Last night's presidential debate was a lesson for any business presenter or public speaker. Your audience will forgive almost any gaffe or foible except for being boring. Where was the fire in the belly? Enthusiasm sells!
Both candidates may as well have been giving a P&L; report. There was no passion, no conviction that created a feeling of excitement in the listeners. They were calm and matter-of-fact but did not inspire leadership. It was a safe presentation. There was nothing controversial and nothing memorable. Who won the debate? Nobody. They both lost the opportunity to rally the crowd
I always tell my clients there are no boring topics-only boring presenters. Well, Obama and McCain certainly proved my point.