Public speaking skills

I believe many of us are impressed by the public speaking skills of President Obama.

I attended a workshop by YMCA Toastmasters Club on 3 June 09, which shared on the rhetorical devices used by President Obama. Here it goes on the list of techniques:

1. Rhetorical questions
2. Anaphores
3. Epistrophe
4. Mesodiplosis
5. Conduplicato/Hypophora
6. Anadiplosis
7. Asyndeton
8. Polysyndeton
9. Synectoche
10. Alluision
11. Alliteration
12. Assonance
13. Onomatopedia
14. Triads
15. Antithesis
16. Catchphrase

It's quite a mouthful, isn't it?
It is quite easy to see these devices being used in the speeches by President Obama, once you know these devices.

I guess knowing the techniques are not enough. One needs to know how to apply these devices tactfully and in the appropriate settings, accompanied by appropriate pauses, posture, tone and confidence. Practice will make perfect.

Besides these, I believe what makes President Obama's speeches stand out is his passion to ride out this trying time with the people and have the best ready for the future generations.

Cheers!