50 years ago yesterday, Senator John F. Kennedy wrapped up an exhausting presidential campaign at the Boston Garden with a speech to his most loyal supporters.  He’s clearly tired, and the speech doesn’t soar quite the way his inaugural would, but watch the excerpts for 3 things that Kennedy did particularly well, and from which any public speaker can learn:

1.    Let your points land.  Far too many speakers don’t wait for the audience.  In this case, with tens of thousands of people listening, Kennedy shows his mastery of audience interaction by waiting for them at every important point.  We say, “give” a speech, and that’s an essential idea that’s often lost:  you give the speech to the audience.  It’s the audience’s speech.  Let them have it.  Don’t talk over them or past them. 
2.    Gesture powerfully and simply.  Kennedy’s gestures are strong – to a fault, since he overuses the jabbing forefinger.  But at the end of the clip you’ll see him open his hand when he makes the ‘ask’ of the audience, and then make a fist, to show emotion at the conclusion.  What he lacks in subtlety, he more than makes up for in power and simplicity.
3.    Stand tall and believe in your message.  Kennedy’s posture may have had something to do with a bad back, but he stands tall and conveys great self-confidence in his message.  Your posture signals to an audience how you feel about your subject, and Kennedy’s posture showed no self-doubt.   When you stand up to give a speech, stand straight and proud.  That way the audience will give you a real hearing. 

Here’s the clip.  Enjoy!

 

 

This blog is dedicated to the memory of Ted Sorensen, presidential advisor and speechwriter with a flair for the memorable phrase.   You are missed.