Shawn played a similar video to this at a conference I was at in Melbourne about a month ago. Barack Obama tells a story. The story he tells is very well known in the US but comparatively unseen here in Australia. He used it many times when he was campaigning for the presidency. I defy people to watch it and be untouched. This time he actually had Edith Childs there - but many times it was just him telling the story.
I think it's great example of the use of narrative in public speaking - so I'm just going to make a few notes about it:
- It's a story based on true events, not a fable or a fiction - altho there is some dispute by other participants as to details.
- It's told in the first person, Obama (our narrator) is a character in the story.
- It is slyly self-deprecating. He is tricked into doing something. He is crabby when he comes to the meeting. In other words, the narrator is a normal person.
- It is about an everyday event. It is not about an epic moment in American history - it is about something quite commonplace - a small act by someone that has a big effect on him. It is a situation that many of the audience members can relate to.
- The story is contained in time & space. It is not his life story, it is not the history of American civil rights. It is focused.
- The little details matter - for me it was the reference to Edith Childs' hats. Little details can convince us of the plausibility of a story.
- It ends with a call to action that is consonant with the story itself.
- It's also quite a long story (8 mins approx) and it takes place near the end of Obama's speech after he's built up some rapport with the audience.
- Obama has obviously spent some time in Church. His delivery is reminiscent of a pentecostal preacher.
- What do you see & hear? What have I missed?
But reflect on what touched you in the story. Where were you gripped? Where did it meander? Why?
Also there are other versions of Obama telling this story on the campaign trail - and each is a little different. If you're really keen, try finding those too and have a look.
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2 comments:
Obama is a great story teller, I mean that in a good way. He takes us on a slow story - but we are used to his style so we know it is going to go somewhere.
His telling it from his point of view makes it seem more believable, but he does ask people to clarify with him on some facts as he tells it.
His, honesty at making a mistake on a deal, not knowing something - doesn't make him an idiot, but in fact more believable and human - and thus we identify more with him. As we identify more, we are more involved in the story/journey.
Also the story is engaging and memorable, because of two things, 1. We find out more about obama - what inspires him, as we have identified with him and he inspires us - we like to know what inspires him. (I call this the scaramouche effect - we want to be taught by our teachers teacher).
And secondly the person whom the story is ultimately about is very uplifting, she isnt running for any seat, what she wants is barefaced - she wants obama as president, not her - her desire to have a better country so selflessly is I think very uplifting and unbelievably touching.
Hiya Mal - Edith is great isn't she?
I wonder how much work went into the telling of this story? Was it picked out & drafted & redrafted remorselessly by his PR team? Did it grow in the telling?
I'd love to know the story behind the story...
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