I listen to New York Governor Cuomo’s daily briefing not only because I’m a New Yorker, but because he is a great communicator. People from around the country listen to him for both what he says and how he says it. It is both the content of his speech and his delivery that together make him a strong, persuasive, speaker.
Here are 8 great speaking tips the Governor uses to gain the trust of so many Americans.
1. He relies on facts
He delivers the facts, good and bad, and respects the audience enough to draw their own conclusions. Science, facts, and data add legitimacy, and are therefore persuasive. I have more trust knowing that “the policy is driven by the data,” as Cuomo frequently says, and not by his hunches or investments.
2. His message is clear, direct and concise
Cuomo clearly states key points and presents supporting data, and he does it in plain English. He does not digress from his key points. He doesn’t overload his speech (or slides) with too much information and every detail. Information is summarized to key points, which are presented in a linear, direct manner: He tells us where we are, the supporting data, what we’re looking at, and what this means going forward.
3. He says he doesn’t know
If he doesn’t know the answer to something, he says so immediately and defers to team member on the panel. He recognizes others’ contributions and value. Admitting ignorance, recognizing the team and giving credit, shows the audience he is focused on solving the problem and not on himself.
4. He is empathetic
Cuomo shows emotion without being emotional. He is authentic and relatable. He delivers data within the context of its human toll. There are people attached to the numbers. He finds common emotional ground with the audience — the shock and sorrow at the number lost, having cabin fever, and his brother’s illness. This relatable authenticity builds trust in the audience.
5. He uses rhetorical techniques
Cuomo uses common rhetorical techniques the audience expects and understands. Rhetorical techniques make the argument more persuasive and easier to remember. Examples include:
a. Analogy (something is like something else)
He describes business, education, and transportation as interrelated gears. “You can’t start one without starting the others.”
He describes PPEs, staff, and equipment as 3 pillars of a stool. “You need all three for it to work.”
b. Speaking in groups of 3 (often used for emphasis)
“I understand the science. I understand the logic. I understand the facts. But it’s still all incredibly different.”
“They drive the bus. They drive the train. They show up for work.”
c. Asking and then answering a question to transition to a new idea.
“When do we return to normal? I don’t think we return to normal. We move forward.”
“How long will this take? Estimates are 12-18 months.”
6. He has authoritative vocal qualities
The governor’s voice is authoritative and rational. This has an influence and impact on the audience. Cuomo maintains a limited vocal range in his speech. This means his intonation range does not go up and down widely. This narrow vocal range makes him sound authoritative, mature and calm, which makes the audience calm. However, Cuomo is not monotone. He uses stress and intonation to support his statements.
7. He uses phrasing, pauses, and focus stress strategically
A large part of the reason Cuomo is so understandable is because he clearly breaks his ideas into short phrases with clear pauses between them. He uses these smaller phrases to build up to a larger idea. This makes speech much easier for the audience to follow. He also uses focus stress to make the audience see a comparison, clarification or emphasis. He says these focus words louder and longer, and puts clear pauses before and after them to further stress their importance.
Examples: Slash marks show where Cuomo paused. Capitalized are focus words, which he said louder, held longer, and were surrounded by pauses.
a. To compare
We need clarity on what the/ FEDERAL government/ is gonna do, and what the /STATE governments/ are gonna do.
b. To emphasize
The /SCALE/ that we need / will require / the federal government’s help.
c. To clarify
That’s what they call /SUPERSPREADERS/.
8. He uses body language to reinforce his message
Cuomo frequently uses hand gestures to reinforce his message. For example, when he changes ideas, or phrases, he moves his hands from one area to another, to show change. When discussing an increase, he lifts his hand (as in the photo above) and when he discussed a decrease, his hand goes down as well. When making an analogy about gears, he used his hands to show gears working. These visual reinforcements help clarify meaning and add visual interest to a speech.
Listening to and mimicking excellent speakers is a great way to improve your own speech. Which of these do you already use? Which will you start applying?
- You rely on facts, data, and evidence
- Your message is clear, direct and concise
- You say you don’t know when you don’t know
- You are empathetic
- You use rhetorical techniques
- You use authoritative vocal qualities
- You use phrasing, pauses, and focus stress strategically
- You use body language to reinforce your message