Olivia Discon
Attending a World Affairs Council meeting is always an enriching experience, but the recent event featuring Jen Psaki was particularly enlightening. As a key figure in modern American politics, Psaki’s perspective was a refreshing and exciting one to hear , and her book, Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World, provides a deeper understanding of the intricate world of political communication.
Jen Psaki’s tenure as the White House Press Secretary under two administrations has cemented her reputation as a master communicator. During her talk–which also featured our favorite moderator, Ronan O’Malley– she delved into the essential skills required for the role.
Psaki discussed the importance of knowing your audience, which she made sure to clarify was not “everyone”, as well as connecting emotionally with the audience.
Whether it’s addressing the nation during a crisis or discussing policy changes, evoking empathy and understanding is crucial. This emotional connection can often be the difference between a message being heard or ignored, exacerbated or undermined. To emphasize her point, she quoted Maya Angelou’s famous line “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” The ability to convey complex information clearly and succinctly is vital. Psaki shared anecdotes about how meticulous preparation and anticipating questions helped her deliver concise and effective responses.
Jen Psaki’s unique experience of working under both President Obama and President Biden offered intriguing insights into the differences between their administrations. She described President Obama as an introverted yet incredible communicator, whose well-spoken nature and thoughtful deliberation were key assets. In contrast, President Biden is extroverted, bringing a different dynamic to the administration. Psaki emphasized that working with these presidents required recognizing their “superpowers” and leveraging those strengths in various situations. For Obama, this meant utilizing his eloquence and calm demeanor to inspire and reassure. For Biden, it involved harnessing his relational skills and accessibility to connect with the public and foreign leaders.
Psaki also noted that listening skills are often undervalued, but crucial for effective communication and leadership. Another significant difference she highlighted was in handling times of conflict. Obama tended to communicate passively to the public regarding diplomatic matters, whereas Biden has been more proactive in declassifying information, especially to counter misinformation and call out Russian falsehoods.
Psaki’s discussion on the current polarizing political climate was particularly relevant. She reflected on how the rise of misinformation and the fragmentation of media have contributed to increasing division. Within this discussion, she stressed the importance of transparency and consistent reporting in rebuilding public trust. In an era where clear and empathetic communication is more crucial than ever, Psaki’s lessons resonate.
The ability to connect, listen, and convey messages with integrity and clarity remains a cornerstone of effective leadership and public service.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 