Why Donald Trump's Speeches Often Sound Inarticulate—and Why He Doesn't Prepare

It is widely known that former US President Donald Trump often appears surprised and inarticulate during his public speeches without prior practice. Frequently, his speeches are marked by a monotone delivery, unclear pronunciations, and even stuttering, which begs the question—does he truly read his speeches prior to giving them to the public?

Lack of Preparation Is a Common Practice in Politics

I would guarantee that in almost all cases, Donald Trump has not seen the speech he is delivering until he begins reading it aloud. This practice of not knowing what one will say before delivery is entirely normal and expected in the political scene. Effective presidents, such as Winston Churchill, are often so busy managing the affairs of the state that there simply isn’t enough time to pre-read and correct a prepared speech. At best, Trump might scan the written words two or three lines in front of him, but even this assumes a level of thoroughness that is uncommon and unlikely to exhibit itself in his manner of public speaking.

Indeed, the last major political figure who actually wrote some of their own speeches was the iconic Winston Churchill. His speeches were precise, meticulously crafted, and delivered with consummate skill. In contrast, Trump's manner of speech reflects an almost whimsical, unpredictable approach, akin to randomly picking words from an imaginary tree while stuttering.

Why Trump Prefers to "Wing It"

Instead of prepared speeches, Trump often displays an in-your-face attitude, showcasing his unpredictability and spontaneity. During his campaign, he proudly proclaimed his desire to be unpredictable, even going as far as stating that he might “shoot somebody” out of “fear.” This attitude of winging it, coupled with an almost frenzied approach to selecting his words, further emphasizes his lack of preparation. His hands, in particular, are emphasized in this mannerisms, especially when gazing into the cameras, making the delivery of his speeches feel more like a personal display than a carefully planned address.

Moreover, Trump's approach to speech delivery might be compared to that of a backyard cookout where he grabs whatever words pop into his head and moves on. This hands-on, unscripted approach not only makes his speeches less coherent but also less engaging. During his stay at Walter Reed, Trump reportedly asked his doctors to provide him with an unspecified "secret" potion, possibly involving disinfectant, to enhance his speech delivery. This request and subsequent denial by his doctors reveal a president who is willing to entertain unorthodox and unscientific methods to boost his performance.

Comparison with Competent Leadership

In contrast, any competent CEO would ensure that they thoroughly prepare their speeches. Practice and careful preparation are essential to project an image of professionalism, intelligence, and control. Speechwriters, editors, and even body language experts would work together to refine the speeches, ensuring that they are not only accurate but also motivating and inspiring. The goal would be to give the audience confidence in the leader's abilities, which is essential for effective leadership.

Trump, however, simply doesn’t bother. He believes that his vast knowledge and vast intelligence render all forms of preparation unnecessary. This is evident in his own description of himself as a stable genius and his assertion that no one he could bring into the administration would be as intelligent as he is. This mentality leads to speeches that are delivered in a flat, monotone voice that can often make him sound like a dolt.

Conclusion

His lack of preparation and tendency to wing it during speeches not only contribute to a monotonous delivery and unclear pronunciations but also lead to moments where he is surprised by what he says, as he has never seen the speech before. His confidence in his own brilliance and intelligence, while admirable in many ways, leaves the public with a less-than-perfect image. In the realm of political oratory, preparation is everything, and Trump’s inconsistency in this regard is a hallmark of his presidency.