On International Women’s Day, leaders send hollow tweets, posts, and messages praising women’s empowerment. Cut through the noise and get to the point: are these leaders keeping their promises or faking them? When a male or female leader broadcasts a flowery message about women’s empowerment, ask them to answer my questions and then judge them. People say the proof is in the pudding.
What is the current percentage of women across strata in your organization?
Organizational leaders should report women’s representation across levels and answer why these percentages are low. Annual gender representation goals should be publicly posted. And feature in the annual corporate reports.
When did you last conduct a Gender Pay Equity Audit and report it?
Act on wage equity instead of talking about it. Organizational leaders must disclose gender pay audits that identify and address discrepancies. Regulations like wage bands and standardized pay scales can reduce unconscious bias in compensation talks. Anything less is unacceptable.
Prove that you are enforcing Equal Opportunity Recruitment Practices!
Leaders must show they recruited diverse talent fairly and inclusively. Blind recruitment methods and diversity training for hiring managers prevent unconscious bias in the selection process. Furthermore, leaders should publicly state that they aggressively attract female leaders through focused recruitment.
What practical measures have you taken to combat the rampant bullying and mobbing of women in the workplace?
Bullying and mobbing decrease women’s self-esteem and career prospects. Leaders who act decisively to address these issues want to create a respectful and equal workplace. Leaders should report the number of incidents resolved without the female co-worker resigning.
What efforts have you made to stop inappropriate language and make perpetrators accountable, or are you ignoring rampant sexism as ‘office banter’?
Discriminatory rhetoric hurts women. Leaders must implement clear policies, give extensive training and awareness campaigns, model respectful communication, encourage open reporting and complaint resolution, and hold people accountable.
Have you taken proactive steps to address women’s health needs?
Leaders who prioritize menstruation, nursing, and menopausal facilities show they understand and are committed to women’s unique challenges. Before offering free condoms in office restrooms, provide women’s hygiene products. Menstruation is not voluntary, but sex is!
What is your Mentorship and Sponsorship Program for women?
Leaders should create mentorship and sponsorship programmes to help women navigate the corporate jungle and crack the glass ceiling. These programmes build the organization’s female leadership pipeline.
Do you ensure a strong representation of women in redressal committees?
Senior and sufficient women in any organizational redressal committee are essential for fair and successful workplace issue resolution. They are not just a matter of tokenism but a strategic need for workplace respect and accountability.
Are You Leading by Example in Creating an Inclusive Workplace or Ignoring Discrimination?
An inclusive workplace requires leadership accountability. Diversity indicators should be included in performance evaluations for organizational leaders to promote team diversity and inclusion.
We should demand actual action from our leaders on International Women’s Day instead of celebrating meaningless gestures. All leaders, put your money where your mouth is. Women deserve action, not words. Stop sending flower emojis and start reporting your behaviours!
Dr. Sunoor Verma advises government and business leaders on strategic alliances, advocacy, and leadership communication. See www.sunoor.net for his global practice.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed an unprecedented surge in health communication efforts aimed at educating and mobilizing the public. While the importance of such #healthcommunication cannot be understated, there’s a growing concern of “health communication fatigue” as we risk overloading the public with information. In this article, I will explore the challenges of communication fatigue and offer strategies to ensure our messages effectively achieve public health objectives.
Much like the indiscriminate use of antibiotics can lead to unintended consequences, over-communicating health messages without a strategic approach can render our communication efforts ineffective. In the early days of the pandemic, organizations like WHO took centre stage in effectively communicating complex scientific knowledge. However, as we’ve continued to flood the public with information, we now risk a “HelDemic” of excessive health communication, both digitally and physically. The very “Infodemic” many health organizations aim to fight may be gaining from the indiscriminate health communication these organizations are indulging in.
Indeed, it’s time to address the ever-expanding plethora of health days. We’ve come a long way from marking general health awareness days, and it seems like we’re on the brink of celebrating the “World Day of the Right Kidney” or perhaps the “Day of the Arch of the Aorta.” While raising awareness about specific diseases, organs, and behaviours is crucial, we must strike a balance. The constant barrage of dedicated days can dilute the impact and lead to a sense of exhaustion among the public. We must prioritize key health issues, combining awareness with concrete actions. Let’s not forget that meaningful change in public health is more about sustainable, well-thought-out strategies than having a day for every tiny medical detail. After all, there’s only so much room on the calendar, and we should use it wisely to ensure our messages hit home effectively.
#BehaviouralScience offers compelling insights into #MessageFatigue resulting from overcommunication. The human brain is inherently wired to adapt and filter information to efficiently process an overload of stimuli. When individuals are consistently bombarded with health messages and information, their attention span wanes, and their receptivity to new messages diminishes. This concept is known as habituation, a fundamental principle in psychology. When people encounter the same information repeatedly without novelty or a clear call to action, they become desensitized, rendering subsequent messages less effective. Additionally, cognitive load theory highlights that excessive information can overwhelm the brain’s limited mental resources, decreasing message retention and comprehension. To combat #messagefatigue, it is essential to apply behavioural science principles, such as novelty, relevance, and clarity, in health communication strategies, ensuring that messages are frequent, engaging, resonant, and actionable.
The primary challenge is balancing the need for information dissemination and the risk of communication fatigue. To do this effectively, we must prioritize and strategically choose critical health days for communication. Rather than inundating the public with continuous events and messages, we should focus on a select few that have the most significant impact in the context of each country’s morbidity and mortality data.
Similarly, before choosing the health day to mark and encourage the population to take action, check if you have created the necessary infrastructure and trained the health staff. Only talking and having no facilities supporting action will reduce the audience’s trust in you as a communicator. Let’s take a page from the Singaporean playbook, a country celebrated for its strategic approach to health campaigns. Unlike the chaotic flurry of information that can overwhelm public health communication efforts, Singapore opts for a more measured strategy. They first build the necessary infrastructure, invest in training their healthcare staff, and only then launch well-thought-out health campaigns. This method ensures that the communication aligns with the country’s capabilities and resources. For instance, their successful ‘War on Diabetes’ campaign was launched after setting up a nationwide system for diabetes prevention, care, and treatment. It’s a testament to how governments can measure health communication, focusing on sustainable actions over flashy announcements.
For low-income countries heavily reliant on foreign aid, public officials may focus excessively on marking health days prioritized by donors. This diverts their attention from core responsibilities and risks undermining domestic ownership and sustainability. Striking the right balance is essential and requires local health leadership to have a spine and be incorruptible.
A shining example of this approach is the nation of #Rwanda, which, after experiencing a devastating genocide in 1994, has risen like a phoenix, demonstrating the power of local stewardship. The Rwandan government has taken control of its #DevelopmentAgenda and #HealthCommunication strategies, ensuring that international donors align with their priorities. As a result, they’ve seen remarkable improvements in healthcare access, education, and infrastructure, reducing child mortality and infectious diseases.
#StrategicHealthCommunication is critical, especially in low-income nations with limited resources. It involves profoundly understanding the local context, target audience, and the cultural factors affecting health behaviours. Effective strategies include audience analysis, evidence-based messaging, channel selection, deliberate message distribution, and rigorous monitoring and evaluation.
In a post-colonial world, #LeadershipCommunication plays a pivotal role in low-income countries, where building trust, mobilizing resources, influencing behaviour change, strengthening health systems, and managing crises are paramount. National health leaders must communicate effectively to instil trust, mobilize resources, drive behaviour change, and forge alliances to strengthen health systems. Above all, it requires national health leaders to be loyal to their mandate and not merely in the service of international donors.
For health leaders, national and international, talking selectively, concretely, and effectively may be better at preventing health message fatigue than generating endless noise using fluff and jargon to have their faces plastered over posts and posters.
As we move forward post-COVID-19, it’s crucial to recognize the potential pitfalls of health communication fatigue. Strategic health communication and effective leadership communication are essential to navigate this landscape successfully. By striking the right balance, prioritizing critical health days, and ensuring that public officials don’t lose sight of their core responsibilities, we can ensure that our public health messages effectively achieve our goals.
In his remarks at the 31st annual convocation of the National Law School Bangalore, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud displayed exceptional #leadershipcommunication qualities. In his remarks, CJI Chandrachud addressed the “taboo” topic of #menstruation and the difficulties that #women #lawyers confront in juggling their careers and personal lives. He also related a personal story about his late former wife being instructed to “find a husband who can manage household chores” when she inquired about working hours at a legal company.
In sharing this story, CJI Chandrachud was willing to discuss complex topics and challenge the status quo. He also showed that he is aware of women lawyers’ challenges and is committed to creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace for them.
In the best-case scenario, male leaders address women’s issues on International Women’s Day or when requested to speak at a women-focused event. What lifted Dr Chandrachud’s speech to a leadership speech was that he mainstreamed women and their issues in a convocation speech. This sends a strong message to other leaders that women’s issues must take centre stage in New India.
Here are some of the exemplary leadership communication traits that CJI Chandrachud demonstrated in his speech:
He was authentic and transparent. CJI Chandrachud did not shy away from sharing a personal story highlighting women lawyers’ challenges. This showed that he is willing to be open and honest about these issues, even when challenging.
He was empathetic and supportive. CJI Chandrachud expressed empathy for women lawyers’ challenges and supported them by allowing his female law clerks to work from home when they experience menstruation-related health issues. This shows that he is committed to creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace for women.
He was inspiring and aspirational. CJI Chandrachud’s speech was inspiring and aspirational for young lawyers, particularly women. He challenged them to think about their challenges and work to create a more just and equitable world.
CJI Chandrachud’s speech is a reminder that leadership communication can address complex topics and create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for all. By being authentic, empathetic, supportive, inspiring, and aspirational, CJI Chandrachud demonstrated exemplary leadership communication traits.
In addition, CJI Chandrachud also demonstrated the following characteristics in his speech:
He was courageous. It took courage for CJI Chandrachud to share a personal story about the challenges his late former wife faced as a woman lawyer. This is a personal story and can be challenging to talk about.
He was humble. CJI Chandrachud acknowledged that the situation has improved for women lawyers since his late former wife’s time. He also admits that he could be better and that there is still more work to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for women.
He was hopeful. CJI Chandrachud ended his speech by expressing hope for the future. He challenged young lawyers to think about their challenges and work to create a more just and equitable world.
Leaders’ silence on menstruation and other pro-women issues contributes to stigma, shame, and inequality. Women are less likely to discuss these issues, seek help, or access resources when they are taboo. This can devastate their physical and mental health and their ability to achieve #equality in society.
The silence of leaders on women’s issues:
Is a form of discrimination.
Sends the message that these issues are not important.
Contributes to the cycle of violence against women.
Menstruation-related discrimination is a long-standing issue in the workplace that has received little attention. It is vital to remember that Menstruation-related job discrimination:
Is a form of sex discrimination. It is illegal to discriminate against someone based on their sex, including their menstrual status.
Can take many forms. It can include being denied time off work for menstrual-related reasons, being asked to provide medical documentation for menstrual-related absences, or being subjected to harassment or bullying because of menstruation.
Can have a severe impact on women’s careers. It can lead to women missing out on opportunities for advancement, being passed over for promotions, and being terminated from their jobs.
CJI Chandrachud’s speech is a powerful reminder that menstruation-related discrimination is a real problem and must be addressed. By speaking out against this form of discrimination, CJI Chandrachud is helping to create a more just and equitable workplace for all women.
Dr Sunoor Verma is an expert in advocacy and strategic leadership communication. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Sunoor provided in-person crisis, risk, and leadership communication training to over 300 Nepalese parliamentarians on behalf of WHO. He also coached four Ministers of Health and four Ministry of Health spokespersons in strategic and crisis communication.
Dr Sunoor has advised WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNDP, ECMI, and their leaders in developing sophisticated coalitions, successfully communicating, and inventing out-of-the-box solutions in development and humanitarian settings. He has also collaborated on international relations, global health, and conflict resolution programmes with Boston University, the University of Geneva, and Cambridge University. Dr Verma coaches and advises elected officials and technocrats in practical science and crisis communication as part of his leadership communication practice.
Global Development Strategist and Leadership Communication expert
The developmental experiences of Rwanda and their applicability to countries such as Nepal are explored in an interview with Dr Sunoor Verma.
The Kigali Global Dialogue Forum is a one-of-a-kind forum that brings together representatives from developing countries to discuss major global issues. It is organised by India’s Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Rwanda Governance Board. Set against Rwanda’s incredible growth and development, this selected event focuses on inclusive conversation, bringing varied perspectives, and supporting gender equity. The critical findings are the importance of open discussions, regional alliances, and issue-based collaborations among developing nations.
Welcome to Nepal News Agency. Dr Sunoor Verma will be with us today to discuss developing countries such as Nepal and Rwanda. You were recently invited to speak at the Kigali Global Dialogue; please explain your personal experience and impressions of participating in this unique event in Rwanda.
Dr Sunoor Verma: The Kigali Global Dialogue is a truly unique platform for debate that is convened by two highly credible organisations, the Observer Research Foundation, India and the Rwanda Governance Board, and it brings together a diverse range of voices from developing countries. This dialogue is known for ensuringa significant presence of women speakers, which is not always the case at international events.”
Another thing that makes the Kigali Global Dialogue special is that it’s held in Rwanda, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. It’s an inspiring place to be, giving us a glimpse of what’s possible for developing countries.
The topics discussed at the Kigali Global Dialogue are also very bold. They don’t shy away from complex issues; participants can express their views without worrying about pleasing donors or funding sources. This makes for a candid exchange of ideas essential for developing countries.
The Kigali Global Dialogue is an invaluable platform for developing countries to come together, discuss critical issues, and learn from each other’s experiences. I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in this year’s event, and I look forward to returning.
Can you share some insights that you gained from participating in the dialogue?
Dr Sunoor Verma: One of the most significant insights I gained from the dialogue was the continued relevanceof dialogue between developing countries. Too often, the conversation about development is dominated by developed countries, who may not always understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing developing countries. The Kigali Global Dialogue was a refreshing change of pace, as it was a platform for developing countries to come together and share their experiences. This was incredibly valuable; we could learn from each other and build relationships. Another insight I gained was the importance of regional alliances and issue-based alliances. In today’s world, it is no longer enough to focus on national development simply. We need to work with our neighbours and countries facing similar challenges. This is the only way to achieve sustainable development. The Kigali Global Dialogue was a wake-up call for many. It is a sobering reminderthat developing countries have the power to shape their destiny. We must continue coming together, sharing our experiences, and building alliances. Together, we can create a better future for all as long as there are credible hosts, such as the Observer Research Foundation and the Rwanda Governance Board, whose intentions are trusted.
So the dialogue was held in Rwanda, and its Kigali Global Dialogue and such dialogues have helped the country garner international attention; so can you elaborate on how these dialogues have effectively promoted Rwanda’s achievements and helped foster global engagement?
Dr Sunoor Verma: The Kigali Global Dialogue is a powerful asset for Rwanda to showcase its achievements to the world without being a pony show. It brings together a wide range of influential people from all over the world who get to see firsthand Rwanda’s progress in recent years. This year’s dialogue, for example, brought together people from over 70 countries. They had the opportunity to learn about Rwanda’s economic growth, its commitment to good governance, and its progress in education and healthcare. They also had the chance to meet with Rwandan policymakers and business leaders and discuss ways to collaborate on future projects.
However, The Kigali Global Dialogue is not just about promoting Rwanda’s achievements. It is also about fostering global engagement. When policymakers and business leaders worldwide come together in Kigali, they can build relationships and share ideas. This can lead to new partnerships and new development opportunities.
Rwanda has made some significant improvement in development despite the genocide that occurred not long ago, so what are the factors or strategies that do you believe contributed to Rwanda’s transformation into current Africa’s fastest developing nation?
Dr Sunoor Verma: Rwanda’s transformation always inspires me; it is a remarkable story of how a country can overcome a horrific past and build a brighter future. Many factors have contributed to Rwanda’s success, but I believe the most important ones are visionary leadership, good governance, and investment in human capital.
President Paul Kagame has been a visionary leader for Rwanda. He has articulated a clear vision for the country’s future and has been committed to implementing it. He has also created a robust, stable government focused on good governance and transparency. This has created an environment where businesses can thrive, and people can live in peace and security.
Rwanda has also invested heavily in education and healthcare. This has led to a significant improvement in the quality of life for its citizens. The country now has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa and is also making progress in reducing poverty and malnutrition. Rwanda is also a leader in gender equality, with women making up more than half of the parliament. I am confident that Rwanda will continue to thrive in the future.
I speak passionately about Rwanda’s transformation because it is a model for other developing countries. The principles of visionary leadership, good governance, gender equity and investment in human capital are the same principles that I believe can be applied to other developing countries.
As you said, the society was torn from violence and ethnicity, and now it is embracing its unity; that transition is indeed remarkable for a landlocked country or small country like Rwanda, so what do you believe are the key factors that enable this transition and how can other countries with a similar situation, similar socio-economic problems can learn from Rwanda’s experience.
Dr Sunoor Verma: Rwanda’s transition from a country torn by violence and ethnicity to embracing unity is remarkable. It is a story of how a country can overcome a complicated past and build a brighter future. Many factors have contributed to Rwanda’s success, but the most important ones areleadership, reconciliation and gender equality.
Leadership is essential for any country that wants to achieve its goals. President Paul Kagame has understood the importance of Reconciliation in Rwanda and has taken steps to promote it. He has also committed to gender equality, and women now play a leading role in all aspects of Rwandan society.
Reconciliation is another essential ingredient for peace and unity. Rwanda has taken several steps to promote Reconciliation, including creating a system of local courts and local bodies to help people reconcile with each other. The country has also integrated the issue of Reconciliation into its school curriculums.
Gender equality is also essential for peace and unity. When women are empowered, they are more likely to be involved in decision-making and promote peace. Rwanda has made significant progress in gender equality; women now comprise more than half of the parliament.
Reconciliation is a difficult process, but it is critical in countries that have suffered genocide or other mass tragedies. It is the only way to fully move past the past and create a better future for everyone. Reconciliation does not imply ignoring the past. It is about remembering the past in order to create a better future. It is about acknowledging the grief and suffering inflicted and working together to find a way forward. It is a matter of forgiveness, not forgetting. It is about justice, but not about vengeance. It is a process of healing, not forgetting.
Rwanda has focused a lot on agricultural development to progress since the genocide. Nepal is also an agro-based country, so what methods used by the people of Rwanda can be applicable for Nepal to develop agriculturally?
Dr Sunoor Verma: Rwanda is a remarkable example of a country that has transformed itself from a low-income, post-conflict country to a high-performing economy in just two decades. One of the key drivers of this transformation has been Rwanda’s focus on agricultural development.
Rwanda has invested heavily in agriculture, both in terms of infrastructure and technology. The country has built a network of irrigation canals and dams and introduced new technologies such as drip irrigation and solar-powered pumps. This has helped to increase agricultural productivity and reduce vulnerability to drought.Rwanda has also invested in agricultural research and development. The country has established several agricultural research centres and partnered with international organisations such as the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) to develop new varieties of crops resistant to pests and diseases.
In addition to infrastructure and technology, Rwanda has also focused on good governance and gender equity in agriculture. The government has put in place many policies to promote women’s participation in agriculture and has also made efforts to reduce corruption in the agricultural sector.
As a result of these investments, Rwanda has achieved significant progress in agricultural development. The country’s agricultural output has doubled in the past two decades, and poverty has been reduced by half.
Nepal can learn a great deal from Rwanda’s experience in agricultural development. Nepal is also agro-based, facing many of the same challenges as Rwanda. However, Nepal has the potential to achieve similar results if it invests in infrastructure, technology, good governance, and gender equity in agriculture. I am confident that Nepal can follow in Rwanda’s footsteps and transform into a high-performing economy. It is only a matter of commitment and determination.
For a country like Nepal which is quite similar to Rwanda as it has faced many transitions in the political system, it is now a democratic country experiencing several changes in the political system. So in your view, what aspects of Rwanda’s governance leadership and policies can benefit countries like Nepal facing similar political changes
Dr Sunoor Verma: I have been impressed by Rwanda’s progress in recent years, and I believe that the country has much to offer other developing countries facing similar political changes.
One of the most striking things about Rwanda is its political vision. The government has a clear and long-term plan for the country and has been able to implement this plan effectively. This is in contrast to many other developing countries, which often have frequent changes of government and lack a clear vision for the future.
Another critical aspect of Rwanda’s governance is its political stewardship. The government has channelled international support and technical assistance in a way that has benefited the country as a whole. This contrasts with many other developing countries, where international aid is often fragmented and does not reach the people who need it most.
Finally, Rwanda has made significant progress in gender equality. This contrasts with many other developing countries, where women, including Nepal, are still underrepresented in decision-making roles.
I believe these three aspects of Rwanda’s governance can benefit other developing countries facing similar political changes. If these countries can create a clear vision for the future, channel international support effectively, and promote gender equality, they can achieve significant progress in their development.
I am particularly passionate about the issue of gender equality. I believe that when women are empowered, they can make a real difference in the development of their countries. Rwanda is an excellent example of a country that has benefited from gender equality. I hope other developing countries will follow Rwanda’s example and allow women to lead their societies.
As you said before, Rwanda has garnered a lot of tourist attention. Nepal is also a little bit inclined towards tourism development. It is trying to develop more tourism in the country. It has more tourist attractions than Rwanda, but still, it is not as successful as Rwanda. So what could be the cause behind it and what steps can Rwanda take, and what methods that Rwanda has applied can be applicable in Nepal in developing the tourism sector?
Dr Sunoor Verma: Nepal is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists, but it has not been as successful as Rwanda in attracting tourists. If we analyse how Rwanda has achieved this feat of attracting high-value, high, spending tourists, we will find that the answers lie in good governance, branding, and infrastructure.
Good governance: Rwanda has a reputation for being a well-governed country with low levels of corruption. This is important for tourism, as tourists want to feel safe and secure when they travel. Lesson number one- Corruption deters high-spending tourists from visiting a country.
Branding: Rwanda has done an outstanding job branding itself as a tourist destination. The country is known for its gorillas, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. The lesson, Two: Political and economic instability is not conducive to solid branding.
Infrastructure: Rwanda has invested heavily in infrastructure, such as roads, airports, and hotels. This makes it easy for tourists to get around the country and enjoy their visit. Lesson, Three: infrastructure for safe connectivity and secure accommodation is critical.
In addition to these three areas, Nepal can also improve its tourism sector by addressing the following issues:
Gender equality: Nepal has a long history of gender inequality. This can deter female tourists from visiting the country. Nepal needs to do more to promote gender equality and to create a more welcoming environment for female tourists.
Tourism education: Nepal needs to invest in tourism education. This will help to create a more skilled workforce in the tourism sector and will also help to raise awareness of the importance of tourism.
Sustainable tourism: Nepal needs to develop sustainable tourism practices. This will help to protect the environment and to ensure that tourism benefits the local community.
I believe that Nepal has the potential to become a significant tourist destination. However, it needs to address its challenges to realise its full potential.
Lastly, what do you think, methods or formulas Rwanda used to be this successful within two decades? And how would you compare their political system and their development with Nepal’s development?
Dr Sunoor Verma: I have been working in international development for over 20 years and have seen many countries progress, but Rwanda is one of the most impressive success stories. In just two decades, Rwanda has transformed from a country ravaged by genocide to a thriving and prosperous nation.
Many factors have contributed to Rwanda’s success, but I believe that the following are the most important:
Evidence-based decision-making: Rwandan leaders have committed to using evidence to guide their decisions. This means that they have invested in research and analysis and are willing to change course if the evidence shows that they are on the wrong track.
Political will: Rwandan leaders have shown a strong commitment to development. They have made it a priority to improve the lives of their citizens, and they have been willing to make difficult decisions to achieve their goals. There appears to be an agreement among the politicians of Rwanda on a common minimum national interest agenda.
Gender equality: Rwanda has made significant progress in gender equality. Women comprise more than half of the parliament, leading in all aspects of society. This has helped to create a more just and equitable society, and it has also contributed to economic growth.
Public participation: Rwandan leaders have committed to public involvement. They consult with citizens regularly, and they are responsive to their feedback. This has helped build trust between the government and the people, making it easier to implement reforms.
Finally, the Rwandan leadership has maintained stewardship of its National Development agenda and has not allowed foreign interference while being open to considering global best practices.
Leadership communication skills are essential for any leader who wants to be successful. They involve the ability to speak clearly and concisely, to connect with an
audience, and to persuade them to your point of view. By analyzing speeches broadcast on audio-visual mediums, we can gain insights into how leaders communicate and use their communication skills to persuade and connect with others. This can be helpful for anyone who wants to improve their #leadershipcommunication skills.
India’s Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, delivered a master class in political #LeadershipCommunication in parliament on August 10, 2023, when a no-confidence resolution was presented against his administration. Mr Modi accused the opposition of having no faith in India, believing those who mocked the country, and being arrogant and incompetent. He also stated that the more they tried to stop him, the more successful he became.
Here is my analysis of Mr Modi’s masterclass.
A combo of leadership & strategic communication
Mr Modi’s speech was effective in several ways. First, Timing: First and foremost, it was well-timed. The no-confidence resolution was introduced two days after Mr Modi’s party, the BJP won the municipal by-elections in Gujarat. This allowed Mr Modi to capitalize on the BJP’s momentum and depict the opposition as out of touch with the country’s spirit. As a result, this speech can also be classified under #StrategicCommunication.
Second, Arguments: Mr Modi’s speech was well-thought-out. He emphasized the government’s accomplishments in the economy, infrastructure, and social welfare sectors. He also accused the opposition of being to blame for many of the country’s problems, such as corruption and communalism.
Third, Delivery: Mr Modi addressed his remarks with passion and conviction. He addressed the people personally and stated unequivocally that he would not back down from the opposition’s challenges. This added urgency and enthusiasm to his address, which helped energize his followers.
How He Used Rhetorical Devices to Connect with the Audience
Mr Modi utilized a variety of rhetorical tactics in his speech. Here are some concrete examples:
Ethos: Mr Modi appealed to the audience’s patriotism by discussing India’s accomplishments and accusing the opposition of being unpatriotic.
Pathos: Mr Modi played on the audience’s emotions by speaking about the difficulties that regular people endure and blaming the opposition of being to blame for these difficulties.
Logos: Mr Modi used facts and data to support his statements about the government’s accomplishments.
Mr Modi also used other rhetorical tactics in his address, including humour, repetition, and contrast. He effectively employed these techniques to connect with the audience and present his point of view.
Modi’s Hindi Skills Gave Him an Advantage in the No-Confidence Motion
Mr Modi’s grasp of Hindi was a significant asset in the no-confidence vote. Despite being a non-native speaker, he could communicate with his audience in Hindi fluently and confidently. In contrast, his opponents were not fluent in Hindi and frequently made errors. This enhanced Mr Modi’s credibility and intelligence, giving him an advantage in the argument.
How He Synced His Body Language with His Verbal Messages
Mr Modi’s body language, in addition to his rhetorical abilities, contributed to the effectiveness of his speech. He conveyed confidence, authority, and determination through various nonverbal cues.
Eye contact: Mr Modi made intense eye contact with the audience throughout his speech. This showed that he was confident and in control.
Posture: Mr Modi stood tall and upright throughout his speech. This gave the impression of strength and power.
Gestures: Mr Modi used several gestures to emphasize his points. For example, he would often point his finger to make a point or spread his arms wide to show his confidence.
Facial expressions: Mr Modi smiled often and looked friendly and approachable. This made him seem more relatable to the audience.
Mr Modi’s body language matched his spoken statement, resulting in a dramatic and compelling effect. His determination and confidence were contagious, and they rallied his parliamentary group.
Here are some specific examples of how Mr Modi’s body language worked in his favour:
When he talked about India’s accomplishments, he would proudly lift his palms in the air and smile. This demonstrated his pride in India’s success and optimism about its future.
When he accused the opposition of being unpatriotic, he would shake his head and point his finger at them. This demonstrated that he was angry with them and did not trust them.
He would drop his voice and sound worried when discussing the difficulties that everyday people experience. This demonstrated that he was sympathetic to their situation and determined to assist them.
How He Used His Attire to Project an Image of Power and Confidence
Mr Modi’s outfit also contributed to his image of power and confidence. The white kurta-pyjama represents purity, but the Nehru jacket represents power and authority. This confluence of symbols aided Mr Modi in projecting an image of a strong and capable leader who was in touch with the people. His formal dress made him appear more powerful and in charge when he accused the opposition of being out of touch with the people. Similarly, as he discussed India’s accomplishments, his immaculate dress made him appear proud and confident. On the other hand, his projected opponent wore a white half-sleeve shirt that conveyed informality and casualness.
How He Played on the Weaknesses of His Opponents
In addition to Mr Modi’s own rhetorical abilities and body language, his opponents’ poorly constructed speeches also aided him in defeating the no-confidence motion. The opposition leaders spoke in a rambling and nonsensical style, making them appear weak and ineffective. They did not attempt to engage with Mr Modi’s views. This gave their speeches the appearance of rage, undermining their credibility and making Mr Modi’s speech appear more persuasive.
The reason why Mr Modi’s speech in the Indian parliament on August 10, 2023, was a masterclass in political #leadershipcommunication is because ultimately the proof is in the pudding- Mr Modi defeated the no-confidence motion with a compelling margin.
Dr Sunoor Verma is an expert in advocacy and strategic leadership communication. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Sunoor provided in-person crisis, risk, and leadership communication training to over 300 Nepalese parliamentarians on behalf of WHO. He also coached four Ministers of Health and four Ministry of Health spokespersons in strategic and crisis communication.
Dr Sunoor has advised WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNDP, ECMI, and their leaders in developing sophisticated coalitions, successfully communicating, and inventing out-of-the-box solutions in development and humanitarian settings. He has also collaborated on international relations, global health, and conflict resolution programmes with Boston University, the University of Geneva, and Cambridge University. Dr Verma coaches and advises elected officials and technocrats in practical science and crisis communication as part of his leadership communication practice.
Interview with Dr Sunoor Varma
