Natalie Bennett Speech At Bournemouth 2015

It's fair to say that some of the media performances by Natalie Bennett before the General Election were a bit weak. Probably unnerved by the level of interest in her party and their policies, she managed to appear both unprepared and unrehearsed. So this Natalie Bennett speech in Bournemouth was always going to be in the spotlight

How well would she do? Would she stumble? Would she fumble?

All that attention is probably unfair. But it is the price you have to pay if you are to lead a national political party.

So how did she do with her conference speech? Well, it was okay.

Natalie Bennett Speech at Conference

A Natalie Bennett speech is not going to win over a non-party member. Her public speaking does not ooze any sense of a wow-factor. That's because a Natalie Bennett speech doesn't build excitement or a sense of momentum as it flows. Despite the content and its themes it all seems quite uninspiring.

But her speech was rehearsed and she was prepared. Yes, there were some stumbles. But that's not really an issue.

Technically, she chose to use auto-cue. And that must have boosted her confidence. I'd suggest, however, that the auto-cue be raised for her next speech. She appeared to look down to read the text. And that clearly misses the point of using auto-cue.

In her speech she referenced other figures from contemporary and older history. So, she mentioned Abraham Lincoln. And she also mentioned Al Gore and Pope Francis. This is a neat technique that she can improve with some more passion and timbre in her voice.

Conclusion Hits The Right Notes

The conclusion of this Natalie Bennett speech adopted some well-used repetition to get her audience going.

If you're facing decades of unpayable student debt – join us and fight it.
If you're stuck in a zero-hour, low-pay job, join us and fight for jobs you can build a life on.If you're disabled or have been ill and suffered from the dreadful work capability assessment – join us and fight it.
If you've suffered under our abusive, inhumane immigration system – join us and fight it.
If you believe that Britain should get rid of Trident, those hideous weapons of mass destruction – join us and fight them.

and, it went on:

If you believe that Britain should not be bombing Syria, following the failed policy that's had such disastrous consequences for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan – join us and fight for change.
If you're a parent who cares about your children's and grandchildren's future – join us and fight for their future, fight for a liveable planet.
Politics should be something you do, not something done to you.2015 can be – must be - the start of the century of Green politics.
Let's get together and make it happen.

It wasn't exactly Kipling. But, Natalie Bennett clearly has some speech writing assistance on board at the Green party. It's another sign that the party is beginning to gain some traction.

Of course, you can always get in touch when you need some help, ready for your next conference speech. We can help with one-to-one coaching, an online public speaking course or a refresher designed to boost your speech rehearsal. So, when the time is right, please don't hesitate to call.