PM Lee Hsien Loong (Singapore)
In his speech, he establishes leadership, shows that he acknowledges external shifts and is setting a direction rather than reacting. For example, he begins by addressing “My fellow Singaporeans” and immediately references the broader context: the changed world, Singapore at a crossroads.”, showing “BE FIRST”. His framing reflects realistic assessment of both internal strengths and external threats. In his speech, he acknowledges real global risks: “New conflicts have broken out. Geopolitical tensions have deepened. Barriers to trade are hardening”, showing strong “BE RIGHT”. In his speech, he leverages institutional trust and narrative of past success; personal commitment, by saying “I will serve you with all my heart”, positioning his leadership as part of continuity, enhancing his strong “BE CREDIBLE”. In his speech, he shows the inclusive language and recognition of collective experience help create empathy, by saying “Not everyone will find the transition easy” and “no one will face these challenges alone”, expressing deep “EMPATHY”. In his speech, he effectively promotes action and motivates the audience to participate, by saying ‘We must move faster, adapt quicker and innovate smarter’, showing strong “PROMOTE ACTION”. Finally, his speech shows respect through inclusive language and recognition of diversity and shared responsibility, by saying “We may come from different races, speak different languages, and hold different beliefs. But we are bound by something deeper, shared commitment..”, showing “DEEP RESPECT” to the audience.
Overall, PM Lee’s speech is well-crafted, communicates a clear vision, invites participation, fully respects the audience, and builds trust, showing strong 6-principles of CREC view. Hence, he is a good communicator.
President Trump (United States)
In his speech, he opens by addressing “my fellow Americans” and immediately frames the topic “our nation’s unprecedented response to the coronavirus outbreak”. He sets himself up as the first voice in the matter, which helps frame the issue as urgent and his role as central. Although he takes the lead in framing the crisis scenario, the speech was on 12 March 2020, led to weaken “BE FIRST” principle, compared to the PM Lee.
He gives statements about the outbreak, about actions being taken, etc. For instance: “the outbreak that started in China and is now spreading throughout the world.” He tried to be fact-based, but the complexity of the issue and broad statements limit “BE RIGHT”. He references his role, mentions emergency actions, acknowledge the seriousness. For example, “I will soon be taking emergency action to provide financial relief.” He maintains a credible posture, though the depth of evidence, giving full “BE CREDIBLE”. In his speech, he recognizes the seriousness and addresses all Americans, which helps create a sense of shared experience, expressing EMPATHY. In his speech, he provides clear instructions on hygiene and behavior, which makes audience participants rather than passive.Hence, he gives good actionable guidance for the public, fully “PROMOTE ACTION”. Finally, He shows respect at a basic level, but the depth of respect is somewhat limited because his speech addresses “Americans” broadly, includes mention of roles everyone must play, but there is less acknowledgement of vulnerable populations, limiting “DEEP RESPECT”.
In summary, President Trump’s speech shows good communication, particularly for setting agenda and mobilizing action.However, from a 6-principles of CREC view, it lacks in deeper empathy and respect for all audiences, and the “BE RIGHT” principle is left behind in a fast-moving crisis.