Barack Obama has emerged as a serious contender to take the role of the next U.S. President. Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m not particularly political, and this isn’t about whether I hope he becomes President. The point here is that he’s an incredible speaker. He has a great speaking voice that projects with authority and command. He never wavers, and he uses a lot of strong visuals in his speeches. The other candidates in both parties simply are not able to match his oratory skills. His speaking ability is reminiscent of Dr. Martin Luther King. When you listen to him speak, the fact he is black is entirely irrelevant. He is just a power speaker that has the ability to captivate your attention. His speeches are almost lyrical — rhythmic — and he speaks slowly and deliberately. He never sounds bothered, or frustrated. He speaks as thought the world is listening, and I think that’s a key reason why people are listening to him. In late 2001, I had the pleasure of spending time with President Bill Clinton in Calgary, when my company arranged an event featuring President Clinton as the keynote speaker. I had dinner with him, and then was able to sit nearby as he delivered the first major speech after September 11th had occurred. I knew he was a powerful speaker, but what I realized in spending time with him that day was that it isn’t just from the stage. Clinton has an undeniable charimsa that you could literally feel when he entered a room. Even those who were critics of his quickly softened and almost fell under his spell the moment he entered. Regardless of what your thoughts are about Clinton personally, his ‘aura’ is simply incredible — something that anyone who’s ever experienced it won’t forget. It’s hard to explain, really — I have just never felt a presence like I did when I spent time with him. The moment he looks into your eyes and engages you, it literally feels like the world falls away around you and he’s just focused on you alone. How he connects with you on a personal level is simply amazing. I’ve never been a room where one person had the ability to command and attract so much attention as Clinton. However, in watching Obama and his ability to magnetically engage his audience (both live and on television), I believe we’re seeing the early stages of someone who will ultimately become the U.S. President. Whether you think that’s good or bad, the point is, charisma is something that gives someone incredible power. Most people associate charisma with leadership, and the 2 often come together. It’ll be interesting to see whether Obama can overcome Hillary Clinton‘s momentum and husband-assisted star power to become the Democratic candidate, but I think he’s good a great shot at it. And if charimsa were something that could be taught, you’d see Hillary using all the same powers that her husband has. Unfortunately, I don’t think that it is something you can just learn or use, and this is why Hillary does not have the attraction factor that Bill has. She doesn’t come across as geniune and truly engaging like he always did. If Obama does beat Clinton in the Democratic race, I think we’re going to see a historic time in world history — the first black U.S. President. I think the U.S. truly is ready for change, and the Democrats are going to be out in force. And I don’t think what’s so noteworthy is Obama’s race — what I’m amazed most by is his incredible ability to speak and connect with his audience. Because that is truly a skill that very few people in this world ever come by.]]>