I’d like to meet the new President of the United States.

No, I’m not an in-your-face, free trade agreement and same-sex marriage liberal. In fact, I couldn’t give two-hoots about who wins – there will be pros and cons, regardless of who takes the helm. Nobody’s perfect.

“Yes, we can.”

But have you ever seen him speak? Once Obama gets going, you can’t turn away. Once he begins mouthing that familiar catchphrase, his charisma and conviction grip you. Even if the War On Iraq means as much to you as a nondescript bloke’s weird remarks at the Speaker’s Corner, you’ll still be riveted.  

It almost seems that he’s made to be President. He’s iconic and fit (he does 45 minute workouts, six days a week) enough to be featured on the November cover of US Men’s Health. He’s easy on the eyes, doesn’t drink and smoke, and has the epitome of the perfect family.

Most of us (me included) tremble at the thought of public speaking, and are far from the ideal of a Men’s Health cover guy – or President. But I'm sure we all wish we could be as confident in front of an audience of thousands as Obama can.

How does he do it?

He connects. During the 2004 Democratic National Convention, he shared his story about a rough childhood, dreams his father had about working in America, to the success he experienced today. Even you can benefit from this: You’ll connect with people who’ve gone through the same things in life as you have – even those who’ve had it good all along will be moved by a sincere sharing.

He understands what the audience wants. He knows America is sick of the same ol’ stuff, so he uses the word “change” in his speeches. He says it alot – a few thousand times in fact, to funnel it into their skulls. Get on the same page as your audience and understand the direction they want to head in. Once you get that down pat, empathise and use it to your advantage.

He stokes emotion. Watch Obama speak – he raises his volume at appropriate times, doesn’t speak with a monotonous tone and gives dramatic pauses where needed. Once you’ve gained your audience’s trust, stir their emotions to make them want what you’re selling. Alliteration and imagery helps.

Take a look at this sentence from his 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote address: “It’s the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs, the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores, the hope of a young naval lieutenant bravely patrolling the Mekong Delta, the hope of a mill-worker’s son who dares to defy the odds, the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him too.”

Yes, you can. – MELVIN HOE

The MH Blog is updated every Tuesday. Got something to say to the MH editorial bloggers? E-mail us at magmenshealth@sph.com.sg