Tony Blair, the Great Communicator
Ronald Reagan was called The Great Communicator because of his ability to speak to the people in a way that showed his humanity, without appearing overly indecisive.
Tony Blair has the same quality of delivery, but he takes it one step further. You can see that behind the speeches and photo opportunities is a level of intelligence that no one ever accused Reagan of possessing.
Blair has a way of speaking that connotes thoughtfulness, humanity and dignity. It’s not an easy combination, particularly when you’re under attack.
His heir apparent Gordon Brown listed some of the moments as prime minister when Blair captured the mood of the nation: the death of Lady Diana, and responding to the 9/11 and July 7 terrorist attacks.
An equally significant example of his superior communication skills was his speech to Parliament describing the threat posed by Saddam Hussein, and justifying an invasion of Iraq. The Bush administration was failing to convince the world of the justification for attacking Iraq until Blair stepped in.
He purposefully detailed the threat to the United Kingdom, hammering home the imminent danger. When George Bush tells you there are weapons of mass destruction, you wonder what the real story is. When Blair does it, you feel yourself being swayed to his point of view.
It was probably his biggest political blunder, but as an example of persuasiveness, it was masterful.
Photo via Jens-Olaf Walter
Previous posts:
Tags: tony blair, communications, public speaking, lady diana, reagan, persuasion
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Communication Skills, Persuasion, Presentations, Speechwriting
1 opinion for Tony Blair, the Great Communicator
Robert Brack
May 13, 2008 at 6:09 am
As an American I am very grateful to Mr. Blair, and to the great British people, for their support during these difficult times. What many call his “biggest political blunder” was, in fact, a brilliant torch of solidarity lit in an otherwise very dark world.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: