PUBLIC SPEAKING INSPIRATION FROM REV. JESSE JACKSON (R.I.P)
Alliteration, Repetition, Inspiration
Welcome back to Speech of the Fortnight!
Every 2 weeks (or more, or less) I’ll share my thoughts on a real public speech - what I loved, and what I would do differently.
Last week, we lost one of the most impactful leaders this country has ever seen - the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Whether you followed him or not, agreed with him or not, he was, undeniably, an effective and compelling speaker.
In 1984, after losing the Democratic nomination to Mondale, he was tasked with re-unifying the party. His keynote speech was a huge step in this direction. If you listen to his words, you can see how he made the connection TO his audience, and made the case FOR his audience.
Elements I loved:
His cadence. I’m often asked to coach executives who don’t “intonate their voice” enough. (I call this “voice inflection.”) Speakers who come from the church rarely have this challenge - they have what I call the “preacher’s cadence” and it’s naturally engaging.
His alliteration and repetition. Adult listeners need repetition in order to retain information.
What I would’ve done differently:
Leave out the references to his preferred higher power. For political speeches - our country intertwining these two for centuries notwithstanding - I strongly urge speakers to leave out the god and religion stuff. Not everyone in your audiences believes as you do. Why alienate them?
Join me again in a few weeks for another Speech of the Fortnight!
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I’m a keynote speaker and executive speaking coach. I speak to corporate groups and national sales meetings all over the country. I have the savvy and skills to make public speaking easier for my clients. I help with everything from preparation to managing anxiety and nerves to speaking with strength and confidence. I’m available for Keynotes and Breakouts at National Sales Meetings and other corporate meetings. To learn more, Get in touch.