Here’s the Trump/Clinton debate from Sunday night, and what appear to be a couple of objective analyses if you don’t want to wade through the Trump, plus an analysis of his speaking style.
I’ve watched portions of both candidates’ answers to every question, but the key points of interest from my perspective are all around Count Trumpula*. I don’t like him particularly (and Hillary was by no means without flaws), but here are the techniques he used, both good and bad:
Good
Absolute confidence. I believe that swaying an audience to your favour – and this could be for a speech, training session or even a stand-up comedy routine – is as much about how you carry yourself as the words that you say. The way that you react to moments of tension (such as an unexpected question, surprising noise or direct insult) conveys your mental state, and a positive one can gain your audience’s trust. Even if you’re wrong (and this can work in arguments, so take note), if you keep your cool when your opponent loses theirs, you automatically look more adult, calm, and therefore ‘right’. Regardless of what you think of him, Donald appears to have absolute self-belief.
Facts ‘n’ Figures. Yes, he rambles. But some of his attacks on Hillary are backed up with the ammunition of actual numbers. They may not be correct, but in the moment they can feel convincing. You’re probably not convinced because you’ve already made your mind up about him**, but his supporters will find his ‘facts’ convincing and will enjoy quoting them to others.
Emotion. He looks like he really cares about everything that he says (and I’m sure he does). Show joy, frustration and act things out so that your audience can relate. Losing your temper is bad, but showing emotion while maintaining control can really sway an audience if the other speakers are simply going through the motions.
Bad (a slightly longer list)
Vagueness. If you’re asked a question then for goodness’ sake just answer it. In any communication, whether it’s a conversation, email or presentation (or debate), skirting around the issue tells people that you either a.) don’t know the answer or b.) are afraid to give it, neither of which are any good at all. And if the direct answer is “I don’t know” or “Yes, I was wrong/stupid/reckless” then just get straight to it in order to remove as much fuel as you can from the fire. Minimise the damage and, you know, show some integrity.
Interrupting. You’ve got to keep your cool when debating. Otherwise you look threatened and it undermines your apparent confidence. Donald sabotages his own by chipping in like a child when Hillary’s talking. Show some respect and you might receive some.
Puffing yourself up. Talking about yourself and not your objectives looks self-centred, which is bad in any forum, but I think was disastrous in this one. Show that your motivation is for others, otherwise you simply won’t be interesting.
Arguing with the hosts. Bad move in any situation. Be polite because a.) if you’re being treated unfairly you will win the audience’s respect and b.) it’s always the right thing to do, obviously. Keep your cool.
That stupid concentrating face. No further detail required.
* Very specific cartoon reference – well done if you got it.
** I sound like I’m defending him, but I’m not.