I teach speech at one of the campuses in the Dallas County Community College system. I am an adjunct professor, and my graduate training is in Rhetoric and Public Address. I also make my living as a speaker/ trainer. So -- I teach, I speak, and I train. I have also done some speech coaching for Democratic candidates and business clients.
Yesterday, I attended Obama's rally at Reunion Arena. (17,000+ people!) I also attended Huckabee's speech last night in Plano, TX. For years, I have attended every event I could to observe the speaking style of presidential candidates. In 1996, I heard Bill Clinton and Bob Dole within a two-week period. What a contrast!
We all know that Obama is a superior speaker. What does he do that makes him so? The list is long, but let me mention three specific tools that he has in his arsenal.