Public Speaking — The Power of Authenticity
I’ll give you a link to a terrific video which is a study of the power of authenticity. The link is provided at the end of the post, because I’d suggest that you read the entire post before watching the video. The video segment is about 6 minutes in length. This post is only 500 words and will take you only two minutes to read.
In this video clip you’ll see the late Mr Rogers (creator of children’s TV programming) speaking before the Senate Subcommittee on Communications and Chair, the late John Pastore (D-RI) in 1969. At stake was a $20 million grant for the Corporation For Public Broadcasting. In the video, Mr Rogers was 40. Senator Pastore was 61. The clip shows the impact of authenticity. While the effect of authenticity is not instantaneous, it is powerful.
In this post, I will not examine the content of the testimony; word choice, metaphors, comparisons, poetry and more. I offer the segment solely as a study in style. Observe how Mr Rogers sticks with his authentic style. Study the change in body language of Senator Pastore.
Also note that I’m not suggesting that anyone’s specific style is universally appropriate for all people and all circumstances. I would encourage you, however to study the style of someone whose style may not be a fit for you and ask yourself, “what is good about this style and what can I learn from it.” And I would suggest that you develop your own authentic style which represents the real you.
Right from the beginning, Mr Rogers begins with his authentic Mr Rogers style. And he maintains it. Gentle and deliberate pacing. Soft-spoken. Non-threatening. It’s clear during the testimony that Senator Pastore had not previously known much about Mr Rogers. His opinions are totally being shaped by the content and style of Mr Rogers in a six minute testimony.
Mr Rogers testimony begins with the Chairman Pastore (a self-described tough guy) playing the role of Guardian of the Public Money. The spotlight is given to Mr Rogers with “All right Rogers you’ve got the floor,” spoken by Senator Pastore in an impatient tone that almost said “OK let’s get this over with.” That introduction by the Chair is accompanied by light snickers from some of those in attendance.
Mr Rogers does not match or mirror the tone of the Senator and within the first 20 seconds essentially says “I trust you.” Thirty seconds into his testimony, Mr Rogers is interrupted with an almost sarcastic “Will it make you feel better if you read it?” More snickers.
Mr Rogers sticks with his steady, non-confrontational style, “I’d just like to talk about it, if it’s all right.” He continues in an effective conversational style.
About a minute later, Senator Pastore’s attitude begins to shift as his body language says “OK, I’m listening.”
Less than four minutes after his gruffly spoken “feel better if you read it?” comment, Senator Pastore admits to having goose bumps. And in less than six minutes he’s totally sold: “I think it’s wonderful. Looks like you just earned the 20 million dollars.”
This clip is a powerful example of the disarming power of authenticity. Click here to watch.
September 10th, 2007 at 4:31 am
That was quite interesting…thanks for sharing it.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Winning At Marketing Is About Following Mister Rogers - Or Lessons In Authenticity…
As someone who loves to get up in front of a group of people and talk about the power of Digital Marketing, connecting with today’s consumer, and the magic of Personal Branding, I spend a good chunk of time subscribing and reading Blogs on the topic o…
September 17th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
I got pointed to this post via Six Pixels of Separation. What a wonderful video, and I thank you for your analysis. Very information and useful. I’ve now subscribed to your blog and look forward to more of these insights!
September 18th, 2007 at 8:16 am
Like Mario, I got pointed to your post via 6POS and I completely agree with him.
Great way to start the week is by reading a post like this. Thank you John
September 18th, 2007 at 11:04 am
[...] saw a great example of authentic communication in my friend John Kinde’s blog. In his piece Public Speaking - The Power of Authenticity, he links to an old 1960s video clip of Mr. Rogers speaking to the US Senate. I suggest you read [...]
September 18th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Thank you so much, John, for calling attention to the Mr. Rogers senate hearing clip. The lesson on authenticity offered by the video was profound.
Anyone connected to leadership and/or communication would benefit from
seeing this. I look forward to more lessons from your ezine!
September 18th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
I’m not able to see the link. Are you going to put it back up soon?
September 18th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Hi Jonas,
I tried the link and it still works for me.
Try pasting this into your browser:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a41lJIhW7fA
John
September 18th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Thanks, I can see the link now.
Boy, I’m at a loss for words. I can see exactly what Pastore meant when he said he was having goosebumps, because I got them too. Mr. Rogers doesn’t seek to defend his position, doesn’t retort or provide the slightest resistance, but just says what he wants to in the most earnest, candid way possible that simply cannot be faked. I can’t remember the last time straightforwardness moved me so much. Astonishing, and almost comical in the paradigm shift it brings. Thank you for the post.
September 19th, 2007 at 12:11 am
[...] What exactly do you mean by being "authentic"? Is it the same cliched thing as "being different" or having an "individuality"? Authenticity means your true voice, the voice that communicates the message you want to convey. Authenticity means an ability to convey the truth without fearing the result. I feel we only worry about the results when we are not sure of what we are doing. Although I’m not a regular reader, but I’m a big fan of Steve Pavlina who explains in his latest post how you can succeed and communicate better by being authentic. In this post he refers to another post titled Public Speaking - The Power of Authenticity. [...]
September 19th, 2007 at 1:18 am
[...] saw a great example of authentic communication in my friend John Kinde’s blog. In his piece Public Speaking - ThePower of Authenticity, he links to an old 1960s video clip of Mr. Rogers speaking to the US Senate. I suggest you read [...]
September 19th, 2007 at 5:55 am
Great post! Thanks for lesson! Found my way here via Steve Pavlina’s blog… glad I followed the link!
Fred
September 19th, 2007 at 9:44 am
I’m also here from Steve P.’s blog. Just remarkable. Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention.
September 21st, 2007 at 6:55 pm
I’m there with the goosebumps, too.
At 34 years old, I’m still learning from Mr. Rogers.
Thanks John.
September 21st, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Honesty — What a Concept ! When I leave the cashier at
a store, restaurant, etc. — and the clerk says , “HavaNiceDay”
– as one word, sing-song voice with NO meaning –while LOOKING
at the Next Custromer . . . I wonder why the Owners / Managers
Do Not “Get It.” It is such an artificial , IMPersonal, “Herd-Bird”
Exit Line– “All’s WEAK that Ends Weak/ Meaningless / ? ”
“What a Way to Let Your Customer GO ! ” Sol M –
September 28th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
[...] Inspired by John Kinde’s Post - The Power Of Authenticity [...]
October 13th, 2007 at 3:01 am
[...] saw a great example of authentic communication in my friend John Kinde’s blog. In his piece Public Speaking - The Power of Authenticity, he links to an old 1960s video clip of Mr. Rogers speaking to the US Senate. I suggest you read [...]
November 15th, 2007 at 12:12 am
[...] saw a great example of authentic communication in my friend John Kinde’s blog. In his piece Public Speaking - ThePower of Authenticity, he links to an old 1960s video clip of Mr. Rogers speaking to the US Senate. I suggest you read [...]
January 29th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I thought it was absolutely moving. The words, and simply the voice of Mr. Rogers, brought me back to my childhood. He spoke of reaching out to children and how he cares for and helps them. Those words made me remember how he was there for me growing up, and how I wish he was still around today to show my future children the goodness of being a child.