Ways To Deliver Ideas

Let's redefine "great oration"

Will you be watching President Biden’s interview tonight with George Stephanopoulos? Let’s confer tomorrow, after the news media pundits have analyzed the conversation to death (kidding, but they will). I hope viewers will not be looking for a “performance,” but rather for substance.

It brings to mind the years Hillary Clinton was running against Obama. Her delivery was very wonkish, policy-heavy and detail oriented. Obama was considered a “great orator.” In fact, I argue they both were good orators, it just depends on how you define good orator. Obama’s type of oration fits the classic definition, and one that is typically associated with great leaders. We need to change our idea of what qualities constitute a “great leader,” and adapt to different styles of delivering ideas. Trump has bravado and bluster which is misinterpreted as coming from a great leader; when in fact it’s all style and no substance (untrue substance). Biden’s style of speaking is sometimes halting and weak; not a great orator in the classic sense, but I do believe a great leader.

I read somewhere that President Lincoln was not a gifted orator; instead he was an extremely gifted writer and thinker. His ideas brought great change. I wish we could think less about performance and more about ideas.

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On a lighter note: are you at the beach? Are you resting? Are you chilling for a day or two? Hope so. This water tower is enjoying herself. If you have been subscribing for a while, you know I love water towers. Often, they are my go-to topic to draw. Even if it’s completely absurd.

Thanks for being here, see you tomorrow!