So you want to be like Obama
By Caroline Marcus | smh.com.au | 25 January
Jackie Frank, editor of Marie Claire magazine and judge of television's Make Me A Supermodel: "He is extremely pleasing to the eye - he's hot."
US President Barack Obama's policies may have been credited for winning him the election but experts say that his appearance, wardrobe, voice and body language were just as important in giving him an edge.
Speech expert Monique Rissen-Harrisberg of The Voice Clinic says that successful communication consists of 55 per cent body language, image and dress, 38 per cent voice and just 7 per cent content of speech - a combination that Mr Obama has mastered.
"There is that intelligence [in his voice], but there is also a smoothness," she said. "Specifically with his inauguration speech, the content was excellent. His vocabulary was very emotive; the language was very good."
She said his voice was deep, resonant and powerful, qualities that would only strengthen with time in the role.
One Sydney writing and speech coach, Tony Spencer-Smith of the Editor Group, has even designed a Write Like Obama course to teach people how to emulate his vocal qualities and language.
He said Mr Obama's tendency to use "simple, straightforward words" made his writing and speeches accessible to millions, and such clarity was within any student's grasp.
The editor of Marie Claire magazine and judge of television's Make Me A Supermodel, Jackie Frank, said Mr Obama's good looks and dress sense would have helped win voters.
"He is extremely pleasing to the eye - he's hot," Ms Frank said. "Immediately that rallies people, and he has got a natural charisma that just infects. With his personal style, he does comfort without sacrificing authority. It has been strikingly simple with his slim-fitting black suits.
"He is the first president in a long time to actually have a great body. The slim silhouette is a much more modern silhouette and he certainly can carry the slim-fitting black suits.
"The Obamas really are the modern-day Kennedys."
Body language expert Michael Kelly said that Mr Obama was "so measured" and took his time in speeches and debates, lending him an air of authority.
"That comes across as presidential," Mr Kelly said.
"A lot of the time, people will blabber out something. [Obama] is such a counterpoint to [former US president George] Bush, who shoots from the hip and sees what happens.[Obama] has got a loping, easy gait, and people with authority do not rush. He will face [his audience] and then he will smile. He has got a great smile. It is just natural, very easy and not forced."
The experts had less praise for our own leader, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who they agreed needed to take some tips from his American counterpart if he wanted to achieve a similar presence.
"I would love to work with him," Ms Rissen-Harrisberg said. "There is so much work that needs to be done. He has this sing-song, choirboy way. He needs to be more of a man than a boy. One does not believe him."
Smile
His smile is natural and very easy. It never looks forced. Great white teeth.
Hands
His gestures use the space around him well; he often moves his hands from side to side. People in authority are not stiff. His self-assuredness helps voters believe him.
Suit
He favours slim-fitting black suits that are not only the height of fashion but show off his great build.
Height
His tall, angular frame contributes to his good looks but also helps give him an air of authority. His posture is good and he always looks comfortable.
Relaxed pose
He always looks comfortable, yet authoritative. The hands-in-the-pocket pose is a classic for portraits of leaders.
Voice
His voice is deep, resonant and powerful. It is smooth and he pauses often, lending him gravitas.
Other figures with striking presence
- John Kennedy: The assassinated US president was graceful and methodical
in his speech. His good looks made him a sex symbol.
- Condoleezza Rice: The former US secretary of state is hugely accomplished
(she was a concert pianist as well as being the first black woman to hold the
political role), used powerful language and did not rush, always taking time
to answer questions thoughtfully.
- Russell Crowe: The Australian star may have had his brush with authority –
who could forget the phone-throwing episode? – but undoubtedly possesses
a commanding voice and solid presence.
- Ralph Norris: The managing director of Commonwealth Bank Australia may
be short but possesses an “inner posture’’ that gives him an air of authority.
- Bob Carr: The former NSW premier not only has that deep voice, but stands
tall and erect, with great posture. He always comes across as authoritative
and articulate.
First published by Smh.com.au on January 25 2009
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