There are scores of reasons for a Gen Y, sex-positive, pro-choice, polar bear loving, passport carrying feminist woman like me to dislike Governor Palin’s politics. But after flailing interviews with Charles Gibson, Sean Hannity, and Katie Couric, it's clear that Sarah needs me. So I downed a whole lot of Imodium and am putting politics aside to help a sister in need. For I've never denied a woman- be she in need of an abortion or a leadership coach- my compassion and help.
So my darling Sarah, here are 5 sure fire strategies for surviving your next Q and A. They have been tried and tested by my clients and college students.
You know, it really is too bad that in all of your collegiate travels you never made a stop at CUNY/John Jay College or New Jersey City University. I could have offered you some one-on-one spot coaching. But I digress.
1. Almost all speakers get nervous, particularly when they're not reading off of a teleprompter. It's okay. But it's high time you practiced some strategies and techniques for not looking like a caribou in headlights. You could try some pre-interview meditation and deep breathing, ask Todd to get up with Trig so that you can get a good night sleep, eat a balanced diet, read some news or at least sign-up for some daily e-news briefs, and even practice speaking answers to questions you're likely to be asked. Or just pray a little harder. That usually works for me.
2. Try some vocal variety in your answers. You're sounding more like a comatose cocker spaniel than a pitbull these days. Playing with your pacing, volume, tone, pitch, etc. will help keep your audiences enaged in your once spirited performances rather than in critiquing your non-sensical answers.
3. Speak to your strengths. We know that you don't know a darn thing about the economy or foreign affairs. So stop pretending to. We kind of got a kick out of your views on creationism, how abortion should be illegal even in cases of rape and incest, snow mobiling, and field dressing a moose. Get back to the material that you know and are interested in.
4. Be more efficient with your answers. The more you talk, stop, change the subject, and ramble on, the less you sound like Tina Fey, Hillary Clinton, or whatever other phenomenal woman your performance of a polished, powerful female leader poorly parodies.
5. Smile. God loves you. Even if America does not.
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These tips are full of win!
Good advice for sure...I can't wait to see if she uses your tips in the debate on Thursday!