Discussion Question 2: Image, credibility, and power

When I think of a well known speaker such as President Obama, there are many characteristics contributing to his strength as a speaker. In order to win over an audience, and in this case, America is the audience, the speaker needs to have not just one key attribute but a few very important factors. A physical attractiveness, a sense of credibility, and a source of power are all needed in winning an audiences favor. Starting with physical factor, a speakers outer appearance is what everyone automatically evaluates. It is our human nature to be drawn towards beauty, and with a an appealing surface, an audience tends to draw their attention to what the speaker has to say. An audience also wants an orator they feel they can trust, which is where credibility comes into play. When a speaker presents himself as a trustworthy, knowledgable individual, it is very easy for people to respond well. Because the fact of the matter is, whether the speaker is actually credible or not, there is a great number of people who live as "followers" and tend not to discern according to their own knowledge and experience. They just want to have their needs met. This concept definitely applies to many Americans. And finally, and audience also responds well when the speaker presents themselves as a powerful and successful individual. People don't want to listen to someone who lacks confidence and success, because if the speaker doesn't hold his or her own power, how do they expect lead any other aspect or group of people for that matter? This being said, it is seen that all 3 attributes of image, credibility, and power, which Obama expressed, won the votes of his audience.