Effective Speaking - What We Can Learn From Peter Mandelson, Both A Communicator And Public Speaking Expert And The Third Man
Peter Mandelson has been at the centre of British politics and shaping the Labour party for the last 15 years. Whether you agree with him or not, you cannot deny his very effective speaking, communication and public speaking abilities. Mandelson has just published his memoirs in his book The Third Man and not surprisingly they have created some controversy.
His effective speaking abilities were on display at Foyle’s bookshop in London. The evening took the form of an interview on stage by Times columnist James Harding and, putting aside the politics, and even the personal issues covered, it was a Master Class in both how to have an audience eating out of your hand and in effective speaking.
Many lessons on effective speaking and public speaking could be learned from the evening. So what did Peter do, how did he do it and what can you learn from him regarding effective speaking?
There are seven paths to effective speaking and it was clear to me that he followed all seven when addressing his audience. Here I’d like to concentrate on just two of these. Path 1 – Be well organised and Path 4 – Words and language
This article explains how he addressed paths 1 and 4.
Path 1 - He was well prepared and knew his stuff.
He paused before he answered to collect his thoughts.
The interviewer controlled the questioning from the audience and no speeches were allowed, only questions. An example of effective speaking from James Harding.
Path 4 – You did not need to know the content of his book or be knowledgeable about politics to understand the words and language used to get a lot from an evening with this effective speaking expert.
He is obviously a heavyweight intellectual and perhaps surprisingly Peter’s choice of language made him very easy to understand. His language was accessible rather than being lofty and difficult to follow.
In addition he often used entertaining self deprecating humour, always with a twist that actually made him look in control.
This skill was probably the most effective speaking and public speaking skill on show.
So in conclusion what lessons can be learned? Pause before answering, stay calm, know your content, and use simple language peppered with humour, which appeals to your audience. If you do these things you will be proficient at effective speaking and public speaking.
Learn the Art of Effective Speaking - Secrets and Strategies of the Very Best Speakers in the World. Go to www.thespeakingwell.co.uk to find out more.





