U S president Archives - Michael Kelly

Learn from the magnetism of former U.S. president Bill Clinton

Leaving aside the value of his policies, and his behaviour when he was in office in 1992 -2000, U.S president Bill Clinton – in this 3:08 minute clip – delivers a masterful performance. Clinton is one of the best communicators of the last 40 years.

Here is my analysis:

Clinton projects indescribable magnetism. From the opening of his response, starting with a light hearted comment, he shifts to a memorable string of words that hooks our attention and charms us: “To be really good at this, you got to like people, you got to like policy and you got to like politics …. and yet, there’s got to be somethings you won’t do, to be good at it.”

Canadian PM Justin TRUDEAU on how to HANDLE a QUESTION

In my Listen and speak under pressure programs one schema I share with participants for handling tough questions, is my signature Think on your feet, five step schema.

Here is the schema…

#1 As a person is asking you a question, simultaneously starting nodding to acknowledge that you are engaged. (I call this an ‘Engagement nod) and picture the letters DBAE (which stands for Don’t Be Anywhere Else) on the questioner’s forehead. (The DBAE technique will help nail you to the present moment).

DBAE. Listen and speak under pressure Donald Trump Think on your feet five step schema U S president

Why Obama LOOKED like a leader – and G.W. Bush didn’t

‘Walks are personal, a movement signature, and they tell us a lot . . . a person’s walk is so telltale for Paul Taylor, one of the world’s greatest modern-dance choreographers, walking is the first thing he ask dancers to do at his auditions.

“I can eliminate half of them by how they walk . . . They’re either too self-assured enough, or they’re just weird. You can tell an awful lot.” say Taylor'(from Walking with Grace, p.166-167, by Grace Killelea).

Barack Obama Cary Grant George W Bush Grace Killilea Paul Taylor U S president White House