Another argument is that people don’t trust politicians. They hardly
believe in political speeches. They don’t work. Biggest challenge of any
political speech is to win the trust of the audience. Speeches loose
credibility when the speakers don’t fulfill their promises. The audience
might clap during a speech, but that does not necessarily mean that they are
going to vote in his favour or his party’s candidate. No committed person
will ever change his/her opinion after listening to a speech. But good case
presented can influence the neutral masses, observed D. Ramchandram
Even if speeches may not inspire the general public, D. Ramchandram said,
they are necessary to motivate, party workers, cadres to put in good efforts
and publicize the party’s agenda. "They work harder when they are inspired.
That helps to increase the number of votes for the party. Party supporters
will be excited if the party’s agenda is effective. Today politicians must
focus more on sharing information and knowledge to the ill informed workers
and voters. That knowledge, also includes arguments that the XYZ Party or
ABCD candidate is the better choice in the elections.
We may find strange here subjecting politicians to the rigmarole of
Public Speaking training, but, Politicians in the west always went through
this kind of programs either at Dale Carnegie Institute or Toastmasters Club
or other training centres. Many world renowned politicians, corporate
executives, leaders were trained in Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie as
early as first quarter of nineteenth century.
Even the current race for the White House in USA is believed to be
decided on the basis of political oratory alone. "Barack Obama bringeth
rapture to his audience," Jack Shafer, editor of the on-line magazine Slate,
wrote recently. "They swoon and wobble, regardless of race, gender, or
political affiliation, although few understand exactly why he has this
effect on them." Such is the power and skill of a talented orator.
From Winston Churchill ("We shall fight on the beaches . . .") to
Franklin D. Roosevelt ("The only thing we have to fear is fear itself") to
the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ("I have a dream"), there is a long line
of historical figures who have distinguished themselves with their words.
Throughout history, charismatic world leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson
Mandela, Winston Churchill, Dr. Martin Luther King, Hitler have used the
power of speech to communicate difficult truths, inspire countrymen to fight
for independence and to unite to defeat foreign enemies, mercenaries states
a website that sells a 13-part documentary series entitled Greatest Speeches
of the 20th Century. There’s one thing in common with all those great
speeches delivered. All were carefully written.
We have seen so many people like Swami Vivekananda, Swami Ranganatha
Nanda, Swami Rajneesh, Hitler, Mussolini, Buddha and Gandhi conquering the
world with their gift of gab. That is the power of speech. Of all the
methods of communication--the printed word, the spoken word, pictures, or a
combination of pictures and words--possibly, none as effective as the spoken
word. Obviously, among the disciplines for "Leadership" that an individuals
must acquire, Effective Public Speaking must rate a high priority. This is
so because the ‘real leader’ must impart knowledge, educate, motivate and
inspire his followers at all times. His success in all these matters would
ultimately hinge on how well he could present his ideas to his group.
Speakers are leaders
A man is as great as the Truth he speaks
As great as the help he gives
As great as the destiny he seeks
And as great as the life he leads.
Good speakers make people see with their ears
Speech is a mirror of the soul; as a man speaks, so is he. Say what you
feel, and feel what you say. Let your speech harmonize with life. A person’s
character is revealed by his speech.
Minds are like parachutes, they function only when they are open. So also
your public speaking. Come on, open up and Speak to glory.
Now, the fact that Public Speaking capability is not a gift of
providence, but can be acquired through training and practice. The fact
remains that, Public Speaking must be learnt. This learning can be done in a
‘hit and miss’ manner -- i.e. speaking whenever there are opportunities and
learning in the process. But, there is a sure shot way too - that is to
attend a formal training course which would impart the knowledge on the
"Essentials of Public Speaking", informed D. Ramchandram.
Unfortunately there is no concentrated effort by any school or college
all over India to teach this most sought-after skill. Except for few premier
management colleges, no where in India this is being taught. Looking at the
importance of the subject, Media Junction has decided to run series of
programmes to help people develope their public speaking skills.
Those interested in learning Effective Public Speaking in an organised
way may get in touch with Media Junction on mobile: 093913-25568, email:
mediajunction@yahoo.com
Effective Public Speaking trainer D.Ramchandram can be reached on mobile:
098480-42020, email: dramchandram@yahoo.com
