Trump is the Greatest Orator Alive (Here's Why)

Today’s post was actually an X post I made following the Republica Party’s convention. I don’t do politics really but this is the biggest trending news of the year plus there’s a huge PR element at play here i.e public speaking.

Public speaking in the form of launch or campaign events has existed since ancient Rome (and before then most likely). We can all name the most charismatic and famous orators from Julius Cesar to Churchill to Jobs and now today, Donald Trump.

Like them or loathe them, they all have an inherent ability to powerfully convey the message and at the same time, develop an aura around them that people dial into time and time again.

With Trump, here’s how:

1. Trump tends to open with humour. He can be really funny let’s have it right. He can also be unspeakably cruel, as when he constantly mocks ‘Sleepy’ Joe Biden. Humor doesn’t always land but sets you apart from boring people. Example, comedians are more likeable than actors.

2. He is a convicted felon, a conspiracist, a philanderer and a businessman who has lied about his wealth. But he doesn’t deny any of it. People are naturally attracted to people who act themselves, as they’ve been with other flawed folks from Steve Jobs to Muhammad Ali.

3. Whether folk agree or disagree with the messaging, Trump rallies are a spectacle, much in the way Apple keynotes used to be. They give a feeling of belonging and being a part of something special and bigger than yourself even if you don’t agree with the politics.

4. Trump taps into people’s yearn for nostalgia. In his case, a nostalgia triggered by immigration and inflation, and an unblinking belief that he will reverse them. MAGA and all the Americana that goes with it is way more powerful than the intellect type stuff the Democrats do.

5. Trump also uses religious iconography, depicting himself as a martyr in the face of state oppression. After the attempted assassination last week, Trump said “God alone” saved him and as we’ve seen with countless other icons, faith is key to their brand.

6. Perhaps most importantly of all, he keeps it simple. His messaging is always easy to remember and regurgitate. From border walls to China to Kim Jong Un aka “Little Rocket Man” the lesson is clear: don’t over complicate it.

What do you think? Greatest public speaker? In the digital age, is it as relevant?

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