What The Speech Needs To Say
there are a few key things Obama needs to convey
2009-01-20
By Eric Easter

At this point, the President-Elect could simply stand in front of the flag with his hand on the Lincoln Bible, wave thanks and be done. For many, it won’t matter that much what the new president says. They have come for a moment, not a series of quotes.
That doesn’t negate the fact that the world will be listening. Billions of people around the globe, including world leaders and a House and Senate, will take his every nuance as a matter of policy not rhetoric.

Obama will be doing what an actor has nightmares about, which is play to two audiences at once – one in front of him and one at home. As if in a 5 million-person theater, he will have to project his voice, use broad sweeping terms that resonate quickly for people who cannot hear it twice. But the home audience will see more subtlety, hear more inflection and see the reactions of others. How he says what he says and with what expressions will make more difference to the TV crowd.

Here are the elements the speech should contain:

Spiritual Renewal
Obama must attempt to recapture and redefine a common American “spirit,” a mindset that inspires collective confidence and pride in American achievements and ingenuity. The sense of accomplishment that the nation had when it reached the moon must be reinvigorated with another lofty- and more importantly, reachable – goal. Energy independence may be it, but it’s not sexy enough. That’s the what. Obama must define a “how” and establish a deadline to get there.

A Connection to History
Now that he’s won the nation, Obama can more confidently attach his victory to efforts of other African Americans who have gone before him. He may not need to recognize them by name, but the roots that let him blossom must be given thanks.

A Global Vision for the Common Man
Obama must connect the working man in Detroit to his counterparts in Korea, Vietnam and the Phillipines so they can see that the world is an untapped market for exchange, not an enemy intent to steal American jobs.

A Posture of Compassionate but Dominant Strength
George Bush touted a compassionate conservatism that sounded new policy but turned out to be a mask of an ideology. Obama must send a message to the left that change comes from a position of definitive power and swift justice, and must make conservatives understand that service to the world will win us more long term security than the willingness to strike if pushed.

A Story
The speech cannot be line after powerful line. That would seem too studied and insincere. He must tell the world a story, weave a passionate narrative of the reversal of adversity, the meaning of hard work, the force of good deeds, the joy of sacrifice.

A Recognition of the Moment
Despite his now legendary coolness, the new President must be visibly touched by the outpouring of affection and prayers coming his way. His recognition of that should be allowed to come out, whether it be in a pregnant pause for impact or holding back a tear, in this instance emotion will connote strength, not weakness, and a connection to the people.

Eric Easter writes about politics, culture and technology for EbonyJet.com