From the Readers

Good speakers are not always good leaders

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-06-17 14:04

Comment on "Keep it simple, speaker" (China Daily, June 15)

I hope the Chinese will not be imitating the Western speech styles. Remember, we are Chinese. We can be dynamic in our own way and style.

US leaders have their own style of speaking. One who understands English can be 'impressed' by American politicians. For example, Hillary Clinton speaks slowly with well-pronounced wordings and clarity. She gets her message across in a firm tone. President Obama speaks in spurts, fast and equally convincing.

However, good speakers do not necessarily make great leaders. The ability to speak well and clearly helps the speaker a lot. Some good leaders speak with conviction and can move people easily.

Some leaders speak a lot but act little. A great leader speaks well and acts well. He has these two in combination, and he is firm and decisive. He is well-prepared and seldom goes back on his word. He pledges and delivers. That puts him one level above others. Simple, clear and to the point make it easy for people to understand. With this, half the battle is already won. The other part is to be convincing, transparent, and truthful. Truth is always short and direct, with no twisting and turning.

Good leaders mean what they say, and they will do what they say. Great leaders are those who stand by what they say without fear or favor.

Hsuntze, on China Daily Website