Customer Reviews

Say It Like Obama: The Power of Speaking with Purpose and Vision

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Whatever your political views, you will learn a lot from this book, which decontructs his talks and explains why they work so well. Learn the rule of threes; understand the power of rhetorical and non-rhetorical questions; exploit the use and nonuse of "and" in a sentance. Lots more, including the key one of "show, don't tell. She ends with his acceptance speech and challenges you to deconstruct the speech and spot the techiques. And, in a clever marketing move she does not give you the answers, but directs you to her website where she provides them. First rate stuff.

I don't think anyone can dispute the fact that Senator Barack Obama is an amazing speaker and has the power to move people with his words of hope. Shel Leanne has been able to clearly and meticulously analyze some of Obama's most well known speeches and highlight for the reader various aspects of his oratory gift and the brilliance of his delivery. This is definitely a must read for anyone who wishes to connect with their audience irrespective of the setting.
-- S.G. Richardson

I never noticed how structured some speeches are before reading this book. After looking at several annotated speeches in this book, it is quite clear why Obama's speeches resonate so well. When I listen to him now, I recognize that he speaks in threes and fives. Read this book to find out more.

The author's love of Obama comes through in this book. However, it does not matter whether you are a fan of Obama or not. If you are trying to improve your speaking skills, this will be a great help.

Try also Speak With Confidence : Powerful Presentations That Inform, Inspire and Persuade, 101 Secrets of Highly Effective Speakers, 3rd Edition: Controlling Fear, Commanding Attention, and How to Give Your Best Speech or Presentation Ever: A Step-by-Step Manual for Speaking in Public.

The Kindle version of this book costs more than average and delivers less...literally. How come I can't have a copy on my PC, my MAC, my iPhone, and my Kindle? I purchased the damned book. And dozens of other Kindle books I've purchased don't max out at this number. Bad form.

Obama in his quest to become the leader of the free world has exemplified in his own way how the power of "speech" and "persuasion" can motivate others to suceed by reaching the highest levels for personal goals like no other I have ever seen. This book captures the essence that anyone can use in their everyday life to suceed at any endeavor.

You look at Obama speak and you can't help but to be in awe of him. He captivates his audience with his passion. This book specifically focuses on how to draw in and hold the attention of your audience. It details everything from use body language to driving home your points. I wish I had this book years ago!

Another great book, Dr. Leanne!

Y. Stevens

This is a most compelling read. Especially the chapters on Breaking Down Barriers (3), Driving Points Home )6), and Persuading (7).
It is a book that I would highly recommend to college undergrads, graduate students, professors, and anyone who aspires to become an audacious speaker like Barack Obama.

Shel Leanne is an excellent author. I have read her other books, Joshua's Bible, and How to Interview Like a Top MBA.


M. Geiger

The release of "Say it Like Obama: The Power of Speaking with Purpose and Vision" is well timed, as most Americans stands in awe of one of the most powerful, well spoken, African American men of our time. The author breaks down Obama's most powerful communication techniques into transferable skills that anyone can use to inspire, build confidence, and motivate audiences of any kind. Very good work! I recommend this book to anyone who would benefit from learning how to communicate effectively in order to persuade and drive real results.

Let's keep things in perspective. President Obama is a very capable speaker, well trained in rhetorical skills, and naturally verbal. He epitomizes great CEO-style oration. His words are not magic, not poetry -- he is no MLK, not by a long shot -- but he is sincere and knows how to move us with the clear language of straightforward ideas and personal experience.

President Obama's inspiring speeches come as a breath of fresh air after 8 years of unfocused, drawling and unpersuasive speeches of George Bush. But let's not overstate Obama's skills.

He's a perfect living model for business presenters, and Leanne's book comes in handy for this purpose. I've already been coaching my presentation trainees with Obama-style rhetoric, techniques developed by Greek orators more than two millenia ago, but I'm grateful to Leanne for compiling all these good moments into one source. Saves me the trouble of downloading them off the 'net!

It was his speech at the Democratic Convention in 2004 that catapulted Barack Obama into the national spotlight. It has been his gift for oratory both in style and in substance that has propelled him into becoming the first African-American presidential candidate of a major national political party. Now leadership expert Shel Leanne explains, using Obama has a living example, how to combine oratory, body language, and the fine art of persuasion into a seamless presentation that builds trust and stimulates action in "Say It Like Obama: The Power Of Speaking With Purpose And Vision". A thoroughly 'user friendly' instructional manual on the art and craft of public speaking, "Say It Like Obama" should be read and studied by anyone who will be called upon to speak in public whether it be in church, in the board room, or from a convention platform. "Say It Like Obama" is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal and community library Self-Help/Self-Improvement and Leadership/Management reference collections.