Personal presentation does in fact affect the receival of a story.
Weslie Pippert was wearing a baby blue polo tuked into simple brown belted khakis. An outfit preppy yet casual. He wore some jewelry: a ring, bracelet, and chain- they were not womanly accessories, rather they tie his outfit together in an unexplainable manner. He just appeared comfortable and nonchalant. Observing from the second row, I could even smell his subtle cologne scent, which matched his age: gray hair and wrinkles. Not slicked, no stage makeup, not a facade. He was raw and real, relatable. One was reminded of a wise grandfather, not a traditional businessman with a mug and a suit and an arrogance that prevents a student from approaching him with a question.
The way he spoke: much in the fashion of a story teller. He seemed more of a raconteur than a lecturer. He spoke slowly- not too slowly, but in a way that evokes the same feelings that sitting around a fireplace hearing cozy stories would evoke. This is the difference between him and the fast-paced urban entrepeneur.
He emphasized the statement, “Focus on the truth,” perhaps not realizing that he is the epitome of this statement. There was a stark sense of sincerity and as he spoke to the audience’s emotions, the audience only wanted to speak back to him and hear more. And more and more he told: becoming more and more personable with each anecdote. He related of his family, his career in Jerusalem, and even his inner thoughts. He guided a needed trip back to simplicity by using the narrative form and coercing the audience.
Reactions: Students were not taking notes of the facts and statistics necessarily, but they rather sat there in a stuper of intrigue. They listened the way small child listens to a fable at bedtime.
This scene is unique in the world of journalism; the room became an enclave of sentiment within the bustle of the constantly active D.C. It becomes refreshing to feel at home again in this place where students often become lost amongst the busy population of serious businessmen and politicians.
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