Fundamental Difference

I have been studying, practicing, and teaching “speech” for more years than I like to count. My undergraduate degree is in Speech, and I have taught public speaking at the secondary and post-secondary level. I make a reasonable living writing and delivering “speeches.”

I say that to say this. I am shocked that Barack Obama is such a poor speaker. Now wait! He is not a bad reader. With his tele-prompter, or manuscript, he is reasonably good at getting across his point and message. His cadence and style leave a good bit to be desired, from my perspective, but he is certainly adequate.

It is at other times, however, that I have great concerns. There is, for example, a fundamental difference in the speech of Barack Obama and his predecessor.  Much was made in the media about George W. Bush’s inability to get words, sometimes sentences, and even thoughts, clearly expressed. But I am fully convinced that former President Bush had a “mechanical” problem, meaning that he seemingly lost control of his tongue, so to speak. (I could have helped him immensely with that, and I don’t understand why someone didn’t).

President Obama has, in my opinion, a different problem.  Listen to him carefully when he is answering questions, speaking “off the cuff,” or when forced into impromptu communication. While some might call it “careful,” I believe his halting, uncertain, style of speaking with both filled (um, uh, etc.) and silent pauses, is indicative of multiple possibilities. Several studies have argued that pragmatic factors such as the speaker’s comfort with the subject, honesty, or uncertainty about their answers can be signaled by pauses.

The Scripture’s say, “for if the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who shall prepare for battle.” (1 Corinthians 14:8) I am concerned that the President of the United States is not ready for the task at hand. That is a matter of great concern for all of us.