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Seven Reasons the 2009 State of the Union Speech Worked
Akron, OH
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Video Clip: Click to Watch
President Obama's First State of the Union.
By the way, a president is not called up to give a State of the Union by any branch of government. Presidents Washington and Adams did, but Jefferson sent a written update.
It has already been called inspiring, an emotional warm bath. Here's why: 7 reasons it worked:
1. The rule of thumb is that an introduction is 10-15% of the entire speech.
President Obama walked right up to the podium and pretty much chose to forego an introduction. He started out with clarity, "I have come here tonight".
Remember the rule, you can break any rule as long as you are willing to live with the consequences.
The consequence of breaking this rule were positive, he came to address our serious issues and he did not linger along the way.
2. He went on to quickly personalize the economic downturn:
a. If you have not been personally affected by this economy
You know someone who has.
b. the job you thought you would retire from and now you lost.
c. The college acceptance letter your child received that you had to put back in the envelope.
Speakers, even president's need to connect with their audience to bring a concept from the broad principle to the specific, to your front door.
3. Rule of three's
We will rebuild
We will recover
We will emerge stronger than ever before
4. Memorable lines
The weight of this problem will not determine the destiny of our country.
The nation that invented the automobile can not walk away from it.
It is time for America to lead again.
We're Americans, We don't do what is easy we do what is necessary.
Healthcare cost: Weighs down our economy and our conscience.
Eyes of world are upon us, watching, waiting for us to lead.
In our hands lies the ability to shape our world.
5. Not Red, Not Blue, United America
Many lines and sentiments crossed political lines, such as
I speak to you not just as a President, I speak to you as a father.
That is not a democratic issue or a republican issue that is a parent issue.
Interesting challenge for Republican's to find a way to be anti some of these sentiments.
and
Every American sitting here tonight loves this country and wants it to succeed.
Foundation on which am people expect us to build common ground.
how do you come out against this–Rush Limbaugh?
6. Even a president benefits from the use of alliterations.
We are called to move forward with confidence and candor.
7. The job of a conclusion is LAST WORDS LINGER
His conclusion, like his intro, was very short, there was not enough to linger.
I thought it was too short. I thought he was transitioning to a conclusion, and then poof-it was over. Similar to MLK's style, but I didn't like it when MLK did it and I don't like it when our president does it, last words need to linger
The Republican Response.
Governor Jindal, a rising star in the party, was selected to answer the address. He had to try to out-Obama Obama on being the son of immigrant parents, out Palin - Palin on moving to the right, and out McCain - McCain on security.It was an odd response, and he needs to learn how to use the teleprompter more effectively. This was his informal announcement of his desire to run for president in 2012.
By the way, a president is not called up to give a State of the Union by any branch of government. Presidents Washington and Adams did, but Jefferson sent a written update.
It has already been called inspiring, an emotional warm bath. Here's why: 7 reasons it worked:
1. The rule of thumb is that an introduction is 10-15% of the entire speech.
President Obama walked right up to the podium and pretty much chose to forego an introduction. He started out with clarity, "I have come here tonight".
Remember the rule, you can break any rule as long as you are willing to live with the consequences.
The consequence of breaking this rule were positive, he came to address our serious issues and he did not linger along the way.
2. He went on to quickly personalize the economic downturn:
a. If you have not been personally affected by this economy
You know someone who has.
b. the job you thought you would retire from and now you lost.
c. The college acceptance letter your child received that you had to put back in the envelope.
Speakers, even president's need to connect with their audience to bring a concept from the broad principle to the specific, to your front door.
3. Rule of three's
We will rebuild
We will recover
We will emerge stronger than ever before
4. Memorable lines
The weight of this problem will not determine the destiny of our country.
The nation that invented the automobile can not walk away from it.
It is time for America to lead again.
We're Americans, We don't do what is easy we do what is necessary.
Healthcare cost: Weighs down our economy and our conscience.
Eyes of world are upon us, watching, waiting for us to lead.
In our hands lies the ability to shape our world.
5. Not Red, Not Blue, United America
Many lines and sentiments crossed political lines, such as
I speak to you not just as a President, I speak to you as a father.
That is not a democratic issue or a republican issue that is a parent issue.
Interesting challenge for Republican's to find a way to be anti some of these sentiments.
and
Every American sitting here tonight loves this country and wants it to succeed.
Foundation on which am people expect us to build common ground.
how do you come out against this–Rush Limbaugh?
6. Even a president benefits from the use of alliterations.
We are called to move forward with confidence and candor.
7. The job of a conclusion is LAST WORDS LINGER
His conclusion, like his intro, was very short, there was not enough to linger.
I thought it was too short. I thought he was transitioning to a conclusion, and then poof-it was over. Similar to MLK's style, but I didn't like it when MLK did it and I don't like it when our president does it, last words need to linger
The Republican Response.
Governor Jindal, a rising star in the party, was selected to answer the address. He had to try to out-Obama Obama on being the son of immigrant parents, out Palin - Palin on moving to the right, and out McCain - McCain on security.It was an odd response, and he needs to learn how to use the teleprompter more effectively. This was his informal announcement of his desire to run for president in 2012.
Leslie G. Ungar
President
Electric Impulse Communications, Inc.
Akron, OH
330-668-6569
First Url: Who We Are
Second Url: Leslie's Blog
