Last night I watched the last episode of series six of the West Wing. (Yes – I know. In Australia we are light-years behind.) The highlight of the episode is a speech to the Democratic convention by congressman Matt Santos – a speech which ultimately wins him the candidacy. At various times during his speech, the camera cuts to members of the live and TV audiences. They are enthralled.
Recently I’ve been following the rise and rise of Senator Barack Obama, the new star of the real-life U.S. Democrats. By all reports, Obama is enthralling audiences across the country with a style not dissimilar to his fictional counterpart.
And what’s the magic that helps these guys stand out – helps them cut through the noise? Nothing more than a willingness to keep it simple.
Most politicians bury themselves under layers of spin, allowing their speech writers to produce words that sound straight out of a corporate vision statement. In doing so, their audiences simply switch off – mentally or literally.
Then there are those few politicians who use plain language and make simple, straight-forward points that come from the heart. And suddenly people start listening again.
What is at play here is no more than integrity and a willingness to be oneself. It’s a lesson that is as valid for any manager as it is for politicians.
Be brave, be simple and you shall be heard.
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