Bookworm's Musings

Traditionally, the skill of speaking well is known as rhetoric, which is "the art of influencing the thought and conduct of an audience" (as apposed to the common modern usage: "undue use of exaggeration or display" when speaking or writing) (Dictionary.com). For most of our history, skillful rhetoric has been the mark of an educated man. Obama is such a man, and I love listening to him speak.
Many politicians sound stiff and overly-rehearsed when speaking in public, and the overall message that they inadvertently send is that they are saying what they think you want to hear, regardless of its veracity. They never seem to relax, leaving you with the impression that they are watching their words carefully, lest their true beliefs - which might offend you - slip out. President Bush, for example, almost always tends to speak like this.
But listening to Obama speak is like listening to one of the many excellent revival preachers from my childhood. And I mean that in the most complimentary way. I may have left the Church and Christianity a long time ago, but I still remember the many eloquent speakers that I had the opportunity to hear as a child. Obama shares many speaking traits with them, including the distinctive, almost sing-song cadence that emphasizes key words and draws the listener's attention. He is confident and sincere, and is unafraid to look away from his notes and speak from his heart (or at least give that impression). His determination to speak meaningfully about important issues only enhances his sincerity. The fact that he only occasionally glances at his notes, instead looking at the audience in a way that makes it appear as if he is speaking directly to each individual, makes his listener feel as if the message he is trying to impart is important and worthy of careful attention and consideration. Yet, despite his sparing use of notes, his speech doesn't sound overly-rehearsed, as if he is quoting it by rote. Instead, he sounds sincere and compelling, despite the occasional stutter, stumble, or false start. He uses his whole body to convey his message and to cue the audience to his emotions, instead of standing stiffly behind the lectern, droning on and on into the microphone. Even his humor feels real, instead of 'folksy' or 'popular'. When he makes a joke, it's clear that he really thinks it's funny - he's not just trying to break the ice or 'fit in'.  And he almost always appears relaxed when he speaks, giving the impression that he is being truthful and that he doesn't have any hidden - and possibly offensive - views that might tumble out if he isn't careful.
Obama has an air of dignity and compassion about him that will serve him well as the next President of the United States of America.