Ros Atkins speaks with Sarada Peri, former speechwriter for Barack Obama, about finding your authentic voice, writing for the spoken word, and the purpose of communication. They discuss crafting effective speeches, personalizing communication, and applying lessons from Obama to everyday situations.
Effective communication involves asking probing questions and tailoring messages for the listener.
Focusing on clarity, authenticity, and a clear goal enhances the impact of communication.
Deep dives
Effective Communication Strategies
Sarah De Perry, a communications consultant who served during President Barack Obama's second term, emphasizes the importance of inquiry in effective communication. By asking probing questions and understanding the underlying motivations behind including specific details, communicators can create persuasive arguments. Perry also highlights the significance of tailoring communication for the listener, noting that what works in writing may not translate well to speech. She encourages using storytelling and conversational language to engage audiences and make messages more relatable.
Clarity and Purpose in Speechwriting
Sarah De Perry stresses the importance of clarifying the purpose of a speech and focusing on one clear message to avoid diluting its impact. She shares insights from her experience as a speechwriter, emphasizing the need to understand the intended outcome and the speaker's unique perspective. Perry advises speakers to prioritize clarity over trying to sound impressive, suggesting that authenticity and a clear goal enhance the effectiveness of communication.
Lessons in Persuasive Communication
Sarah De Perry reflects on lessons learned from working with President Obama and highlights the universal principles of persuasive communication. She underscores the value of personal authenticity and aligning communication with core values. Perry suggests that effective communication, whether in everyday interactions or formal speeches, requires a clear understanding of one's purpose and the ability to engage others towards a shared vision. She emphasizes that impactful communication is not solely about delivering information but about inspiring action and connection.
Ros speaks to one of US President Barack Obama’s former speechwriters, Sarada Peri.
We all communicate multiple times a day but could we be getting better results? From a simple text or phone call, to a job interview or big presentation, the way we express ourselves and get our point across can really matter. Ros Atkins and his fascinating guests reveal the best ways to communicate and how simple changes in the way we make our point can be really effective.
In this episode, Ros and Sarada discuss finding your authentic voice, writing specifically for the spoken word, and interrogating the purpose of your communication.
Series Producer: Hannah Newton
Producer: Olivia Cope
Executive Producer: Zoë Edwards
Mix Engineer: Jonathan Last
Original Music Composed by: Tom Wrankmore
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Listen production for BBC Radio 4
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