Here are ten great world commentators in no particular order:
Donald Trump
Like him or not – despise him even, if you will. But Donald Trump proved he’s a master of communications during the Presidential campaign and has not changed his style in the least. He’s long embraced direct communication with others via Twitter, video, webcasts, town hall meetings, and more. Great communicators are not always popular, but no one is ever left in doubt about their message.
Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China
As a political leader, it’s hard to ignore the man in charge of the world’s largest country with around 1.4 billion people. He’s got a firm grip on almost everything that happens in China, making sure that any western corruption is kept firmly in control by his efforts. Nevertheless, leaders of worldwide industries wait anxiously for opportunities to begin marketing their goods in China.
Vladimir Putin
Putin has been Russia’s undisputed leader since 2012 and before. Over his time as leader in many callings for Russia, he’s learned a lot about communications and how to work them in his favor. He recently announced his intention to run for a fourth term as Prime Minister of the country. His country people endorse him broadly with an approval rating usually in the 70% range. And many other world leaders study his communications style. (and his launch of Russia Today is undoubtedly brilliant) .
Pope Francis
Pope Francis has been an exemplar of great communications and world leadership since he became Pope, which also makes him the leader of the independent country in the heart of Rome known as the Vatican. Through his extensive world travels he as shown his ability to lead through humility and approachability. He calls for other to do likewise.
Justin Trudeau
Trudeau has been Canada’s Prime Minister since 2015. The first the world became aware of his communications ability was as he delivered the eulogy in 2000 at his father’s state funeral. In 2007, he was an actor in a TV miniseries – The Great War, perhaps honing his communications skills further. After that, he focused on rising through the political ranks.
Richard Branson
Sir Richard Branson engages easily with people at all levels – in person, through social media, and whenever he’s opening a new business venture. He showed his crisis communication style after a plane crash with one of his Virgin Galactic flights. He addressed the problem head-on and immediately. It’s not so much about world politics with him as it is about the politics of living.
Oprah Winfrey
What can’t Oprah do? Rumors and hopes abound with many who have the idea and desire to see Lady O run as a Presidential candidate in 2020. No one really knows if she is interested in running, but she’s often shown her interest in politics and supporting good causes. As for her legendary communication skills, they couldn’t have shown any more brightly then they did recently at the Golden Globes.
Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg has been one of the top leaders at Facebook for several years now. She’s written books about leadership and women in the workforce, and breaking through the glass ceiling, which is fraught with office politics and policies. Her ability to translate tech commentary gives her a leg up in credibility and confidence when dealing with those who may become the future leaders of a nation and the world.
Pink
Pink is not the only outstanding recording artist when it comes to communications, Taylor Swift also manages communications excellently. Both touch upon politics in a more approachable fashion. But Pink in her acceptance speech at the VMA Video Vanguard late in August 2017, delivered a powerful message about gender acceptance and body image. And in today’s world, women’s political issues are messages of power and rights.
Fred Matiang’I (Kenya)
Kenya’s Education Cabinet Secretary chooses to communicate directly, boldly, and without holding anything back. His work has reinvigorated Kenya’s education protocols and forums. No matter what country you hail from, education is a strong part of what politicians should support and address. If they can do it with as much passion as this man, they’ll be ahead of the game.
About Ronn Torossian
Ronn Torossian is the Founder and CEO of 5W Public Relations. He is an experienced leader in the public relations industry with over 20 years of experience. Ronn Torossian has been named as Public Relations executive of the year by the American Business Awards, and has run countless award-winning Public Relations programs.
