Oprah Winfrey

Even if you are the sort who thinks that Oprah Winfrey is a tad on the annoying side, you’ve got to admit that she does have a good handle on the whole communication thing. Winfrey understands that listening is as important—if not more important—than speaking when it comes to communicating. She speaks out about issues that are on the minds’ of the people in her audience, and she does so honestly. People trust her because she comes off as genuinely interested in others. Developing empathy and learning to put the focus on other people can help make anyone a better communicator. Good communication skills are a tool that can open up a vast range of careers. By studying communication and examining the good example set by other master communicators, you can successfully get your point across whether you are talking to your family, conducting a board meeting, or running for President.

Bill Clinton

You can make fun of former president Bill Clinton’s southern drawl all you want, but you can’t deny his ability to get a point across. One expert on leadership, Nick Morgan, who was interviewed by the Public Affairs Council, recalls an example that showcases Clinton’s ability. Morgan says, “when he spoke, the room came alive. The energy was tremendous. But when Hillary spoke…all the energy left the room.” What makes him so effective? Morgan points out that Clinton forges an emotional connection with his audience through nonverbal communications, and he doesn’t distract them with overly rehearsed gestures or gimmicks.

Billy Graham

Billy Graham was one of the most popular and polarizing evangelical preachers of the late 1940s and on into the  50s, 60s and 70s. He was able to connect with and relate to a wide variety of people not only in the United States but all around the world. Unlike many tele angelical preachers of his day, Graham was well respected, admired and called upon by many prominent and powerful people all across the world. They saw a man of God and he was able to spread the gospel of peace all around the world. He did this through having great communication skills and the aura he carried with him