Web Analytics

Why President Obama’s Favorite Word is Inappropriate and Overused

  

Folks: people in general -- used to talk to a group of people in a friendly and informal way.   

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

 

In an interview with “60 Minutes” this week, President Barack Obama explained his new strategy to take on Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq.

“Rather than play whack-a-mole and send U.S. troops wherever this occurs, we have to build strong partnerships," Obama said.” "We've got to get Arab and Muslim leaders to say very clearly, ‘These folks do not represent us. They do not represent Islam.’”

The word "folks" is a friendly, familiar term, not appropriate for all situations--like describing war, death and destruction.

Leader Bad Habits

As a speech coach I frequently work with leaders who have lapsed into a communications habit that ultimately fails them.

For Obama, a former constitutional law professor, his habit seems to stem from a reputation for wanting to be an ordinary guy by using colloquial terms. (Let’s ignore the “whack-a-mole” reference above comparing war strategy to a kid’s game and focus on “folks.”)

Obama has a long history of inappropriate use of the word. At his press conference in August, Obama got a social media mocking for this line: “(After 9/11) We did a whole lot of things that were right, but we tortured some folks.”

‘We Tortured Some Folks’

On Twitter, Obama earned his own mocking hashtag: #wetorturedsomefolks.

In the same press conference, according to the Wall Street Journal, Obama used “folks” eleven times--in reference to everything from potential Ebola victims to the Border Patrol to the CIA.

It’s time for someone on the White House staff to help the President break this habit.

Obama has to stop torturing folks with “folks.”

Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

  • What speaking habits are a challenge for you or your leaders?
  • What are you doing to deal with them?

Learn to be a confident, engaging storyteller

I'll soon be opening limited enrollment for my new business storytelling master class. Click here to sign up for the wait list.

John

6 Tips to Be More Coachable

Mar 18, 2023

5 Ways to Control Your Ego

Mar 11, 2023

5 Marie Kondo Tips for Your Work and Life

Mar 04, 2023

Free Engagement Checklist

7 easy ways to engage people in presentations, meetings and conversations

You'll also receive John's Sunday Coffee communication newsletter. We promise no spam. Unsubscribe at any time.