How to Talk Tough Like George Bush

While President George W. Bush has often been ridiculed for his malapropisms and lack of eloquence, the fact remains that he is in many ways a highly effective public speaker, a trait that helped him to win elections as Governor of Texas and President of the USA. Love him or hate him, learn how to emulate W's tough-talking ways.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Put your arguments and threats into easily understood symbolic language. Bush's "Axis of Evil" speech is a classic example of Bush's use of symbols in talking tough.
2. Speak in short, clipped statements, avoiding any long words. Bush keeps his language simple and his messages blunt, like John Wayne, another master of the tough talk.
3. Use humor to win over or even cow those around. Bush is known for his collegial sense of humor and love of practical jokes. He often uses his charm and humor to win over those he meets in person and subtly establishes dominance through teasing.
4. Deflect, rather than rebut, criticism. Bush has always been great at avoiding uncomfortable subjects of debate by 'staying on message.'
5. Keep it simple. Bush has kept his statements simple as far back as his 1994 run for Governor of Texas. When asked a policy question during a debate, he stated "I don't support casino gambling." When asked to elaborate, he said "Not really."
6. Point at your opponents. Bush uses his hand gestures to punctuate his tough talk. During the lead-up to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Bush would often be jabbing his finger at the camera and, by implication, at Saddam Hussein, during speeches.

Tips & Warnings

• Never admit to being wrong. Despite widespread criticisms over the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Bush has always steadfastly insisted that military action was justified and that it will turn out well in the long run.
• Be careful, as your tough talking can make it hard to back down later. Much like his father, former President George Herbert Walker Bush's blunt "Read my lips, no new taxes" campaign promise, both George W. Bush's "Mission Accomplished" speech on an aircraft carrier announcing the end of major combat in Iraq and his "Bring 'em on" challenge to insurgents have come back to haunt him.