President Mahama’s Impactful Speech at GAVI Replenishment Conference
Five days have passed since President John Dramani Mahama delivered his powerful speech at the GAVI Replenishment Conference in Brussels. The effects of his words still linger, with quotable quotes being repeated by listeners and social media buzzing with praise for the Ghanaian leader.
There were five key features that made President Mahama’s speech unforgettable. Firstly, the high stakes platform on which it was delivered added gravitas to his words. His ability to connect with the audience on a personal level and rally both donors and recipients to take concrete action was commendable. The conversational tone he used made his message relatable, and the brevity of his speech ensured that every word carried weight.
Harvard Business School teaches a style of speech-making that leverages the power of storytelling to make a dramatic impact. President Mahama effectively used this style, taking the audience on a journey with him through his narrative. His three-step structure, the “Story of Self,” the “Story of Us,” and the “Story of Now,” captivated the audience and drove home the urgency of the cause.
Story of Self
President Mahama began his speech with a personal story about his brother’s struggle with disability due to a lack of vaccination. This emotional story not only grabbed the audience’s attention but also highlighted the President’s personal motivation to support GAVI’s Replenishment.
Story of Us
President Mahama emphasized the collective effort needed to support childhood immunizations, acknowledging the contributions of everyone in the room. He underscored the power of immunization in saving millions of lives and united the global health community in a common cause.
Story of Now
By painting a picture of the world as it is and as it should be, President Mahama challenged the audience to take action. He highlighted the moral choices we face and urged us to prioritize saving children’s lives over other expenditures. Ghana’s commitment to full payment of its counterpart funding with GAVI and its goal to graduate from support by 2030 showcased the country’s dedication to the cause.
In just six minutes, President Mahama’s speech left a lasting impact on the audience. As a Ghanaian, it was a proud moment to witness our leader shine on the global stage. His impassioned plea for support for GAVI’s strategy resonated with all in attendance, earning him praise as “the best speech of the night” from an American observer.
