As a young senior executive at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, I was regularly called upon to meet Federal politicians when they came to do talkback radio.
Talkback radio in Australia is one of a few in the world that engages with and wields enormous political power.It is more powerful here than in the US or Britain.
John Howard, the second-longest serving Australian Prime Minister knew the power of this media platform.
In the mid-90s as Leader of the Opposition in 1995 and Prime Minister in 1996, I got to meet him on several occasions and escort him to the ABC studios in Adelaide Terrace in Perth.
He was always engaging on radio and in the flesh.
I've previously analyzed Howard's great skill as a political marketer.
This time, I wanted to look at his speaking skills.
Here's an analysis of hearing him up close and personal recently at a private breakfast in Perth.
1. The Look and Wardrobe
He still wears the power dress of dark suit, white shirt and red tie.
He wore cufflinks and did his jacket up.
At age 75 years, he looked fit and tanned.
2. The Memory and No Notes
Howard suffered a hearing impairment in his youth and he continues to wear a hearing aid.
This encouraged him to develop an excellent memory. A tool he still uses today.
By relying on memory, this allowed him not to wear glasses.
3. The Eye Contact
His eye contact with the audience was excellent.
This has been a skill developed over a lifetime of giving speeches and this is a learned skill anyone can master with enough practice.
4. The Loud Voice with Variety
Even up the back of the room everyone could hear him.
Excellent projection, tone, timbre and control.
5. The Rapport Building
In this speech he acknowledged the influencers in the room, like former Premier Richard Court and veteran businessman Harold Clough.
6. The Language
You can tell he is a trained lawyer and masterful with words.
7. Stance
John Howard is considered short, even though he reportedly is of average height at 176.5cm.
The way he stood at podium made him appear taller.
8. Body Language
What stood out was his expansive use of arms and body.
When he used the term "huge breakthrough" he pushed his arms forward congruent with his message.
When he talked about supply and demand curves, he crossed his arms to illustrate two lines in a graph crossing.
Very subtle but worked in context.
9. Use of Metaphors
"He could intercept a ball and run for the try line like the best of them," was more memorable one when describing the talent of fellow colleagues.
10. Finish on a Strong Point
His closer was very strong.
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Labels: fear of public speaking, John Howard, public speaking, public speaking tips, public speaking training, public speaking training perth
