Presentation Report: Democratic National Convention – Day1

It’s been an interesting experience watching the Democratic National Convention over the last couple of evenings from the perspective of a speaking coach and trainer. The first night, I was impressed by 3 speakers in particular:

1. Maya Soetero-Ng, Barack Obama’s half sister.
2. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Illinois
3. Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts

1) Maya Soetero-Ng seemed very relaxed and expressive, which was remarkable from a Honolulu high school history teacher speaking on a national stage with millions of people watching. Her deep, strong voice projected well without her having to shout, as many speakers had to do to be heard over the noise of the crowd.

She used pause well and looked directly into the camera so the viewer felt that she was speaking to them directly and personally. She offered personal stories about her brother and the role he played in her life, helping the audience make a connection with Obama.

2) Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., a real high note during the first evening of the convention, has a square jaw and a confident demeanor rich in gravitas. He exhibited a strong, resonant voice and a compelling speaking style.

Though less showy than his father’s rhyming Southern Preacher style, he clearly learned the lessons of driving rhythms and cadence. He reminded me more of Muhammed Ali than his father, in terms of rhythm and emphasis. His pace of delivery was a major strong point in his style. He used silence and pause to great effect.

He opened strongly with a reference to Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech (“I am sure that Dr. King is looking down on us here in Denver noting this is the first political convention in history to take place within sight of a mountain top.”) which reminded the audience of the historical significance of the first African American man to run for president. That opening was followed by a raucous ovation from the DNC audience.

His references to “Lexington and Concord … Appomattox … Selma, Alabama” provided further historical references to demonstrate our progress as a nation and remind us of the consistently satisfying rhythm of phrases true to the Rule of Three.

He used emphatic gesture well at 5 minutes and 5 seconds on the phrase, “… we all have a stake in each other.”

He also looked directly into the camera at times. He clearly stirred the audience and received several ovations.

He returned to his opening theme effectively with “Let freedom ring … never rung from a higher mountain top …” – a powerful conclusion that prompted a standing ovation from the audience.

3) I was quite moved by the segment focused on Ted Kennedy who closed the evening and was moved again reviewing it for this blog.

The introductory speech from Caroline Kennedy, was strong in content but was not well-served by her lackluster, low-energy style. She does get points for her warm and charming smile.

The video tribute to Ted Kennedy directed by Ken Burns was beautifully crafted with a subtle but palpable emotional punch and moved me to tears thinking of the profound legacy of the Kennedy family.

Finally, Ted Kennedy’s feisty and warm speech added even more emotional impact thinking of his long service as a Senator and a leader in the senate and ESPECIALLY in light of his recent surgery for brain cancer. In fact, I was told that he was in the hospital with kidney stones before his speech and was transported via ambulance to the convention site in Denver. Which would explain why Maria Shriver can be seen wiping away a tear during his speech. That’s dedication!

The video is well worth watching and reminds me of the wise words of Mahatma Gandhi who said, “If you want something really important to be done you must not merely satisfy the reason, you must move the heart also.”