Orpah a Great Communicator, Essay Example

Oprah is one of the most notable, recognizable, and powerful figures within the 20th and 21st century. Not only has Oprah commanded an audience to her self-titled show for over two decades, she has also launched several other avenues including her own channel, magazine, books, productions company, and various other business enterprises. Her ability to come across as authentic has gained her the trust of her audience, which numbers in the millions. (Gallo, 2006) If a guest was fortunate to be on her show, their stock skyrocketed tremendously. Many feel that having President Obama on her show, before running for his presidency, quickly propelled him as a favorite candidate. Throughout her career as a journalist, she had to gain the effective skill of being a great communicator, and throughout her career in front of, or behind the camera she has become known as a great communicator. (Oprah, 2003)

In judging what makes a great communicator, looking to Oprah as an example underlies several communication elements. In order to be a great or effective communicator, the individual has to be able to have the ability to be relatable across varying racial, cultural, ethnic, and gender barriers. Something that Oprah has in her career been able to achieve exponentially. Much like many critics praise Clinton as being a great communicator because of his listening skills, Oprah has also mastered the ability to not only pay attention to the person, guest, or audience member, but offer sound advice and feedback. (Huffington Post, 2013) Also much like Clinton, Oprah has gained valuable skills in being a humanitarian, advocate for education, self-marketing guru, and ability to manage. In which her skills as a great communicator has afforded her the ability to empower and influence her audience in the areas of politics, business, philanthropy, and literature. In looking at Oprah in the ranks with other great notable figures, what makes Oprah great is her ability to identify with her audience, and empower others. (Taylor, Lester 2009)

References

Bill Clinton Has a Superpower, and Mastering It Can Make You Successful Beyond Belief. (2013). Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/08/bill-clinton_n_3718956.html

Gallo, Carmine. (2006). The Secret of Oprah’s Success. Business Week. Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2006-02-01/the-secret-of-oprahs-success

Oprah. (2003). What Oprah Knows for Sure About Communicating. Oprah. Retrieved from http://www.oprah.com/spirit/What-Oprah-Knows-for-Sure-Communication

Taylor, Shirley, Lester, Alison. (2009). STTS-Communications Your Key to Success. Marshall Cavendish International. Asia.