Words, music, images, & the power of inspiration

I do not highlight political speeches very often on this site. But a few weeks ago, I was impressed by a simple, short concession speech by US presidential candidate Barack Obama as you know. It was a well-written speech delivered in a way that inspired a great many people it seemed at the time. From my sofa here in Osaka that night, a very long way from any office water cooler or diner in the US, I too was unexpectedly impressed and inspired. Because I mentioned that speech a few weeks ago, I have received several emails from around the world over the past few days—including here in Japan where Obama is hugely popular—urging me to watch this interesting piece of creative work by will.i.am, frontman for the Black Eyed Peas. It did not sound like something I'd like; the speech was fine the way it was I thought. Then I finally watched it...and I was moved. This unsolicited song and video was finished in two days they say and it is not perfect. But for me, this is a wonderful and powerful mixing of elements. The fact that it is a bit rough and not too slick or polished actually makes it better, makes it more real. Watch it below.

To me the video is a reminder about the importance of inspiration. Leaders—and you are now, or will someday be, a leader—have a great many roles to play and responsibilities to fulfill. But great leaders inspire, pure and simple. There are many ways to inspire people (your group, your company, your country). Great communication skills are not the only way. Nonetheless, the ability to paint pictures with your words—moving people and inspiring them with your ideas and your vision—can take you far in this world. If you fail to inspire, they will fail to listen. Never underestimate the power you have to inspire.

Watch it here at a higher quality.

Related
Also checkout this new Lawrence Lessig presentation—in typical Lessig Method style—on Barack Obama. (This is good, but given the size of the screen, a sans serif type face at a larger size would be more effective. Looks like this was recorded directly in Keynote.)

Comments

[Paul]

Garr, thanks for sharing that. It's funny that sometimes the message is so much more important than the presentation that it overcomes what shortcomings the presentation has.

I have ordered the book, but apparently it is back ordered. Congratulations on your success.

[Andreas Gerads]

The "Yes, we can" Video is great and really impressing. That gives me the creeps.

[Nuno Levy]

Very nice Garr. Obama seems like an inspiring leader, if i were american i would vote him.

His communications skills are great, but i do not know if the US is ready for a black man.

[bookbabie]

That video is really zipping it's way across the web, I've seen everywhere, it's beautifully done. The power of the web to disseminate information is amazing!

[dmix]

Thanks for sharing this.

My friends who are pretty much politically illiterate (if you rate that by someone who only follows it on CNN/FOX) mentioned this video to me and I almost forgot to check it out.

Shows how a simple message reaches everyone much easier then a logical one which is unfortunately why its hard to support Ron Paul.

[rm3friskerFTN]

Turning the tables - the next "Yes We Can" YouTube video will feature Obama speaking while Iraqi musicians sing/speak:

* Yes. We. Can. have democracy now that the US Military has overthrown the Stalinist Saddam
* Yes. We. Can. decide our own way now that the US Military has defeated the Baathists and Al Qaeda in Iraq
* Yes. We. Can. have peace after twenty years of war now that the US Military has brought stability to Iraq
* Yes. We. Can ... be free as the American Slaves were freed by Lincoln

Premature withdrawal from Iraq would do to the Middle East what the withdrawal of the Union Army did to the South, leading to a hundred years of oppression.

[khandke]

This really is a powerful video and a wonderful way that celebrities are using their ability to persuade the public. I hope that someday I too am an inspiration to others in the same way that I am inspired by this. Thanks for sharing!

[Mb.]

Loved it form the first minute too. My first impression is emotional, I'm inspired, but I ask myself how much is hype, and how much actual substance is behind it. Maybe I'm just too cynical when it comes to politics.

And, well, it's the web, so there's already a McCain (but surely produced by an Obama supporter) version of the video, with the exact opposite message - be afraid, not inspired. Shows very dramatically the marketing/campaigning power of the web: this video is the #1 result on YouTube when you search for "McCain".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gwqEneBKUs

[Terry Gault]

Garr,

Thanks for sharing the Lessig video which was new to me. I've seen the original video of Obama's concession speech in New Hampshire and a friend emailed me a link to the video from Will.i.am. I agree that the speech was moving without any music or editing or embellishment. This is due to the fact that Obama is the best speaker in American politics since John F. Kennedy. He is a model for all speakers and an inspiration to the nation. Go Obama!

[Tom Moore]

Thanks for these. I don't think I've spent any better time on this election that here today...

Tom

[Magda]

Sí se puede (Spanish for "Yes, It can be done!") is the motto of the United Farm Workers. It worked wonders in the 60s and 70s to mobilize people. Yes We Can. Everything old is new again.

Great video.