As Toastmasters, some of the things that we’ll find fascinating is how eloquently politicians can speak in public.  Regardless of our own political convictions, it can always be interesting to see what tools and techniques are used in a speech to make it more enjoyable to listen to.

Here, for example, is a speech by Pete Buttigieg, one of the USA presidential candidates for 2020. As mayor of South Bend, Indiana, he gave this speech at a TEDx Talk in early 2015.

Some of the techniques used in his speech include:

• Starting the speech using a story to connect with the audience immediately.
• Using the rule of three, as explained here. (Try to count the number of times that Pete uses this technique.)
• Using slides effectively: lots of photos, practically no text to read, one slide for one idea  (as opposed to many ideas on one single slide), etc.
• Good use of pauses between ideas.

What other techniques have you noticed him using?

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Are you interested in learning about techniques that can help you prepare more effective speeches? Come visit the St-Lawrence Toastmasters Club in Montreal.

Here is the programme for the meeting of May 14, 2019.