The Power of Emotion: Lesson from the Solicitor General

 This morning on Politico, J. Lester Feder explores the question:

Did Verrilli choke? And does it really matter?

Feder quotes Arnold & Porter's Lisa Blatt, a former assistant to Verrilli:

Blatt said she was primarily surprised that Verrilli "didn't seem that excited to be up there." Given that this is one of the biggest cases in modern history, she said, "I would think it would be a blast to be up there."

Clearly, Verrilli's lack of excitement made just as much if not more of an impact than his actual substance. This is an unfortunate but easily avoidable mistake.

From the Green Room: People remember how they felt when they listen to you even more than the information they learned. 

No matter how unprepared or nervous you are, try to communicate positive emotion. At the very least, people will remember something positive from your presentation. 

How to Dress on Camera: Advice from Rachel Maddow

Today on NPR's Fresh Air, Terri Gross interviewed Rachel Maddow:



About two thirds of the way through the interview, Terry Gross asks Maddow why she chooses to dress the way she does on TV.

Maddow replies, "My idea about what I look like on television is essentially that I don't want you to not notice what I look like on television. I have this basic idea that what I am proud of...is based entirely on how good my argument is and how good the interview is and how well I say what I want to say... I want to create a neutral visual experience."

From the Green Room: Don't wear anything that will distract the audience from hearing what you have to say.

Lesson from Rick Santorum: Don't Dart Your Eyes

Rick Santorum did many things wrong in his victory speech after winning the Louisiana primary:



He was clearly unprepared and unsure of himself.  This was apparent not only in his content, but also in his eyes.
 
Notice the way his eyes dark back and forth when he speaks. The lack of focused, sustained eye contact lowers his status and makes him appear nervous, shifty - and worst of all - unconfident.




From the Green Room: Use your eyes to connect with each person in your audience. Look directly at one person at a time. Don't rush, but instead focus on one person per thought.

Match Your Voice to Your Message

Watch Peter Diamandis' recent TED talk: Abundance is Our Future:



Diamandis' message is one of great optimism and hope. We believe his words, not just because he has compelling content but also because his voice sounds strong and uplifting.


From the Green Room: If you want your message to stick, the sound of your voice, needs to be in sync with your content.

Kony 2012: The Power of a Story

What makes the beginning of the Kony 2012 video so gripping? 

Rather than focus on the broad issue and facts about Joseph Kony's horrific crimes, the filmmaker hones in on the story of a single child - Jacob. Using concrete details, vivid language, and of course - pictures, he makes us care about the issue right from the start:

From the Green Room: If you want to move people to action, before you give them the facts, try telling them a story.