Lesson Tuesday Night: I would not like to be a lawyer squaring off against John Edwards! I don’t care who you think won or lost, Edwards gave a tutorial for all of us who live by presenting arguments in public. Among (many) other things: Mastery of data & details. And the ability to call forth what is needed on the spot. Use of details without obscuring the main message. Plain language (without talking down). Clarity of presentation. Body language. Respect masking appropriate certainty and aggression. Crystal clear understanding of the real audience (not Cheney or the moderator). Ability to go to the edge, and no further. A chessmaster’s understanding of the unfolding of the entire game.
