No doubt, Barack Obama is an amazing speaker. Even his opponents grudgingly agree.
Yet he has misspoken on several occasions. His comment that mentioned "bitter" Americans took a toll on his campaign. And he is being lampooned in the blogosphere and on talk shows for his slip that he had visited all "57 states."
Entrepreneurs can learn from his talents -- and his slip-ups. In other words, when making a pitch -- or a speech -- you need to be very careful what you say. You need to think like a politician.
Of course, even top business leaders can make big-time blunders. Just look at Steve Schwarzman, the CEO of The Blackstone Group LP (NYSE: BX). At a private investor conference, he said the following about his aborted $1.7 billion buyout of PHH Corp. (from a piece in the NY Post):
Trying to buy a mortgage bank in the midst of the subprime crisis was the equivalent of being a noodle salesman in Nagasaki when the atomic bomb went off. Not a lot of noodles left or even a person -- and that's what happened to us on this deal.
It was certainly a puzzling and unsympathetic comment.
Schwarzman seemed to think that the speech would be private. But with the pervasiveness of social media, it's assumed that anything you say will somehow windup becoming public and be used against you (here's a blog post on it, for example).
Keep in mind that Blackstone is working hard to bolster its operations in Japan. Clearly, as businesses expand into global markets, it is becoming even more important to be watchful of what we say.
Here's some additional advice when making public comments:
Don't hype your company: Over the years, I've talked to lots of small companies. While many entrepreneurs have tremendous passion (which is critical to success), this can sometimes get out of hand. Often, they will hype things or even misrepresent their performance.
But it's fairly obvious. For me, it usually means I won't write about a company. For potential customers, it probably means they won't do business with you.
Now, it's certainly OK to emphasize your strong points. This is essential. However, there is a temptation to inflate stuff. And, if you are caught, it can be just as bad as the situation with Blackstone. That is, your comments may become a feeding frenzy for bloggers.
Be mindful of the blogosphere: Unfortunately, such gaffes will usually become top-page material for anyone searching Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) for your name or your company. In such cases, it's tough to recover -- since controversial material tends to be the most popular material.
So, before speaking, think about it. Make sure your message is consistent and concise.
This sounds like basic advice. Yet, I've seen many entrepreneurs who don't practice it. And, in the end, it could be harmful for the business.
Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements
. He also operates MergerBook.com.











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
5-21-2008 @ 1:06PM
stehen said...
57 sates! LOL! What do you expect from someone mainly raised in Indonesia and that attended Muslim schools for most of his pre-college carreer!
5-19-2008 @ 8:27AM
Fox said...
The problem with Obama is he cannot speak without the teleprompter...he IS a politician
5-19-2008 @ 8:36AM
Cindy said...
I don't think he mis spoke when he said "American's are bitter." I am American and I am bitter. I just think that people took it the wrong way. I know what he was talking about, we that are bitter are because of how things are going in the country. People who are poor already were having a hard time surviving day to day. Now there are no extra's at all. We are lucky if we can pay the rent let alone put cloths on the kids and food on the table. Let's not forget the gasoline prices. A person on a fixed income who only had twenty left to fill their tank can't now. It cost now sixty dollars for a full tank. I personally don't think he said enough, we are bitter, frustrated and angry. Feeling hopeless and fearful about what tomorrow will bring? Knowing that being homeless is now more a real possibility than ever before. So this is one thing he did not mis speak on. It was just something that those who aren't for Obama choose to jump on and run with.
5-19-2008 @ 9:03AM
Jerry said...
Obama is not a good speaker. Have you ever heard him without the teleprompter? You can hardly understand what he is trying to say..uh..er..a uh..and so on.
5-19-2008 @ 9:15AM
Jerry said...
Cindy your correct, I agree with you. We are all upset, and Obama said it correctly. But the Clinton group tried to turn it around and make it sound bad but its not wrong what he said. Its only the truth and some people don't like the truth. Especially racist Americans who wont vote for him because he is half African American. But what they don't realize is that is great for both sides. And maybe Americans can put away their prejudices and act like one people, Americans.
5-19-2008 @ 9:35AM
Budo said...
Another small instance of this fraud. He has been having many previously hidden aspects of his background FINALLY being brought forth and I am certain that McCain will have a field day with this inexperienced media creation who has virtually NO substantial credentials as a leader of anything.
He appears arrogant, narcissistic and completely unschooled on issues that are VERY important to our country today. We are being eaten up internally and individuals that have the slighest bit of history knowledge should know that ALL great powers deteriorate from within. His suggestion to go into Pakistan to capture certain individuals whether invited or not is ludicrous. For folks who do not know, Pakistan is a NUCLEAR POWER. Also his seemingly vaporous knowledge of economics is scary. His comments on capital gains is equally ludicrous.
Folks, wake up. No one person can "change" anything by the way this government is set up with checks and balances--PLAIN AND SIMPLE!
I have been a DEM voter for 40 years. There is no way I would EVER consider voting for this nonentity. I would take someone with REAL experience like McCain anyday over this wet behind the ears novice. It's not as easy as many of you cultists could fathom.
All I know is that during Clinton's tenure that life was good. She wins, I vote DEM. If not, forget it!
5-19-2008 @ 9:35AM
Budo said...
Comment two--Jerry is ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. If you listened to the last debate and when SLIGHTLY pressured Obuma fell apart like a house of cards--stammering and staggering. What would this FAKE do in a REAL CRISIS?? It is absolutely SCARY!!
5-19-2008 @ 9:14AM
jerry chambliss said...
We are left without anyone of quality to lead our country. The #1 responsibility of the president is to keep the country safe from those who wish to harm us, both domestic and abroad, therefor, it must be McCain. There is no other option.
5-19-2008 @ 9:23AM
D. Lillie said...
My God, could Obama be any more arrogant? Now he is "warning" the press and GOP that his wife, who is out there making comments on his behalf, is off limits to any form of criticism. How in hell can people think about voting for this character who has no real experience, has never run any kind of business, who's patriotism is very questionable, who hangs out with racists and terrorists, and only offers some vague and nebulous promise of "change".
5-19-2008 @ 9:22AM
Jerry said...
You can rule with an Iron Fist but then you become a dictatorship. Most if not all people around the world dislike American politicians because of what they have done to the Native Americans. And they think that's what they want to do in their country as well. So American's are not trusted. Politicians say whatever they want in order to get elected. Clinton said if Iran attacked Israel that we would Obliterate them. That's very cool and I agree with the strong lango. But as Obama said, she isn't even elected yet talking as if she is. We cant beat everyone if everyone is attacking us so that type of lango can be detrimental to our country. She needs to be careful. Obama just might be able to bring some order and peace around the world. Just maybe, and if not lets impeach him and try one of the other knuckle heads running. What we really need to do is Pray that God would put in the White house who He wants in their. No matter what we need God. I vote for Jesus for President of the world.
5-19-2008 @ 9:26AM
steve said...
Cindy you say you are bitter, why dont you move to the moddle east and you can see what yhe world is really like, Or are you like Mrs. Obama and hate our country
5-19-2008 @ 9:52AM
Mike Hicks said...
I don't get this business of being bitter. If you were born with a congentital defect; your ex-wife just took you to the cleaners; etc, anyone can become bitter over circumstances. To be bitter at our country is another story. All you have to do is look around the world to be thankfull you were born in the USA. When this country was dragged thru the depression in the 30's, that was hard times. When things get tuff, you have to try to suck it up, overcome it, and not blame it on your country. Unless you're a hopeless whinner.
5-19-2008 @ 7:35PM
kim said...
I am scared to death with the possibility that ignorant americans will actually vote for this guy even though his racism is very clear and he is the opponent that al queda would be pleased with. Wake up america!! Reverend Wright also, come on....If I sat in a KKK meeting for 20 years, it would be safe to say that I most likely agree with their speeches/beliefs. Obama may have a silver tongue but that's just another reason to BEWARE!!
5-19-2008 @ 11:16PM
ARY PETKU said...
I think Obama's mother communist influence begin to surface and he can't hiding it anymore.Just the communist dictators told the people,what kind of cars they can drive,how much they can eat, how high the temperature could go in their home? the rest will follow,if he would be the president,like: how early in the evening we have to go in bed,timing of water pressure,timing of electricity,food portion.It's a shining future for America. '" BE CAREFUL - don't touch my wife",she was right about - mean- ,But not America, she is a mean , full of hate. She is not a warm person. She's acting like America own her and her husband,to be where they are.Pack them and send both of them home ,in Chicago,
5-19-2008 @ 10:37AM
RV9412 said...
It is impossible to know for certain what economic mindset Obama will follow. He is going to be saddled with an economy in shambles. Bush has dug us such a deep hole that all Obama can do to repair the state of the economy is raise taxes. I for one (income $275,000.00 / year) am for an increase in social security tax withholding, I'd like to see a comensurate increase in benefits to those of us carrying the entire system on our collective backs, but thats a fight for another day. I will fight any increase above the current 35% tax rate, if indeed Obama's call for citizen involement in government is to be believed. Part of the aforementioned income is a military pension which includes a 50% percent disability payment, the rest represents over 3000 working hours in a county hospital / trauma center on our nations border with Mexico, and a top 100 hospital at that. Obama touts an education agenda, but to what purpose if those of us who have striven to attain a good education are then likewise punished for that attainment. Were it not for our hospital, indigent care would be nearly nonexistent in this area. Were I to work a more reasonable 40 hour work week I'd earn less than his proposed level at which higher taxes will kick in. I can do the math thank you very much, and I will not work these grueling hours if my government plans to heap further abuse ( in the form of higher taxes)on me.
5-19-2008 @ 10:40AM
Bill said...
I'AM NOT BITTER AT THIS COUNTRY, but I'am bitter at the way this goverment has messed up on our own energy supply.we have enough resources here in this country that we would'nt have to emport any oil. but our save the earth leaders would rather put the people in this country through hell and line there own pockets first. I do think McCain is the best choice.Obama is not person to lead this country.
5-19-2008 @ 11:45AM
Gary Iverson said...
Obama is one of the worst presidential candidates we have ever seen as Democrats! He has no valid history to demonstrate that he is in any way capable of handling this job. His support from all the extremists from hamas to the CAIR organization.... a front organization for the Islamization of America..... is almost reason alone to avoid this man and his "hate America" wife alone!
5-19-2008 @ 11:00AM
Dolores Holstein said...
I believe that Obama speaks from his heart when he says things like people clinging to gun and religion and hate for those not like them. After he finds out that people don't like it he tries to cover like a cat covering it own dung. I believe he has been brain washed as a young child and young adaul to hate american but wants to get in office so he can change things. like making his pitch or one world groverment. People are so dumb and unlearned they follow after any thing that is different or says they can change this country but change can be for the bad too. IF he gets in office then we will come to know that the end of time is coming closer then some might think.
5-19-2008 @ 11:16AM
Carolyn said...
I hope people will get smart, these comments will help. I think it would be dangerous to trust Obama. Mr or Mrs. have no respect for our country.
Can you imagine them being in office, representing
our country to other nations? Makes me sick and scared to think of it. CMB
5-19-2008 @ 11:12AM
G. Clarke said...
The Holy Scriptures says "How can you say you love God whom you have not seen, and hate your brother whom you have seen? You are a liar and the truth is Not in You." Remember, they hated Jesus without a cause. These petty accusations won't hold WATER when you stand before the KING !! AND YOU WILL HAVE TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT FOR ALL YOUR EVIL THOUGHTS, AND DIRTY DEEDS. "LOVE YOUR ENEMIES" YOU HAVE TIME TO REPENT. DON'T YOU SEE THE DESTRUCTION THAT IS GOING ON IN THIS WORLD? IT'S GONNA CONTINUE UNTIL YOU GET A CLUE. "LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF, AND LOVE YOUR ENEMIES." LOVE Suffereth Long, and is Kind, Easy to be Entreated. Hatred is of the DEVIL, and has to be taught and learned. UNLEARN IT. MAY GOD have mercy upon those who hate their brothers. Don't continue to murder with your words, Words are powerful and death and life are in the power of the tongue. You sound like CAIN who murdered his brother in the book of Genesis... One Day We just might be like INDEPENDENCE DAY MOVIE. WE WON'T SEE COLOR THEN......FOR WE'LL HAVE TO UNITE, ALL OF US...WE ARE AMERICANS AND OTHER COUNTRIES ARE PEOPLE TOO. WE ALL HAVE THE HEAVENS ABOVE OUR HEADS, ALL FEEL RAIN AND SUNSHINE. LET'S BREAK THIS CURSE THAT DIVIDES US. WE CAN DO IT...I PRAY FOR US ALL.....THE EVANGELIST