This week in our student council meeting, a few of the candidates came in to speak to us to let us know what some of the changes were that they were interested in making. Based on what they said we voted on who it was we wanted to endorse. There was one speaker who had a great presence. He was dressed in business casual which made him seem very professional and easy to believe. He had a great voice that projected but it didn't just sound like he was shouting at us.
The issues he presented were obviously geared to Penn State students and because he was presenting his beliefs to a student council group it was very relevant. Student council has a lot of interest in bettering student life and the student community, so the arguments he presented were greatly considered by the student council members. As he spoke he made it obvious that although he could be professional, he is just a student too. He cracked a few jokes and made a few comments about drinking so we knew that he wasn't going to ruin the Penn State atmosphere that many students have grown to love.
The fact that he could look professional and speak in a professional manner but still be easy to relate to for many students was great. The way he spoke and presesnted himself made him very trustworthy which is a very important quality to possess in a campaign.
That is exactly the kind of leader that students want. It's nice to know that (at least some of) the people running for our student council are well-educated and take their positions seriously, but still can relate to the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteI think that hearing a candidate speak is incredibly interesting. I recently heard candidates present address a group that I am seeking endorsement. While it is clearly important to take into consideration their actual message, their presence can really make or break what they are saying. It can be difficult because everyone gets nervous when speaking in front of a group, especially if you do not know the people personally, but it is also difficult (as their audience) to separate a person's delivery from what they are saying as they both greatly play into the overall effect.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really interesting and probably was really effective. It sounds like the speaker you really liked made you feel comfortable (jokes and topics prevalent to you as a PSU student)and you viewed him as better speaker than the others.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Kaylee- this is definitely a guy Penn State students should be voting for. It's so impressive when people our age have great rhetoric skills, and are able to present a mature and professional stance on issues.
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