Lessons to learn from Benazir Bhutto’s speeches ranked among 100 greatest speeches of the World: The Times

   

The Times (January 6) has reported that the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s speeches are included among the 100 greatest speeches ever in the book by Simon Maier and Jeremy Kourdi “The 100: Insights and Lessons from 100 of the Greatest Speeches Ever Delivered” The book is compiled as a guide book for would-be managers seeking lessons in the art of public speaking.

 

Also in a review of this book leading literary critic and Book Editor of “Management today” Emma De Vitta has appreciated Bhutto as a role model in public speaking. Bhutto’s speeches have been ranked amongst 100 greatest speeches of the world ever delivered and the authors have identified lessons from Benazir Bhutto as most prolific.  

 

Vitta says: “Every manager has to take on the challenge of public speaking at some point, whether it’s passing on an edict from on high or giving a presentation at a conference. Most find it an odious duty. What’s the trick to getting it right?”

 

According to  Maier and  Kourdi, the authors of “The 100: Insights and Lessons From 100 of the Greatest Speeches Ever Delivered”, “It’s important to say something relevant, construct it well and include something inspirational”, says Emma.

 

There are several lessons to take from the speeches of Benazir Bhutto.

 

“Share the difficulties you face, but only so that your audiences can identify with them and understand you better. If your audience can identify with you in some way, communication becomes much easier”.

 

Ms. Bhutto considered (rightly) that she would experience discrimination as a woman. However, she used the discriminatory views to a powerful positive effect in her speeches. After one severe attack, she said: “We are prepared to risk our lives. We’re prepared to risk our liberty. But we’re not prepared to surrender this great nation to militants. The attack was on what I represent. The attack was on democracy and the very unity and integrity of Pakistan.”

 

“Understand your audience and meet (or exceed) their expectations”

 

Ms Bhutto went to great pains to understand and know details about her different audiences. Her speeches included accurate references and allusions to facts and views with which she knew her audiences would identify. Journalists and Western politicians liked the facts that she was bold and always strong in her views.

 

“If necessary, begin a speech with a stark fact or admission. Shock people into listening”.

In her speech at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London in July 2007, Bhutto began: “As we meet, Pakistan is in crisis….. As we gather together, much to the dismay of the people of Pakistan, Islamabad is the primary training and staging area for al-Qaeda… Ladies and Gentlemen… the voices of moderation have been silenced.” Ms Bhutto was aware of the world’s general opinion of Pakistan’s alleged role in terrorism. Rather than deny it, she was open. “It pains me, and I know it pains every Pakistani, when the terrorist trail always seems to lead back to Pakistan…”

 

“Make your speeches memorable”.

In her IISS speech, made with passion and conviction, she used simple devices to set out her cause, picking on a few strong, emotive factors.

 

She repeats them in different ways and uses connecting devices, such as the repetition of “ladies and gentlemen”, which both slowed the space and allowed the voice to lower in register, ensuring that the audience was listening carefully and hard.”

The book also refers to speeches of Bill Clinton and Charles De Gaulle  : “During these difficult times, it’s easy for team morale to slump. Former US President Bill Clinton was excellent at promoting a brighter future”. “This ceremony is held in the depth of winter,” he said in his inaugural speech. “But by the words we speak and the faces we show the world, we force the spring.”

 

Referring to the inspiring eloquence of the great French leader Charles de Gaulle it says: “Another timely lesson comes from Charles de Gaulle, who knew how to provide leadership in adversity. He was firm and offered a crystal-clear sense of direction. “Must we abandon all hope?” he asked in a BBC broadcast of 1940. “Is our defeat final and irremediable? To those questions I answer – no! Whatever happens, the flame of French resistance must not and shall not die.” Courage, mes aims!

 

 

January 7, 2010

 

Last updated: 14-01-2010