What makes PM Modi’s speech stand out

 By Somali K Chakrabarti

Nobody can question the talent of our people…especially after yesterday 

said PM Narendra Modi in his speech, at the launch of Make in India campaign.

What could have been a better timing to kick start the Make In India campaign, than the day after India got a big shot in the arm, with the success of ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), as Mangalyan entered the Mars orbit on 24rth Oct!

The PM’s speech at Make In India campaign was certainly much more than a business pitch, with all ingredients of a powerful speech made by a leader aiming for holistic development.

A general observation is that mostly in all his speeches, PM Modi manages to get the attention of the listeners, to get his message across. Here are some elements that make his speech stand out:

 

1. Reviving India’s sense of pride 

On every occasion, PM Modi attempts to revive the pride for India, while providing the right dose of inspiration and assurance. Making clear his intent to replace the sense of distrust with trust, he raises the hope for change.

Calling ‘Make in India‘ campaign a Lion’s Step towards making the country a destination for global manufacturing, he projects India as an opportunity to the world.

Democracy, Demography and Demand are the core strengths of the country, mentions PM Modi.

With 65% population under 35, India has a young demographic profile waiting to be tapped. Proper use of this power has the potential to create huge demand for consumption, he explains.

He creates a promising view of the future with the confidence that it is possible to attain it.

 

2. Connecting the big picture with specifics

PM Modi does not deliver his speeches from 90k feet. Connecting the big picture with details and specifics, he speaks in a language that can be clearly and easily understood by all.

In his ‘Make In India‘ campaign speech, PM Modi draws up a picture of inclusive and integrated development. Taking a global perspective, he urges people to Look East but Link West and imbibe the best practices of the western world.

He acknowledges the issues within the system, often giving specific examples of changes that need to be made to tackle those, such as:

1. He highlights the gaps resulting from the disjointed activities and requirements of government, industrialists and academicians and job seekers.
   

   ---

2. He states that it is the responsibility of the Central Govt to reduce the Current Account Deficit (CAD) or Export Import imbalance, whereas the responsibility of implementing schemes for promoting export lies with the states. The lack of coordination between Center and States leaves a gap that needs to be addressed. He stresses upon the need for better Center – State coordination and assures that Center will act as facilitator and help states in implementing schemes for promoting exports.

3. ---

   He highlights the need to match skill development with requirement. Tapping the local potential and grooming them for specific requirements of the region, can bring about sustainable growth, he says.

4. ---

   He brings up the need for integrated infrastructure development including development of ports, network, warehouses, cold storage, roads, rails, airport for positioning India in the global market and for promoting Tourism.

   ---

5. He speaks about tackling environmental issues to bring about sustainable growth. He invites participation of private businesses in Solar sector, Waste Water Treatment, Solid Waste Management to generate electricity.

6. ---

   He points out how the scheme for promoting inclusive growth, which encouraged people to open zero balance bank account had resulted in Rs 1500 cr savings.

   ---

    

3. Accepting responsibility

As much as he expects businesses to contribute to CSR, PM Modi also accepts the responsibility of the government to create an environment for development and growth so that investors are assured that their investments are safe.

He assures the people of ensuing effective governance, bringing about simplicity and transparency in policies and of his aim to remove hurdles that are created in the name of scrutiny, and to improve the ease of doing business in India.

He recognizes the need for government systems to go digital to keep pace with the society and bring about easy governance.

 

4. Connecting modern to historical

Time and again in his speeches, he makes reference to the country’s rich history and opportunities that attracted people from across the world to India and projects the way into the future.

From Vasco DaGama to Digital India, from highways to iWays, from electrical to gas grids, water grids, and optical fibre network – his speech is replete with allusions to history as well as advances in technology.

He dedicated the Make In India campaign to the memory of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, an eminent political personality and a profound philosopher.

 

5. Calling for collaboration

Reminding Indian businesses of their responsibility to First Develop India, PM Modi calls upon Industrial houses in India for collaboration and invites Public Private Partnership model to bring about India’s development.

He urged foreign investors not to look at India, only as a ready-made market to sell their products, but as an opportunity to create the market for their production. Emphasizing upon the need for foreign companies to set up manufacturing base in India, he maintains that the creation of employment opportunities will increase the purchasing power of people, and in turn, create the market for these companies to benefit from India’s economic growth.

 

6. Style of Presenting

Besides what PM Modi says, how he says also makes  ample difference.

• Instead of simply drowning people in dry facts, PM Modi stirs the right emotions. He is always well prepared, has the facts on his finger tips, does not fumble at any point and appears to speak from his. heart.

• The energy and optimism in his voice reaches the audience, involves them, makes his presence felt and connects him with the listeners.

• Modulation of tone and the pace creates the desired impact and makes him sound interesting to enthuse the audience. Adequate pause between the words gives listeners adequate time to assimilate the information.

• His body language exudes power and confidence and his speech has a tone of humility and gravitas.

• He makes his words work for him. There is sometimes a hint of humor in his speech and he uses rhetoric to get his message across. From Lions Step, to First Develop India, to Digital India, to Look East but Link West, to Effective and Easy Governance, to Democracy, Demography and Demand –he quotes catchy phrases to emphasize what he stands by.

 

Clarity of intent, well researched content and an effective style of presentation make people sit up and listen to  PM Modi’s speeches whether he is addressing school children, business leaders or the common public.

 

If you like this post, please consider following the blog.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Subscribe

Please like, share and/or leave feedback in comments below!

 

References:

PM Narendra Modi’s speech at the launch of ‘Make in India’ initiative. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrUqB0_lWmU)

Advertisement