Yes We Can!
“And so tomorrow… as we learn that the struggles of the textile workers in Spartanburg are not so different than the plight of the dishwasher in Las Vegas; that the hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of L.A.; we will remember that… we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea – Yes. We. Can.”
Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States on the 20th January 2009. If there is one thing he will be remembered for, it might very well be his eloquence, memory and rhetoric, exemplified by his stirring speeches which are often littered with stories and quotations that people will one day recite in classrooms as demonstrations of the way to speak. Without taking anything away from him as a brilliant visionary, it must be said that it was the ability to effectively communicate his ideals and beliefs which enabled a man with “a father from Kenya, a mother from Kansas and a story that could only happen in the United States of America” to become the most powerful person in the world.
It is not just his amazing ability to inspire through his speeches. It is his active listening to the problems and worries faced by the average citizen whom he met throughout his political career; it is his non-verbal cues that showed off his confidence despite being put on the spot; it is his willingness to stand alongside volunteers campaigning in the depths of winter on the streets of Chicago; it is his ability to break down all barriers between him and the average American with a simple word - Change, and a slogan repeated numerously.
I am a person with ideals to change the world. Although politics is (in the foreseeable future) not my avenue for pursuing these changes, President Obama’s historic rise to Presidency offers many lessons about effective communication to my entrepreneurial pursuits:
1) In conversation, embrace difference - This is what makes you special. This is what makes others remember you.
2) Listen to the world around you - Identifying and solving other people’s problems is what makes one successful.
3) Do the little things - Actions speak louder than words, therefore being there for others, acknowledging jobs well done, and celebrating little successes will go a long way in gaining trust as a leader.
4) In public speaking, Practice, Practice, Practice - There is no other secret.
Most of all, the greatest lesson in communication, perhaps, is that in the face of the toughest challenge and the most demanding audience, self-belief will carry one through. Yes We Can.
Hong Ting,
This is an outstanding post. Using Obama as the exemplary communicator, you demonstrate well what the power of effective communication really is…and to where it might lead.
My only question is about your point #1 on the list of “lessons.” You mention “in conversation, embrace difference.” However, I don’t feel that your explanation supports that enough.
In any case, this is a very creative response.
Thanks!
I totally agree on the part on practice makes perfect! Hmm, embracing difference, my guess would be dare to be different when one is in a conversation, creating a unqiue self-image?
On a second note, thanks for sharing this with all of us, I think that you are quite organised with your thoughts and can express them across in a clear and interesting manner. Guess that is an important quality to have in order to communicate effectively too!
Hey Hong Ting,
First of all, I must thank you for giving me a greater understanding about Barack Obama. You see, as I am not one that is very keen in politics, I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about Mr Obama. Reading your post have enlightened me and provided me with more knowledge about Barack Obama.
Secondly, I like the way you put how the importance of effective communication into phases. I feel that it is very meaningful especially the third and the forth phases. I totally agree with you that practise is the most important when it comes to communication and anything else. Without proper practise, whatever we do will never reach the best.
In addition, I also believe that actions speak louder than words. A small gesture from us might actually mean more to the other party than us saying things out aloud. Hence, I feel that in order to be a good communicator and a good leader, I must not be afraid to try and most importantly, I must be able to acknowledge and appreciate those around me.
Hi all,
Replies coming in a little late, but anyway, Ziqi got it spot on with regards to embracing difference. In order for others to remember one, it is important for one to stand out from the crowd in a way or another. Otherwise, despite becoming very effective communicators, we might very well just be another good speaker instead of someone you might vote for.
Not sure if I’m being a little out of point by saying this, but very often, when we attain perfection in doing something (across various fields), we become good, but not yet a master. Mastery comes from leveraging on being good, but going above and beyond to create one’s special brand. Michael Jordon was not only fundamentally good, but his ability to create shots out of nothing made him a superstar. Apple products are not just technological sound, but the almost obsessive need for the product to be aesthetically sound created a cult like following for Apple products.
Find out how we’re different from our peers, and embrace this difference in order to shine from the crowd!