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comment by mk
mk  ·  4467 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Why Bill Clinton's Speeches Succeed: Because he treats listeners as if they are smart.

Politics aside. It is true. Clinton doesn't talk down to his audience. He also isn't willing to get very cynical, which endears him to his audience. I don't really care to watch any of the conventions, but I always watch Clinton speak when I can. He is exceptionally good at it.





thenewgreen  ·  4467 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Yes, watching Clinton speak is like watching Michael Jordan play basketball. He was born to do this, and not many (if any) people have been much better. It's a great point that he doesn't talk down to his audience, you are right on the money. What this really affords is a conversation. Clinton is able to have a dialog, a back and forth, with his audience. Watch his speech again and notice how many times he asks a question and then answers it on behalf of his audience. It's genius. He also uses his hand gestures to control the enthusiasm of the audience like a maestro.

P.S. G&N say hello.