Public Speaking 101- Special Edition for Leaders

I really can’t understand why persons occupying leadership positions keep talking stupid, irritating and annoying things and issuing statements which inflame public opinion. Recently, first it was the Pope when he said something about Prophet Mohammed (Bismillah Ir Rahiman ir Rahim), even though it was a quote of a speech by an earlier Pope, and then it was Jack Straw the ex-foreign minister of UK (weighing in with his remarks about Muslim women wearing veils) and now the Sheikh in Australia who has said that women who don’t cover their faces/bodies are open season for sexual attack by men. It is not clear whether he meant his remarks to apply for Muslim women only or he meant it for all women in general. If latter it would be really arrogant as he is not the spokesman for Women of the World, leave alone for all Muslim women. He had no business to say what he said. As a Religious Leader, he should not have had Sex on his mind and should not be looking at how men and women have sexual desires and what generates that desire. He should have confined himself to studying religion and doing service to the poor and downtrodden.

Of course, then there is the inevitable George Bush, who always puts his foot in his mouth with his remarks/comments/opinions (which are based on unfathomable ignorance) and who has become the laughing stock of the world (but with very tragic overtones for everyone) because being President of USA what he says and does is/can be much more constructive or destructive, though he seems to be happily oblivious of this.


Surely all these leaders must know that their comments will be broadcast by the media, which is always looking for sensational news, the more the better as it will keep the news/event in focus, helping in sales/circulation. In this internet age what the leaders say or do is being picked up by practically everyone and is giving immense offence to some section or other. Are they so insensitive or arrogant or do they do this deliberately with the intention to stir up and cause trouble. Or are they looking for their proverbial 15 minutes of fame which in recent times has usually become 15 minutes or shame.

Religion, Politics, Gender, Race have all become very explosive issues of late in these current uncertain times, with major wars going on (again ostensibly pitching major religions or civilizations against each other, to paraphrase these leaders themselves-West vs. Islam, etc) and with major cultural upheavals taking place all over the world continuously, due primarily to mass migration/displacement of people. The world is getting smaller and smaller, fueled by technological innovations and increasing speed of communication and it is becoming difficult for people to adjust to the proximity of other people of different backgrounds.

People occupying public/leadership positions should be very conscious of these developments and pause to think before making impromptu remarks/comments and think about the possible public reaction to their comments. This is not to restrict freedom of speech. They have a responsibility to anticipate reactions and think twice before saying/doing something. I think being a leader means being politically/culturally aware and having the ability to raise issues in a more moderate and acceptable manner. May be they can go for some course or other with academics to unlearn and re-learn Public Speaking. I would request these leaders not to say anything if they have nothing useful to say in the first place. Your ratings should be driven by deeds and not words alone. So once more my plea is to cool off and don’t venture into explosive issues without thinking of consequences and reactions.

All you will be doing is to increase the wealth of media barons who feed on such careless comments and you will also be alienating your constituencies. Unless of course, you are an investor in the shares of media companies and have taken it upon yourself to drive up the value of your investment. Is it the money that makes you go round and round?