How to Talk Like Bob Dole

Bob Dole was platoon leader in World War II, when he received multiple honors including two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster. He sustained injuries in the war too severe to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor. However, he simply changed course, got a law degree and entered into politics as the Russell County attorney and the rest, as they say, is history.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Speak in the third person as often as possible. In fact, Bob Dole talked in this fashion so much that "Saturday Night Live" based a parody cheater almost entirely on Bob Dole's use of the third person. When you use the third person, do not use it in an arrogant way. Bob Dole always maintained his sense of humor--which is evident by his appearance on "Saturday Night Live" to parody himself.

2. Use the pregnant pause to get your point across to your audience. While some thought Mr. Dole may have forgotten what he was saying, at times, he was actually using the pregnant pause to let his point sink in to his audience. He also uses this tact to throw off others during debates.

3. Remember where you came from when you talk. Some people change the way they speak to conform to certain expectations. Bob Dole refused to do this. He maintained his Midwestern speech pattern and sensibilities, despite the fact that he was a powerful political leader for the Republican Party. Therefore, if you talk with a twang or drawl, do not change that to make others more accepting of the way you talk.