How to Talk Tough Like Bill Clinton
Whether you agree or disagree with his politics, it's hard to deny that Bill Clinton has a gift for rhetoric. While he may have some natural for talent for tough talk, in truth Bill Clinton has spent years honing this ability to get it just right.
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Instructions
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Begin a speech or, in particular, a response to a political challenger, by making your opponent seem like a biased aggressor, as Bill Clinton does almost immediately in challenging interviews. Use Bill Clinton's favored phrases like, "Let's put this in context," or, "Since you're asking me in an accusatory way, I'm going to ask you," thereby initially shifting from defense to offense.
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Ready your body language for tough talk as if you're getting ready to do ideological battle, as Bill Clinton naturally (and skillfully) does by always getting closer to his audience, especially when it's not a sympathetic one, and standing more upright. Supplement this tough talk posture with the famous Bill Clinton wagging finger and raised eyebrows to make more of an effect.
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Keep your voice calm but strong and a slight, disarming smile on your face as you make your points one by one. Refer back to important documents, as Clinton does with the "9/11 Commission Report", for evidence and use difficult-to-prove facts, such as that George W. Bush and his staff never met once in 9 months to discuss Osama Bin Laden, in order to back up your points.
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Redirect your interview or speech away from things that cause to have to defense yourself and switch to things that highlight your efforts, such as Bill Clinton's focus on his humanitarian fund-raising, in order to not only relieve pressure on yourself, but also make any potential accuser look predatory when it comes to tough conversations.
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