Best Public Speakers: Studying Condoleezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice is a diplomat, political scientist, civil servant, and professor who served as the 66th United States Secretary of State from 2005 to 2009 and as the 20th United States National Security Advisor from 2001 to 2005. We selected Condoleezza as one of the best public speakers because of her ability to capture her audience, her warm but strong presence, and her tone despite broaching difficult topics.

The public speaking event we reviewed: The interview about her book, "Democracy: Stories from the Long Road to Freedom."

Condoleezza's best public speaking skills:

1. Uses strong language and stresses important points to establish credibility. (1:00)

2. Creates a sense of urgency in word choice - “We need to continue…” (2:22)

3. Poised with a calm tone despite difficult topics. Condoleeza uses the interviewer’s name for an empathetic approach. (2:45)

4. Demonstrates active listening by nodding along and maintaining strong eye contact. (3:50)

5. Smiles to express her personality. (5:30)

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