I finally got round to watching the United States Presidential debate.
It obviously took place back in September but given it was the biggest debate of the year, I wanted sufficient time to go through it line by line.
I now have nine pages of notes from the debate.
For now, though, I am focusing on the opening. Here are three lessons from the US Election Debate.
(By way of background, there was a coin toss before the start, which was won by Donald Trump. He opted to get the final speech of the session. Kamala Harris got to choose which podium to speak from.)
Lesson 1 – Choose to speak last
Having the final word is a potential advantage to a speaker.
Whether Donald Trump used the final speech wisely is a subject for another post.
However, the decision to go last was a good one.
There are two reasons for this.
Firstly, people often remember more of what they hear right at the end of a presentation.
If other speakers were considerably better, it makes less of a difference. However, if the competition is close, it can give you the edge.
Secondly, there is no opportunity for your opponent to rebut your closing. All other parts can be challenged openly – except your close if you go last.
Lesson 2 – Choose the podium on the left of the screen
On balance, I think Kamala Harris made the wrong choice here.
In my view, she would have been better to choose the podium on the left of the screen.
Why?
Because most people watching will read from left to right. We tend to notice more on the left.
This is why professional comperes enter the platform from the left (somewhat confusingly called stage right).
Her decision was marginally helpful to her opponent when the viewers saw both podiums and when there was a split screen with Donald Trump on the left and Kamala Harris on the right.
That said, the advantage here is a relatively small one.
Lesson 3 – Make a bold gesture at the start
This was impressive from Kamala Harris.
She walked across the stage, past the mid-point and extended her hand while introducing herself to her opponent.
This was compounded by walking in front of the podium.
Donald Trump either had to shake hands (following her lead) or not shake hands (looking mean-spirited).
Either way, he starts slightly on the back foot.
As I mentioned at the start, I have nine pages of notes. I spent about four hours watching a 90-minute debate!
There are many more lessons from the US Election Debate – I’ve written an eBook drop us an email (info@speakwithimpact.com) if you’d like a copy.
For advice on starting strong in your presentation – click on the link below…
https://www.speakwithimpact.com/start-strong-in-your-presentation/