Throw away the script

Much has been said about the rhetorical prowess of Barack Obama as he fights his way to a possible Democratic nomination. The prevailing thought is that he out-speaks Hillary Clinton, and that he is a gifted orator who inspires and motivates.

I agree Mr. Obama has great skill as a speaker. But not all the time. When he inspires, when he motivates, when he gets audiences to their feet is when he speaks without a text.

But often Mr. Obama has to read what someone else has written for him. When he does, he comes across as yet another polished, competent speaker. But not as someone who can inspire or motivate.

When he frees himself from paper, when he can look at his audience, something special happens. He connects with the audience. In that connection, he speaks from his heart straight to theirs.

The resulting magic is understanding at the heart and soul level. That’s what will get you elected. That’s what will convince others to follow you. You will never get there by keeping your eyes glued to the page and reading the text aloud - no matter how well you can read.

Throw the paper way. That doesn’t mean you memorize your speech. But it does require that you understand what you’re saying, why you’re saying it and how you’re going to say it.

When it’s time to speak, focus on getting your heartfelt message across to your audience. Think of nothing else. Not what you’re going to have for dinner, not on what the kids are doing, and especially not on wondering if the audience likes you.

Focus on speaking your important truth from your heart to theirs. With this knowledge, with this focus, you will never need to use a paper crutch. Your presentations will be powerful. You will touch souls and win hearts.