While randomly clicking through the channels, I stumbled upon a C-SPAN rebroadcast of a speech by President Bill Clinton. He addressed the students at Georgetown on April 30, 2013. This was the first of four lectures that Clinton will deliver over the next several years at his alma mater.
The lectures examine the framework for a lifetime spent championing an idea espoused by his Georgetown professor Carroll Quigley: that America is the greatest nation in history because our people have always believed in two things – that tomorrow can be better than today and that every one of us has a personal, moral responsibility to make it so.
I tuned in late, but was blown away by his message and the stories he told. Politics aside (this has nothing to do with being on the right or left), he is an amazing speaker, and a true elder statesman.
As one who studies the art and science of speaking, I understand that Bill Clinton knows what it takes to connect his message to the heart and soul of an audience. He is aware that it is not just about the content. He is a master in the way he communicates with words, eyes, tone, body, and intention. All who speak to audiences should watch and learn.
Near the end he spoke powerful words that everyone needs to hear: "We have just one remaining bigotry in America -- we don't want to be around anyone who disagrees with us". His point that people have no tolerances for those who do not share their same points of view is epic. Wow. He is right.
Here is the link to the whole presentation.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
(photo from Georgetown.edu - I hope they do not mind my using it here!)
Thom - Great words on the need for content and style. The message is important, but so is how the message is delivered. Most conference audiences would rather have a speaker with great style and the ability to engage their attention,than suffer through a dull speaker with awesome content. The best world is a combination of critical content delivered by a captivating speaker.
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