By: Todd Wheatley
(c) IQ-2k   09-12-19

The confidence it takes to stand toe-to-toe with anyone anywhere is much different than the confidence it takes to stand before a crowd of people and talk. In the first instance the challenge comes from mind, body, and soul. A one-on-one proposition where a weakness in one area can be overcome by strength in another. Consider the late Stephen Hawking, for example, his frail body was no match at all. But his mind was a highy tuned instrument that produced an aura of strength despite all evidence to the contrary.

In my case, a strong education, some martial arts training, and a highly developed spiritual life puts my five-foot ten-inch frame on solid footing. In other words, mentally strong, physically strong, and very firm in my beliefs. The first two parts of that equation has followed through my whole life. Spiritual strength took time and now has allowed me to win simply by getting in the "game". Consider Jimmy Carter, for example. He got in the "game" and never quit. He is a world leader unlike any. Still fighting the good fight. Still representing the U.S. with style and grace. So he failed to get reelected (1980). That didn't stop him. After all this time Jimmy Carter is far more presidential than the current president can ever hope to be.

Nevertheless Donald Trump has one thing in his favor, in my opinion: He's an ass. An imposing arrogant ass ... just the thing for millions of American voters and exceptionally hard to duplicate. Not that I want to, but it would be a winning strategy to find a mirror impression without duplicating his assdom. After all, a high percentage of the American public seek an imposing political figure to ride roughshod over foreign policy. Not to mention a domestic agenda that favors their world view.

On the other hand, those who seek good to triumph over evil must give diplomacy a chance. Therefore the real trick (for an American President) is NOT standing toe-to-toe, but providing a welcoming non-threatening space without getting your toes stepped on. The last three presidents up till Trump did pretty well. Perhaps this is partially why I liked George W. Bush despite his faults. His outgoing nature and lack of mental acuity embodied a non-threatening openess. Foreign dignitaries were likely quite at ease provided the VP was nowhere to be seen, or better yet, out of the country.

The VP for Bush 43, Dick Cheney, was the complete opposite and may have had lasers secretly embedded in his retina just to get the upper hand. He was well suited for his job with the elder Bush, 41. Making a capable Defense Secretary. Had he ever become president he would have likely scared the shit out school kids everywhere. Imposing? Yes. Effective? ... I heard countless interviews of Cheney as VP and afterwards as well. Never any speeches. Probably not a good speaker like Bush 41. Too rigid.

As a former head of the CIA, George senior had been tainted. He lacked his son's gregarious demeanor and mostly seemed a stuffed shirt. While never a fan of George senior, my vote was for H. Ross Perot. A man with a quirky vocal timbre and a hometown Texas twang. He was simultaneously outgoing and firm. It would have been an interesting time with him as president. Sadly no. Sadder still, he died recently (July 2019 - Dallas, Tx.).

The "Great Communicator", Ronald Reagan, connected well with others. Ironically Reagan's vocal intonation lacked the resonate quality that made listening to Barak Obama such a pleasure even while finding disagreement. Ideas and politics aside Barak Obama was solid in every category: decency, intelligence, demeanor, candor. His voice, however, goes unmatched as far back as JFK and Martin Luther King. Fortunately the current president makes me feel a little better. For I too will sound like nails on a chalk board without some solid practice.

I'm writing this not only as part of my quest to become THE ADVOCATE OF THE PEOPLE. To enter the "ultimate game". But also to guide others who may seek this path. Again, the confidence it takes to become an effective PUBLIC SPEAKER differs from the confidence required to handle one-on-one situations. More importantly the ability to gain that confidence is the ultimate Catch 22. Still, there may be a solution. It's possible that a conscious decision to make the effort will bring it about.

For many years I have aspired to be "WATER" as explained by the legendary martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. In part that would mean "go with the flow". Follow the river of consciousness to its destination. Be what I need to be. Just as water conforms to the vessel in which it is placed ... that's my understanding of the wisdom passed on by Lee.

For those who don't know, Bruce Lee was more than a talented action star. He was an intellectual and majored in philosphy after coming to America. In time he blended MIND-BODY & SPIRIT in a way no one had before. The combined elements, as he explained in one popular TV interview, brought great inner strength. To be like WATER, he said, you become strong, adaptable, and elusive to your enemies.

Perhaps I will have an opportunity to speak one day and the words will flow as if they were inside ready to get out. Until then I will consider any PUBLIC SPEAKING preparation as a tool to enhance the MIND-BODY-SPIRIT connection that already gives me great confidence in my daily encounters.


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