Lord Peter Mandelson- The Third Man Lessons To Be Learned From A Public Speaking And Effective Speaking Expert

Peter Mandelson, helped by his abilities as a effective speaking and public speaking expert, has played a prominent part in the Labour party during their time in power. Mandelson, no stranger to contoversy, has caused even more with the release of his new book – The Third Man.

His effective speaking abilities were on display at Foyle’s bookshop in London. Times columnist James Harding interviewed Mandelson on stage and his performance was a brilliant example of both effective speaking and how to have an audience eating from your hand.

Many lessons on effective speaking and public speaking could be learned from the evening. Let’s look at what contributed to his very effective speaking performance.

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

Here is how Peter addressed these two paths to effective speaking;

Path 1 – Clearly he knew his subject very well and was prepared for the event.

When questioned he took time to think what his answer would be rather than speaking straight away. The gap was approximately 2 to 4 seconds before he started speaking and this gave him plenty of time to think before replying.

In addition in respect to planning, the interviewer, James Harding, made it clear that the questions from the floor where to be short and not statements or speeches. An example of effective speaking from the ‘Mr’ as well as the ‘Lord’.

Path 4 – To understand the words and language Peter Mandelson used, you neither had to be well versed in politics nor had you to have already read his book. This is effective speaking that communicates at all levels.

In addition though he is clearly a thinker and highly intelligent he, maybe surprisingly, used language that was very easily understood rather than being difficult to follow.

Further when speaking he used self deprecating humour to great effect, and with a slant that always made him seem in command of the situation.

How someone can do this was one lesson that I took from seeing an effective speaking and public speaking expert operate.

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.

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