Reaction videos: Speech of the week(ish) [VIDEO]
Thoughts on the speeches of leaders everywhere
To say we are living in “interesting times” is an understatement. But what IS interesting is how leaders everywhere are responding to these times.
And there are some damn good speeches showing up.
So I started reacting to them. The results are on YouTube.
(psst - please subscribe! You’ll help me reach my goal for this month!)
SO. Every 2 weeks or so (or more, sometimes less) I post a reaction video where I react to a speech that caught my eyes and my ears and tell you:
What the speaker did well (and elements I recommend you rip off)
What I would’ve done differently or improved
Any other professional speaker thoughts I want to share.
My MOST POPULAR video: Canadian PM Mark Carney’s address to the World Economic Form at Davos - January, 2026. In his address, Carney calls for the “middle powers” of the world to come together and not follow the old international world order. (If you want a clear, quick take on what was in this speech, David French wrote about it in the New York Times last week - gift article here.)
Side note on this reaction: Canadians loooooove to tell me what I’m doing wrong - check out the comments!
Elements I loved:
Carney’s use of analogy and story (The “Green Grocer” story employed by Vačlav Havel decades ago.) He chose this story as an analog to what the “middle powers” are doing on the world stage right now.
Callbacks: He referred to prior references at least 3 times in his speech. (3 truly is a magic number.)
Alliteration and Assonance: Repetition of same sounds will catch your audience’s ear.
Calm confidence. (Hit “play” above to see what I mean.)
What I would’ve done differently:
FIRE! I know Carney cares about this, and he has a commanding presence. But I wanted to see the PASSION come out - especially in his call to action near the end. This is a huge moment! Why didn’t we see that in his voice and body?
Join me again in a few weeks for another Speech of the Fortnight Week(ish)!
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I’m a keynote speaker and executive speaking coach. I absolutely love speaking to audiences, and 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.