5 Lessons Republicans Can Learn from Obama

Nancy Madsen is an intern for Campaign Leadership Company, LLC

One of the most obvious talents of freshman Democrat Senator Barack Obama is his speaking ability. Besides delivering a riveting keynote address at the National Convention, his charisma overpowered audiences all across Illinois on his way to a blow-out victory. What does he have that many Republicans lack?

Here are a few keys to Obama's speaking style:

1) Connects with the audience. Whether commencement speeches, political rallies, or the convention speech, Obama tells a personal story or joke to create report and gain credibility in the eyes of the audience. In a recent speech to the American Library Association, he acknowledged a staffer's mother who was present and made this joke, "Believe me, I have no idea how the biggest mouth in our office came from a family of two librarians, but we're proud to have him on board and I'm sure you are too."

2) Uses good historical illusions. Not only does he draw on the stories about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or Abraham Lincoln, he connects those stories to the situation the audience is facing.

3) Utilizes repetition. In this speech before the NAACP, he uses the old preaching tool, "And sometimes, when I reflect on those giants of the Civil Rights movement, I wonder - where did you find that courage? John Lewis, where did you find that courage? Dorothy Height, where did you find that courage? Rosa Parks, where did you find that courage?"

4) Speaks with passion. In a basic speech class, I was taught the first rule of public speaking is to pick a subject you are passionate about. Even if the subject is birds or amoeba, the key is to show the audience you are passionate about the subject. If you don't care, they certainly won't. Obama definitely shows his passion in whatever subject he is speaking.

5) Ends with hope. While he often sets up stark divisions, he always concludes on an upbeat note. ". . . I also ask you to remember that in this country, our history of overcoming the seemingly impossible always comes about because individuals who care really can make a difference. America is great because Americans are good." Whether it's participating in a volunteer organization or turning out to vote, Obama motivates the audience to take action.