Political High

I was at a local candidate debate put on by the League of Women Voters today.  The nice ladies alloted 90 minutes for the four house candidates and two senate candidates.

I believe the candidates had two minutes to answer each question.

Two minutes in 2008 is an eternity.  Frankly, most of us can’t pay attention for much longer than that.

One of the candidates, an incumbent, talked so fast I could hardly understand them.

Certainly even politicians get a touch of the nerves in public forums.  But if the candidate had talked any faster, I think my head would have exploded.

Which brings up the lesson for today.  Candidates, talk slower!

Not slowly, but deliberatively yet conversationally.

You must be understood if you wish to pursuade.

How to do this?

• Video tape your performances at forums and speeches then review them.
• Ask a friend who is not a political wonk to see if they can understand you.
• Relax.  Learn to meditate, even if it is for :30 before you begin.  A calm demeanor will translate into not speaking at warp speed.
• Listen carefully to the question and your opponents answers before answering yourself.  This too will slow you down as well as help you formulate a better response.
• Make a note on a note card or pad to remind you to slow down.

I think you’ll find that by speaking fewer words you’ll be understood better by the voters.

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