In business communication courses, many faculty encourage their students to use a natural, conversational style—to avoid reading from a script or memorizing a speech. A natural style allows speakers to connect with their audience and to demonstrate authenticity.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern posted a video to “check in with everyone.” She is in a sweatshirt and says she just put her toddler to bed. Ardern discuss COVID-19 progress and asks people not to be “disheartened” by numbers, which may lag isolating behaviors.

In early April, PM Ardern declared that the tooth fairy and Easter bunny are considered essential workers.

Discussion:

• Ardern uses fillers when she speaks—in other videos even more so than this one. Is that a problem? Why or why not?

• How do you perceive her natural style: refreshing, inappropriate, or something else?

• How would her style be perceived if she were the president of the U.S.?