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

Leanne, Shel. Say It Like Obama: The Power Of Speaking with Purpose and Vision. McGraw-Hill. Oct. 2008. 224p. BUS~This book admirably highlights Senator Obama's rhetorical techniques for readers looking to hone their own speaking skills. Given the excitement surrounding Obama's campaign and his oratory, this should prove to be a popular title for both general readers and those professionally engaged in presentations. Recommended for all collections. Background: Leanne (How To Interview Like a Top MBA), formerly on the faculty of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, offers a timely examination of the rhetorical skills of Senator Barack Obama to show how readers can adopt his methods for persuasive speaking. Book-ended by a transcript of Obama's 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote address and his acceptance speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the text parses Obama's methods, demonstrating how he adroitly conveys his messages with examples from his current campaign and his U.S. Senate career. The author clarifies how the reader can employ these same methods of persuasion and presentation, including body language and use of pauses as well as actual word choice.--Richard Paustenbaugh, Oklahoma State Univ. Libs., Stillwater.