The Language of a Leader

Whatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears; to your confidence rather than your doubts. My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty’s lamp guiding your steps and opportunity’s arm steadying your way.  –  Ronald Reagan

This is one of my favorite quotes from a President.  It’s the language of a leader.

Last night I was able to catch a few minutes of the Presidential debate in the airport between flights.  As I watch the debates over the next few weeks, I’m listening less to the issues and more for the language of a leader.

Last night, which candidate “appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears; to your confidence rather than your doubts”?

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  • Jayson Feltner October 4, 2012  

    Interesting parameter to measure.  As a Leadership Blogger I believe strongly that a President’s leadership ability will dictate his success.

  • Anita Mathias October 8, 2012  

    The language of a good speech-writer, you mean?

    • jennicatron October 8, 2012  

       Touche 🙂  However language is much more than words… it’s delivery, tone, inflection.  The language of a leader would carry confidence and strength through all of those mediums.