I was quoted in today’s Toronto Star, not as a podcaster, but as President of my Toastmaster’s club called Toronto Business Toastmasters. The article focused on Stephen Harper’s speaking style and his unwillingness to engage in conversations.
One thing that stuck out in the article was that Stephen Harper enjoys one-way communications. Our Prime Minister seems to enjoy giving information, yet scurries away whenever someone tries to engage him in dialogue. In particular, Susan Delacourt wrote:
“This is coming to be seen as one of Harper’s signature traits — viewing communication as a one-way exercise: telling, not explaining or persuading or listening. Prime ministerial communication, as this current office-holder describes it, is all about “getting the message out,” and rarely about taking any messages in.”
I guess that’s why our Prime Minister enjoys podcasting so much. He can create the message, send it out and leave no room for anyone to engage in a conversation with him.
Don’t believe me? Check this page. All that’s provided are the podcast feeds and nothing more. Not only does our Prime Minister enjoy hiding behind props when he speaks, but he also hides behind podcasting to discourage dialogue. How odd.
September 7th, 2006 at 12:09 pm
nice, you do toastmasters? so do i.
September 7th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
Yup, I credit Toastmasters for helping me to refine my speaking skills. I would highly recommend that anyone join Toastmasters, whether you think you’re good at public speaking or not.
And I didn’t know that you belong to Toastmasters? How cool. Explains why you have such a relaxed style