The Grace of Barack Obama's Victory Speech

The recent American election was a riveting event that garnered worldwide attention.

The months leading up to the election provided some of the best entertainment we had seen in years. Mud-slinging, accusations, gaffes, vicious commercials, mind-boggling choices, hilarious spoofs and SNL routines kept the world's eyes on this election, more so than any other in the past.

What's really interesting though is that this election was truly a battle between two good and worthy candidates. Still, with the intensity of the is contest, you might have expected the winner to step forward with pomp and circumstance, fireworks ripping the evening sky, fists pumped in the air, dancing a victory dance.

This is not what happened...

First -

John McCain delivered a very gracious concession speech. He spoke from his heart with honesty and sincerity. He took firm control of his audience and presented his support to the President-elect. He went back to who he really is - the man that originally appealed to American people. I think that, if he had run his campaign the way he delivered this speech, he would have been much more of a contender in this election. Here was the man, the hero and the leader. Unfortunately, he lost his connection to these things during the campaign and he lost the election as a result. Poor communication can really cost...

Second -

Barack Obama delivered his 'victory' speech. I'll never forget his face when he walked out to the podium - intelligent, sincere, humble and truly honoured. No fireworks, no fist-pumping. He walked out and all his expression said was "Thank you". Then he began to speak - from the depths of his heart. He expressed gratitude, he took control, he reached out to unite all Americans - whether they had voted for him or not. He did not rant like a cheerleader and whip people up - he focused on inspiration and teamwork. He delivered a truly great speech - a speech that was consistent with everything else he had said during his campaign. His communication style is that of a true leader - honest, consistent, galvanizing, clear, concise, motivating, sincere and heartfelt. He delivered his speech with grace. This is why so many people voted for him. Great communication can really win the game...

Even Obama's unspoken messages were strong - the humble facial expressions, the sincere wave, the open body language, the people he brought up on stage with him for recognition, his body contact with his family - everything was congruent with the words he spoke and the messages he conveyed. Truly magnificent to observe.

Watch the whole thing again here...




There is a lot to be learned from watching a great communicator in action. Keep your eye on Obama - this is a great opportunity to observe and learn from a master.

In the meantime - keep your communication sincere, honest, heartfelt and gracious. The benefits are great.

the communication guru