Compelling words

I attended a Toastmasters meeting this evening where we watched a recording of Barack Obama giving his inauguration speech.

This cleverly crafted speech was beautifully structured, emotionally charged and riddled with rhetoric.

No matter how inspirational a speech is, however, it will soar or sink on its delivery.

And how Obama delivered. His thoughtful pauses, body language and considered gravitas rendered his words powerful and sincere.

I was particularly intrigued and fascinated by the musicianship of the speech. (That's only because I'm a musician with a language hang-up, or a wordsmith with a musical hang-up, depending on the situation.)

The dynamics of a piece of music are created with strategic silences, which highlight the beauty of the individual notes being played or sung.

In the same way, orchestrating the right combination of silence and sound add light, shade and glorious colour to a speech.

Obama's wonderfully rhythmic cadences, intonation and silences combined beautifully with simple, powerful words to bring us an inauguration speech to remember.

No matter what your particular political persuasion is, one thing is certain: Obama is a master orator and a dignified performer.

What a welcome change from the previous incumbent.


Remember: mind your language - and your silences.