- Obama cited border security achievements. Lesson: Outline achievements before proposing controversial ideas.
- Obama discussed business leaders. Lesson: Identify target audiences and attempt to win their support.
- Obama talked about his deportation efforts. Lesson: Address your critics. Again, explain achievements.
- Obama talked about illegal immigrants worshiping at churches. Lesson: Humanize your controversial issues.
- Obama mentioned George Bush’s point of view. Lesson: Find common ground with someone critics might relate to.
- Obama mentioned term “amnesty.” Lesson: Face head on terms that critics use to characterize an issue.
- Obama addressed critics questioning his authority. Lesson: Again, don’t ignore your critics. Address them.
- Obama stated “Pass a bill.” Lesson: Determine short, snappy sound bites media will gravitate to.
- Obama said single issue shouldn’t create gridlock. Lesson: Anticipate and address future problems.
- Obama mentioned concern of immigrants taking jobs, hurting middle class. Lesson: Don’t ignore critics.
- Obama talked of immigrants picking fruit, making beds. Lesson: Humanize topics for media. Paint pictures.
- Obama talked about ripping children from parents’ arms. Lesson: Tap into an issue’s emotions.
- Obama talked of immigrants leaving America and starting businesses elsewhere. Lesson: Explain why you’re offering solutions.
- Obama mentioned his own children. Lesson: Executives should personalize their ideas. Don’t be robotic.
- Obama told story of student. Lesson: The media want to interview real people impacted, not just business leaders.
- Obama quoted scripture, raising moral question. Lesson: Try to connect with all potential, target audiences.
