Sturgeon fifth in poll of the top speakers among world leaders
SCOTLAND’S FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been ranked fifth in a new list of the world’s most eloquent leaders.
Ms Sturgeon was described as being “clear, calm and compassionate” by the experts who drew up the list.
The poll was topped by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was praised for her “empathetic leadership style”.
Professional development coaches from the Development Academy wing of Acuity Training compiled the list after reviewing more than 100 hours of footage from press conferences, speeches and other public addresses throughout 2020.
Three of the leaders named in the top five are women – with German Chancellor Angela Merkel named as the second most eloquent leader, ahead of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in third place and Canada’s
Justin Trudeau, who was ranked fourth.
Ms Ardern “challenges the common perception that emotional communication shows weakness, instead choosing to approach the public with softer touch”, the experts said.
They added: “She has a measured and authoritative sincerity about her – she is kind and compassionate, without shying away from tough issues.”
Speaking about Scotland’s First Minister, they said: “She is clear, calm and compassionate, is not afraid to be tough or emotional, and she has a great sense of humour. There’s no sense of performance with Sturgeon – she is very real.”
Former US President Barack Obama was named as the most effective communicator of the last decade.
His successor Donald Trump was criticised by the experts, who said: “His overuse of metaphors and analogies is confusing for many and he occasionally slurs on words.”
They also described Prime Minister Boris Johnson as a “very unique public speaker”, but said his use of “odd or obscure references often left people confused about his message”.