5 Hallmarks of a Great speech - Barack Obama edition
Closing out Black History Month 2025, Learn from the speech that put Barack Obama on the map.
When I work with my clients, I often ask them, “Who’s a speaker you admire?”
At least 90% of them say, “Barack Obama.”
He’s one of my favorites, too. He’s a skilled speaker who also brings humanity to his speeches. He knows how to connect with his audience. (And yes, I’m aware, he has speechwriters. But it’s Obama who brings and nails his delivery.)
Here, I’m taking a look at the speech that put Obama on the map and picking apart the elements that make it a great speech.
5 Standout Elements of the Speech that put Obama on the Map
He has a strong opening.
Obama acknowledges the auidence with a thank you to the audience and his introducer. He also begins with “From the great state of Illinois,” which was met with great cheers. Any time you can acknowledge your audience, that will create connection. [One trick I use: When I’m speaking at a conference or all-day event, I arrive early. I watch other speakers and talk to the attendees, and reference them during my speech.].
Note what he doesn’t do: He does not begin with, “My name is Barack Obama and I’m here to talk about….” Start strong.He leads in with a story.
Obama tells the audience - in short, punchy images, the story of how his father came to America, how his grandfather enlisted in WWII, and his grandmother worked in a factory. He’s sharing a story that connects to the United States. Genius, for a convention. Listen to his words: he references the GI bill and the FHA - see how that’s tied to what he’s there for?He uses repetition.
Not just specific words, but Obama has a through-line of the United States here. He repeats concepts as well, and keeps tying his speech back to uniquely American touchpoints: The Declaration of Independence. Freedom. FHA. GI Bill.He lays out a vision.
Your audience wants a specific idea of where we’re going. Obama lays that out - both in his words about America as a place, and a vision for the future.He has a strong closing.
Never end a speech with “that’s it.” Watch the end of Obama’s speech and see what this master orator does to close.
ps - Another reason I like Obama’s style is how natural he sounds sometimes, usually in interviews. I’m talking about his tendency to answer questions with a long, “Uhhhhhhh…… look—” before giving his answer.
People worry (needlessly) about how many “ums” and “uhs” they say when they speak.
My retort: One of our greatest speakers says “uh” all the time!
(pps - unless you, um, are, uh, so, uh distracting, uh, uh, with it, um, no one will um, notice.)
I’ve helped my clients write, develop, and deliver their own signature speeches. When you’re ready to level up your career, or want to develop your own signature talk, schedule a strategy call.
I’d be glad to help you reach your goals.
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I can help you rock your next presentation and overcome the credibility killers, like bad body language, and too many fillers Need to develop your presentation, or a Signature Talk? I can help you and/or your team!
I’ll give you LOTS of practice and feedback. I make public speaking easier (and fun!) for my clients. To chat, schedule a call with me.