by Christine K. Jahnke

            It only took two little words “you know” and Caroline Kennedy had to pull her name out of consideration for the New York Senate seat.  It’s a phrase we all use but Kennedy set a record with 142 repetitions in one interview.  The verbal tic was so annoying it became a running joke mocked on the blogs.

            The bad habit could have been corrected had Kennedy taken the time to assess her speaking style before expressing interest in the high-profile seat.  You can avoid a similar blunder by getting yourself camera ready well in advance of your first big public appearance.  Don’t wait until the night before your announcement to acknowledge that your skills are rusty.

            Begin polishing your public speaking and media interviewing techniques now so you’ll be ready when the campaign hits full speed.  Voters expect you — the candidate will be able to clearly state why you deserve their support.  There is no relying on surrogates, yard signs, or email.  If you currently hold office don’t be lazy or overconfident.  Ask staff and advisors to point out any style weaknesses you may be overlooking.

            Scheduling preparation time will help you focus on the campaign message.  It is nearly impossible to say something well if you haven’t written it first.  Wrestle with wording and sentence flow to clarify your thinking and develop a message that is substantive and memorable.  New York’s newest Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was better prepared when she got the nod.  The Senator skillfully weaves a personal narrative into her policy remarks.  Her first campaign envelops were licked under the tutelage of her Grandmother Polly, a legend in upstate politics who inspired her to pursue public service. 

            Once you’ve got a speech draft you’re ready for on-camera practice.  Be sure to playback the practice tape — what you see may surprise, delight, and even shock you into making other necessary improvements.  Is your hair style up to date?  Are your hand gestures distracting?  Has that favorite red suit seen better days?  Do you need new make-up for high-definition television?   

            Early preparation will be rewarded with increased confidence when its time for the forum most candidates dread — the live, televised debate.  No one envied the anxiety Sarah Palin must have experienced trying to cram weeks of prep into just a few days.  Debates can be an opportunity to connect with the voters by identifying with their concerns and briefly laying out your plan of action.  Set aside time on your calendar for mock rehearsals so you can practice fielding questions and giving simple, straight forward answers.

            The real pros give themselves plenty of time for preparation.  Ann Richards who brought down the house at the Democratic National Convention with her keynote address put it this way, “I spent hours of time rehearsing… It had to sound casual, conversational, but that took work.”  If you heed the Governor’s advice and start prepping sooner versus later your campaign will get off to a winning start. 

Christine K. Jahnke,  a Washington, D.C. based speech coach and media trainer has worked with more women candidates than any other professional trainer.  Chris founded the company, Positive Communications.  Contact Chris at http://poscom.com/.