To the editor: Cydney Hurston Dupree shares her impressive research on the speaking style of women leaders to show how Vice President Kamala Harris's gentle rhetoric is an asset.
There is no doubt that women find it harder to gain credibility as a “voice of authority.” Double standards make audiences more critical of female speakers. Knowing that it is risky to challenge the establishment and the status quo, female speakers must prepare themselves by receiving criticism.
But who should do this coaching?
Lawyers and crisis communications specialists assisted the three university presidents who spoke before Congress about anti-Semitism on their campuses, and we saw how poorly they performed. The presidents refused to say that calls for genocide of Jews violated their universities’ codes of conduct, and they spoke in general terms rather than showing empathy.
We can learn a lesson from this debacle: successful women leaders know how to be on both sides, being empathetic and answering questions with intelligence and concrete knowledge of the subject.
As a public speaking coach, I'm glad to see Harris bring warmth to her campaign while also speaking to the complex array of issues she would face if elected.
Lois Phillips, Santa Barbara
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To the editor: I appreciate Dupree's article celebrating Harris' speaking style, which former President Trump and his supporters love to mock.
A manic laugh? Actually, listening to her words, you understand that Harris is smart, articulate and powerful. She does her homework and comes prepared. She effectively prosecutes the case.
And yes, he loves to laugh. He is a happy, cheerful person who finds joy in public service.
Trump and his Republican supporters, on the other hand, are angry. Trump rarely smiles or laughs. Despite all the wealth and power he inherited, there is not the slightest shred of joy or happiness in his life.
They make fun of Harris because they can't even begin to understand someone who manages to appear smart and cheerful at the same time.
Douglas Dunn, Hidden
