't get all emotional or loud, I use a pretty steady tone. I use pauses, but its all conversational, not like an overly dramatized speech.

Being intellectually honest with the audience is really important to me, and I think goes a far way. I don't talk down to the crowd, use jargon, or imply in any way that we aren't all equals. This goes along with the back and forth, and listening in addition to just talking.

Plus I adopt a very relaxed posture, sitting(preferable), or in a stage/podium combo I lean on it in a comfortable posture (detractors would say I'm slouching). Not only does this make me comfortable and put me at ease, I think it does the same for the audience.

As for content, I draw a lot on common sense, logic and personal experience. People (at least the audiences I speak to) are too savvy to be wowed by endless statistics and numbers, they help to butress a logical argument, but only if it makes sense on a personal level. I draw heavily on our common experiences, and refer to my personal experiences often to make my case. Since I am very informal, relaxed, and personable I am often humorous, but always off the cuff, never a canned joke.

I suppose thats the type of speaker I like to hear as well. I don't want a pompous starched shirt delivering a pre-packaged speech.

Harry Tuttle · January 13, 2004, 20:42

large stadiums, banners, and angry rants and raves... Oh wait... Nevermind...

BeBro · January 13, 2004, 21:31

Quote:

Originally posted by Osweld
Personally, whenever I hear someone giving a really charismatic or passionate speach, I can't help but think of Hitler.

It was probably seen as charismatic in the 30ies, but when I see Hitler´s speeches today, I can´t stop laughing.

Nubclear · January 13, 2004, 21:32

Perhaps because you have an inbuilt bias?

BeBro · January 13, 2004, 21:35

Maybe, but I think all his overdone gestics and aggressive rhetorics would have the same effect today on an audience (that isn´t totally stupid) outside Germany....

Patroklos · January 13, 2004, 21:49

I think that the overall hateful message lends itself to an audience that needs something to hate, ie Wiemar Germany. It is a specialized tool.

It is a very powerful tool, because once you have that anger hooked with rhetoric, you can steer it anyway you want. We saw how that worked...

BeBro · January 13, 2004, 22:11

Yeah, it has its demagogic value, you know "The Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded"....