What’s the point?

As we welcome 2014, I feel there’s no need to analyze more what 2013 held within (as we have done that along the year). So let me go straight to the point.  

I have been curiously listening the Portuguese and other international political debates and it seems today that many good political speakers find it hard to get to the point, literally.

There have been political debates and speeches and conventions this weekend; and listening The Portuguese political ‘crème de la crème’ to convince their fellow members has been quite a trial, moreover,  extremely complicated. Let me explain: 

Very often I find them speaking without a point even though they surely must have one.

Today Paulo Portas the Vice PM of Portugal defended his political output in the CDS-PP party´s annual convention with an hour of speech, referring to statistics, things achieved but I have to admit that it was hard to grasp what he wanted to say. I find that increasingly frequent today; politicians loose their ability to exercise good public speaking and in Portuguese political field it is often still held very conservative and serious. That means no opening jokes; no short messages and endless monologs defending one’s ideas. I know, I’m yawning just thinking about it.

The thing is - this way the audience does not grasp your idea - unless you keep it simple; repeat somethings and make your message clear, the audience will start sleeping.

Even for us, political scientists, it is becoming trickier. Not to mention the citizens who want to hear the government explaining why do they cut pension funds, for instance. So often I´m finding myself asking; “what is his/her point?”

It seems that the days are over for great speeches like Kennedy’s “Ich bin ein berliner” or like Mandela’s great metaphors or wisdom he shared during his public speaking. Or like Henry “the great” Kissinger’s speeches - he often started with a joke and also had a metaphor in his pocket when he needed one. This is appealing to people. It takes charisma.

Public speaking is something you have to be good at, when you are a politician. David Cameron and Barack Obama are sure leading this sector as almost always they are incredibly clear and precise about what they speaking.

Finnish EU affair and trade minister, Alex Stubb also owns always a very stage friendly appearance as he owns a familiar attitude on stage and talks to his audience as he would to any citizen. He also repeats his messages using his “3 point method” several times. If his audience is asked afterwards what did they think about him, they will remember his theme and points he wanted to make.

Public speaking is still something that has a gender gap, as female leaders serious stance still takes on. Merkel has an incredibly serious way of talking and responding, however she does it very clearly. Margaret Thatcher also owned a great speaker’s hat, as she happened to even make a joke or two in the house of commons. Hilary Clinton and Tarja Halonen have been great examples of good female speakers in politics as their approach has been clear but owned a sense of humor and certain touch of sensitivity.

My point is, Portuguese leaders still have a long way to go in terms of communication. The change should happen sooner rather than later, since we are getting closer and closer to each other, thanks to technology - and in a fast pace. Not to mention during the crisis; citizens need now, more than ever, to understand their leaders.

Lastly, if there weren’t any Tv-channels explaining or pointing out main messages of political speeches; how many citizens would get the message straight away only by listening to it? Thats my point.

Last year I wrote about Simon Anholt and his marketing advice into campaigning as he emphasized strategy; substance and symbolic actions. The same can be applied to public speaking. Having substance is everything, as well as actions. Thus explaining them simply shouldn’t be too hard. 

However, watching any political leader from Antonio Seguro to Paulo Portas, they manage to spend almost 10 min just to greet everyone with all their necessary titles - not to mention statistics. And where is the message? Buried underneath it all. 

Examples of speakers, previously mentioned
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22VcyDNBbg8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SigB6LThpqk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGrfXtXU4ts