What Speech Lessons Can You Learn From an Inaugural Speech?

NOTE: In the last year, any discussion related to politics became a source of contention. Unfortunately, I allowed this to impact the subjects of my writing about speech and public speaking. It kept me from sharing insight that could be helpful about the communication skills of political candidates.

 This was a mistake. Avoiding controversial topics because of fear of backlash kills open and honest discussion. It’s kept too many people from sharing ideas. This keeps us from learning or seeing the world differently.

With this in mind, you’ll read observations about President Trump’s Inaugural Speech. None of these are political statements. They’re a review of his style and some speaking tools he used within the speech.

What Speaking Skills Can You Learn From an Inaugural Speech?

President Trump’s inaugural speech was the shortest in 40 years. This is good form. Shorter speeches tend to have more impact.

If you watch TED talks, you know they’re typically limited to 18 minutes. This is no accident. That’s the point at which audience attention begins to wane. 

As one reporter wrote, the brevity of the speech didn’t hide the tone. President Trump clearly isn’t shy, and his speech demonstrated this. He wasn’t poetic or flowery – his message was direct. 

He also was consistent with his message. In many ways, the inaugural address took on the same tone and substance of his campaign speeches.

What struck me most was the rhythm of the inaugural speech. It kept moving forward, not bogged down in too many supporting examples.

The Rule of Three

The most obvious tool the President used to do this was the Rule of Three. There were eleven examples of this. For instance:

1. “We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the earth from the miseries of disease, and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow.” 

2. “Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves.”

The Rule of Three allows you to use enough supporting examples for your point. You can then move on to your next idea.

Repetition Within Sentences

The second example of three also demonstrates the use of mesodiplosis. This is the repetition of the same word(s) in the middle of successive sentences.

“Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves.”

The word ‘for’ in this sentence creates emphasis on the people who are the object of the President’s point.

Repetition To Begin Your Sentences

Another type of repetition was the use of anaphora. This is repeating the same word(s) at the beginning of successive sentences. 

The President used this tool with the words “We will bring back our….”

 “We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth. And we will bring back our dreams.”

This also creates a rhythm within a speech. It emphasizes the subject at the end of each sentence. It reinforces the President’s belief of what will happen during his administration.

What You Can Learn From Political Speakers

These are three examples of speaking techniques commonly used in political speeches. They can make for a smoother delivery for the speaker, and keep the audience’s attention.

As the last year has proven, politics can be the most polarizing force in a society. If you want to improve your own speeches, set your emotions aside. Study the writing and delivery tools used by notable politicians. 

These are opportunities to learn speaking skills that improve your communication. They can help you create speeches that impact the way your audiences Think, Feel or Act.

Recommended Resource

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History’s Greatest Speakers 

Ever wish you could captivate your boardroom with the opening line of your presentation?

Want to command attention by looming larger than life before your audience?

Now, you can master presentation skills, wow your audience, and quickly advance your career by unlocking the secrets of history’s greatest speakers.

The book Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln was written by James C. Humes. He was a speech writer for five American presidents. In this book, he shows you how great leaders through the ages used simple, yet incredibly effective tricks to speak, persuade, and win throngs of fans and followers.

You’ll discover how Napoleon Bonaparte mastered the use of the pregnant pause to grab attention. Read how Lady Margaret Thatcher punctuated her most serious speeches with the use of subtle props. Learn how Ronald Reagan could win even the most hostile crowd with carefully timed wit. And there’s much, much more.

Whether you’re addressing a small nation or a large staff meeting, you’ll want to master the tips and tricks in Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln, by James C. Humes.

To get your copy, click here