A gaffe has been described as “speaking the truth by mistake.” Actually, it’s a little more complicated than that. It’s more like saying what you really think at that point in time, which is different from speaking the truth.
Both the Romney and Obama camps have had occasion to point fingers. One said poor people are dependent on the government, think of themselves as victims, and don’t pay taxes; the other characterized the rural poor as “clinging to guns and religion.”
Politics aside, the important lesson to all public speakers is that you should take steps to minimize the chances of contracting foot-in-mouth disease.
Avoid the mirror trap: Romney and Obama were both speaking to their loyalists, believing that everyone within earshot was just like them. They thought they were speaking to themselves in a mirror, but they were actually speaking through a window to a nation with diverse views. Considered, dispassionate speech may not ignite the base, but it protects the dignity of all parties, resonates more deeply, and stands the test of time.
The camera and microphone are always on: There is no such thing as “off the record,” and, “The higher up the flagpole you climb, the more they see your underwear.” Be cautious about what you say, and the words you use to say it. In the pharma industry, they instruct their new sales reps and marketers with this: “Before you say it or do it, think what it will look like on the front page of the New York Times.”
Scrutinize your beliefs and your facts: Last I looked, most world religions preach self-management, which would include being mindful of your thoughts, words, and actions. If your thoughts are based on disinformation or false beliefs, it’s not good for you or the people you purport to lead. If your words are harmful to a large number of people, maybe you shouldn’t say them. And if your actions cause harm…well, actions are the flowers of thought.
Stick to the script: Public speaking is a poor forum for original thought, or improvisation. Always know what you’re going to say, how you’re going to say it, and why it supports your overarching message.
Don’t blurt–bridge. It will offer some insurance against offending people inadvertently. Bridge when you’re not certain what to say. In fact, you can use the ABC Rule:
I can’t really ANSWER (or speak to that issue)
BECAUSE (and then give a decent reason)
But I CAN tell you..(and then bridge to a statement you’re comfortable making, such as, “While I know that many working people support the candidate of the other party, we have to remember that most of us inherit our politics from our parents, and there is little we can do to change their minds.”)
Staying in control of oneself is what scientists call a non-cognitive skill. The hallmark of highly successful people is self-regulation. Unfortunately, highly successful people are also exposed to greater opportunity to shoot from the hip and put their foot in their mouth.
Plan your speech and speak according to plan. Our spontaneous musings are usually not fit for public consumption.