CHARISMA AND PUBLIC SPEAKING AT THE CONVENTIONS

 

     The recent 4-day broadcast of The Democratic National Convention was chock-full of interesting subjects and visuals. The virtual format was a separate issue in itself. Thus, what particular topic to write about presented quite a challenge. However,  Michele Obama's closing speech on the first night was a standout: in fact, both the sound of her voice and the picture of her image continue to bring back stark memories. What makes a good public discourse was obviously something to examine. 

     In this analysis, many questions come to mind. For example, which is most important in watching a public speech: the words and ideas or what the speaker does? Obviously, both aspects are salient.  Yet, Trump's time in office has been overwhelmed by his language, especially made potent by his twitter use. Another way of considering this same question concerns the equal balance between what is said (content ) and how it is said ( delivery ). In a nutshell, an effective public speech attempts an equal balance between the two elements.

     But that dynamic combination seems complicated at first glance. There must be other ways to determine an effective speech: For example, what are some character traits of the speaker that also play a part?  What do voters look for in evaluating the discourse?  Research has shown that such considerations include our perception of a candidate's knowledge, trustworthiness and charisma, charisma being the most important.

     There's no doubt that Ms. Obama has charisma, as does her husband. So does Robert Redford, as far as this critic is concerned. Simply put, Michelle establishes an immediate intimacy between herself and the viewers, the idea that she is speaking directly to all of us, and even in the same room with us. She talks about her family, her children, her past, all relatable topics. This is an "emotional " speech, no doubt, and it appeals to the listeners. Joe Biden's acceptance speech on the convention's 4th day is "emotional" as well, with his short, repetitive sentences, where he promises to help people in this time of need, where he will "Give people light," where he will "Draw on the light." These comments are specifically related to the speech's theme of eliminating the darkness of the era.

     Biden's speech is not eloquent nor is it abstract or "literary." There are no obvious alliterations, metaphors ( except the "light" ), interesting transitions between topics, or striking vocabulary words. Rather, there are mostly short sentences / words spelling out main ideas and concrete explanations as to what Biden will do to help people. But the speech works because its language promotes intimacy and relevancy: in a word, charisma.

     President Trump's acceptance speech on the last day of the Republican National Convention also attempts charisma/ intimacy in the beginning when he states that "We are working closely to save lives," referring to Hurricane Laura. Intimacy continues in Trump's constant use of "We," but this seems more to mirror Biden's theme: "We are the people." He continues this same idea with "Together we are unstoppable. Together we are unbeatable." This particular part of the speech appears to be the most "eloquent," although that's not to suggest that the presentation ever approached eloquence. 

     It could be argued that any so - called charisma is really Trump's brief employment of emotion related to his family and himself: for example, the introduction of his family at the end and the statement, "I love you all." Such a small show of emotion is better than nothing. 

Who Was That Masked Man?

 by Ruby Baresch

     On July 12, President Trump appeared before cameras wearing a face mask for the first time in his presidency. As he left the White House for a visit to Walter Reade military hospital he said that he’d never been against masks but he does believe they have a time and a place.

     Previously he had said he would not wear a mask, also that he thought some were wearing masks to show disapproval of him. The latter, if true, is an example of what is known in social media now as virtue signaling.

     Signaling has long been a concept in cultural studies: attendance at religious ceremonies, e.g. may signal that one is part of the community. Outside of academia, though, it is usually meant as a derogatory term, the accused seen as being hypocritical and dishonest while “doing good.”

        Lately face masks have become a favorite object, so to speak, for virtue signaling accusations. Are you wearing a mask outside of your home? You may be signaling that you are an anti-Trump person and think you are better than the accuser. If you’re not wearing a mask, you may be signaling that you support Trump and are therefore a better person. Or something like that.

     So when Trump showed up wearing a mask, what was going on? His aides had reportedly been urging him to do so. Did Walter Reade insist on it? Apart from such requirements, what effect was he looking for? Who was this virtue signaling aimed at?

     Modern media being what it is, Trump could be sure that his masked image would be seen by viewers of tv newscasts as well as those following him on Twitter and such. A huge audience. Did he expect it to change anyone’s mind about wearing or not wearing a mask? I doubt that it did, or that he wanted it to. Is an image worth more than the words with which he has more than once mocked mask wearers?

     To be fair, he now mostly says wearing masks is ok, a personal choice, even patriotic. And he has appeared a couple of times, briefly, wearing a mask; e.g., when visiting the Red Cross Nat’l HQ. He has a mask but prefers not to wear it. If you have a mask and like it, wear it, he says. 

     Virtue signaling as currently used in social media does not allow for mixed motives. We may wear masks because we truly want to prevent infection in ourselves and others, and also so our neighbors will see that they don’t have to worry about us. We may go out maskless because we have breathing problems, and also because we don’t trust the authorities. But for those virtue signaling accusers, it’s either/or. Pure motives only.

     Thus, those accusing others of virtue signaling are not after all following President Trump’s lead.

     Well, I’ll give President Trump the last word, about wearing the black mask: “I sort of liked the way I looked, OK? … Looked like the Lone Ranger.”