Why Watch Netflix When You Can Watch the News? What World Leaders Can Teach Us About Communication

We are living in the age of communication. Every speech, interview, and handshake from world leaders is a masterclass in how to engage or lose an audience.

In this episode, Philippa and Penelope Waller explore the power of speechcraft, storytelling, and body language. They break down what makes great communicators stand out, why some leaders hold attention while others fade into the noise, and how you can sharpen your own impact.

Tune in for practical insights on:

The secrets behind compelling communication.

• Why storytelling isn’t just for Hollywood.
• How body language and voice shape perception.
• What leaders (and you) can learn from global politics.
• Why do some politicians captivate audiences,even if you don’t agree with them.

It’s easy to dismiss a political leader you disagree with, but take a step back—what is it about their communication that keeps people listening? Are they clear, charismatic, or emotionally engaging? Understanding these techniques can help you refine your own presence and impact.

Whether you’re leading a team, giving a presentation, or just trying to be heard in a noisy world, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you cut through the clutter.

Resources

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Transcript

Host:
Hello and welcome to the 4D Human Being Podcast. This is Philippa Waller with you today. And the title of today’s episode is “Why watch Netflix when you can watch the news?” And what world leaders can teach us about communication.

So, today we are going to be talking about world leaders, public figures, and people in the news. And what we can learn — not necessarily politically, although that can be part of it — but in terms of how people communicate.

Why are some public speakers more engaging than others? What techniques do some politicians use that make them more influential or more emotionally impactful? What’s going on when a leader struggles to connect or deliver a clear message?

So this episode is for anyone — whether you're leading a business meeting, giving a speech, or just trying to communicate more effectively in your everyday life. There’s a lot to observe and learn from people in the public eye.

Philippa:
Let’s start with a simple question. Why not watch Netflix?

Well, okay — I love Netflix, and I love a good drama. But when we watch the news, we are watching real human beings, under pressure, delivering important messages. The stakes are often high. This is real-time drama. It’s live. It’s unscripted (or semi-scripted). It’s about as human as it gets.

And so, as communication professionals, we can learn so much from watching how people speak, how they carry themselves, how they manage their emotions, how they adapt to an audience, how they respond to tough questions, and how they deal with pressure.

Philippa:
Let’s take a few examples.

First, think of someone like Barack Obama. Whether you agree with his politics or not, most people would agree that he’s an exceptional communicator. Why?

He has presence. He has poise. He knows how to use rhythm and pause. He connects emotionally. He tells stories. He knows how to read the room. He comes across as thoughtful and composed.

Now compare that with someone like Boris Johnson. Very different style. Often humorous, self-deprecating, occasionally bumbling — but underneath that, he’s extremely intelligent and strategic. He uses rhetorical devices like alliteration, metaphor, and historical references. He plays a kind of character. And for some audiences, that’s very appealing. For others, not so much.

Then we have someone like Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Calm. Empathic. Clear. Direct. Hugely respected for her communication style, especially during times of crisis. She connected on a human level, not just a political one.

Philippa:
So let’s break this down into some key elements.

Presence.
Are you really there when you speak? Are you grounded? Are you making eye contact? Are you breathing? Are you inhabiting your body, or are you disconnected?

Voice and Vocal Variety.
Are you using pitch, tone, pause, pace? Are you modulating your voice, or are you monotone? A good speaker uses their voice like an instrument.

Structure and Story.
Are you rambling? Or are you guiding people through a clear narrative? Do you have a beginning, middle, and end? Do you give people signposts?

Emotion and Authenticity.
Do people feel you mean what you say? Are you connected to your own message? Are you speaking from the head only — or from the heart too?

Listening and Adaptability.
Can you read the room? Can you flex your style based on the audience? Can you handle interruption? Can you stay present when things go off-script?

Philippa:
Let me give you a recent example.

During the pandemic, communication from leaders became absolutely critical. And the differences were stark.

In some countries, leaders communicated with clarity, empathy, and consistency. In others, the messaging was confused, contradictory, or emotionally tone-deaf.

And people noticed. Trust was either built or broken — not just by policy, but by how that policy was communicated.

So if you’re a leader in any context — a business, a classroom, a community — your communication style matters. It’s not about being slick. It’s about being human. Being clear. Being connected.

Philippa:
Let’s also talk about nerves.

Most world leaders get nervous before speeches. That’s normal. But what separates the good communicators is what they do with that nervous energy. They breathe. They prepare. They ground themselves. They channel the nerves into energy and connection.

You can too.

Philippa:
So next time you’re watching the news — don’t just listen to what’s being said. Watch how it’s being said.

Look at the body language. Listen to the tone. Notice the pauses. Ask yourself: What’s working? What’s not? And what can I take from this into my own communication?

Because we are all public speakers, whether we’re on a stage or not. We’re all influencing others — in meetings, in conversations, in emails.

So why watch Netflix…
when you can watch us?

Thanks for tuning in to the 4D Human Being Podcast. I’m Philippa Waller. Until next time — stay present, stay human, and keep communicating.