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Wow! Obama Tries to Trash Donald Trump and Turns into a Stuttering Mess
Dude! Spit it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSxo9-Z5Ki0
Ever since the advent of the teleprompter, the art of public speaking has deteriorated into public reading aloud. George Bush and Barack Obama are its masters. Take away the teleprompter and "going off script" takes on a whole new meaning.
For those who think these are great public speakers, I wish they had heard those who practiced the art in time past. John Kennedy. Evert Dirkson. FDR.
I was fortunate to grow up in the American South where public speaking was an art form practiced by every town politician, lawyer, and storyteller. My favorite was a man named Dunaway Walker, a teacher of Latin and Rhetoric at an exclusive boys prep academy in Baltimore. The man could enthrall audiences of every age, even when they were mixed together, infants to great grandparents, in one room. I greatly regret that video recording didn't come into existence until decades later.
However, one of the absolute best speeches I ever attended was a political rally where George Wallace spoke while campaigning for the Democratic nomination for President. Yes, that George Wallace. Although I reviled his brand of Democratic discrimination and bigotry, I had to afford him kudos for his ability to enthrall an audience, even his political detractors and enemies. He led the audience like a conductor so that when he leaned forward over the pulpit, the audience leaned reflexively towards him. I had a vantage point at the back of the arena from which I could see the audience swaying, as though dancing, in rhythm to the sound of his voice. I have never seen the like since, certainly not today.
Ever since the advent of the teleprompter, the art of public speaking has deteriorated into public reading aloud. George Bush and Barack Obama are its masters. Take away the teleprompter and "going off script" takes on a whole new meaning.
For those who think these are great public speakers, I wish they had heard those who practiced the art in time past. John Kennedy. Evert Dirkson. FDR.
I was fortunate to grow up in the American South where public speaking was an art form practiced by every town politician, lawyer, and storyteller. My favorite was a man named Dunaway Walker, a teacher of Latin and Rhetoric at an exclusive boys prep academy in Baltimore. The man could enthrall audiences of every age, even when they were mixed together, infants to great grandparents, in one room. I greatly regret that video recording didn't come into existence until decades later.
However, one of the absolute best speeches I ever attended was a political rally where George Wallace spoke while campaigning for the Democratic nomination for President. Yes, that George Wallace. Although I reviled his brand of Democratic discrimination and bigotry, I had to afford him kudos for his ability to enthrall an audience, even his political detractors and enemies. He led the audience like a conductor so that when he leaned forward over the pulpit, the audience leaned reflexively towards him. I had a vantage point at the back of the arena from which I could see the audience swaying, as though dancing, in rhythm to the sound of his voice. I have never seen the like since, certainly not today.
Posted in these groups: 
Public Speaking
Public Speaking
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 14
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Former LAPD Chief Bernard Parks was a great speaker. No notes, no teleprompter. I didn't agree with his management style, but he was a very effective speaker.
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CPT Jack Durish
There have been many great speakers whom we may respect for their ability without concurring with their content. Obviously Hitler and Castro rank up there (and that's not to imply or infer that Parks is among them).
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CPT D,
I have heard a lot of great speeches throughout my life time and especially in the U.S. Army. But I would have to say, without even thinking twice about it would be Sergeant Major of the Army Leon L. Van Autreve.
And if you have ever had the pleasure and honor to have heard him, you would agree. He spoke with a passion and dedication not duplicated by many. He and his lovely wife would tour the United States and I am sure European Army posts as well. What a dynamic person and Soldier.
I have heard a lot of great speeches throughout my life time and especially in the U.S. Army. But I would have to say, without even thinking twice about it would be Sergeant Major of the Army Leon L. Van Autreve.
And if you have ever had the pleasure and honor to have heard him, you would agree. He spoke with a passion and dedication not duplicated by many. He and his lovely wife would tour the United States and I am sure European Army posts as well. What a dynamic person and Soldier.
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CSM Thomas McGarry
He was good! I heard and got to meet him when I attended the SM Academy at Ft Bliss-He certainly was one of the best I've heard!!
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Can't recall his name, but there was a Maine one time when I was going through a training evolution as a Mid...it was a mud-soaked, miserable day, and this guy comes out, gets us into formation, and starts telling the story of Thermopylae "Marine-style". By the time that guy was finished, he could've hurled us, unarmed, against a herd of charging wildebeasts...and we'd have asked for ketchup.
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I don't think there's a politician who would even make my top 10 list. That said, the best overall speech and presentation i've ever seen was given by Gene Kranz, the retired NASA Flight Director famous for managing the successful efforts to save the Apollo 13 crew. FYI: He was portrayed by Ed Harris in the movie Apollo 13 and his white vest is on display at the National Air and Space Museum.
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