A Communication Analysis & Strategic Recommendations Session
Dr. Bennett: (rising as his office door opens) "Madam Vice President, please come in. It's good to see you again."
Kamala Harris: "Thank you for making time, Doctor. I hope I'm not keeping you from anything important." (She settles into the leather chair across from his desk, placing a folder on her lap)
Dr. Bennett: "Not at all. I understand you've brought some materials regarding your recent appearance at the Emerge gala."
Kamala Harris: (opening the folder) "Yes. The speech felt good in the room—standing ovation, warm reception—but the media coverage was...difficult. My team compiled this analysis, and I wanted your professional opinion. Doug says I need to hear the unvarnished truth if I'm going to move forward effectively." (She hands him several pages of reports and clippings)
Dr. Bennett: "I see. Before we dive into specifics, may I ask what your goals are? What would a successful outcome from our session look like to you?"
Kamala Harris: (pausing thoughtfully) "I need to understand the disconnect. In rooms with supporters, my message lands. People respond enthusiastically. But something gets lost in translation when it reaches the wider public. I need to know what that something is and how to fix it—especially as I consider my next steps." (She leans back slightly) "I don't need comfort, Doctor. I need clarity."
Dr. Bennett: "I appreciate your directness. Let's start with what worked. From the transcript and reactions, your 'courage is contagious' theme resonated strongly with the audience. Your critiques of the Trump administration's economic policies were substantive and clear. You effectively acknowledged diverse voices within the Democratic coalition."
Kamala Harris: (nodding) "Those were key objectives. I wanted to validate people's concerns while offering a positive frame."
Dr. Bennett: "However, I've identified several patterns in your communication style that may be undermining your effectiveness with audiences beyond your core supporters. Would you like me to be direct about these observations?"
Kamala Harris: (straightening her posture) "Please. That's why I'm here."
Political communicators often face a fundamental challenge: techniques that energize supportive in-room audiences frequently don't translate effectively to broader national audiences. The intimate connection created through shared references, inside jokes, and emotional appeals can appear disjointed or unprofessional when viewed through the more critical lens of national media coverage.
Dr. Bennett: "Let's begin with pace and cadence. Your speech delivery has developed a particular rhythm that's creating significant problems. Your slow cadence, with extended pauses between phrases, disrupts the audience's comprehension of your message."
Kamala Harris: (looking slightly defensive) "I was trying to be deliberate, to give weight to important points."
Dr. Bennett: "The intention is understandable, but the execution is problematic. When you create these extended pauses, the audience often anticipates what you're going to say before you say it. This creates a cognitive dissonance—a mental space where they're waiting for you to finish a thought they've already completed."
Kamala Harris: "I hadn't considered that perspective."
Dr. Bennett: "This particular pattern has significant consequences. First, it creates anxiety in listeners, who become focused on the gap rather than the content. Second, and more concerning, it can create the appearance of cognitive processing difficulties. Put bluntly, your opponents have seized on this pattern to suggest mental incompetence, and they've actually encouraged more public speaking because they believe it reinforces this perception."
Dr. Bennett: "Next, let's discuss your physical presentation. Executive presence is conveyed through multiple channels, and visual elements often communicate more powerfully than words."
Kamala Harris: (with slight frustration) "So we're critiquing my appearance now? This feels like the kind of scrutiny male politicians don't face."
Dr. Bennett: "You're absolutely right that there's a double standard. Women in politics face unfair scrutiny about appearance that men largely escape. However, acknowledging that injustice doesn't change the tactical reality you face. All successful political communicators—regardless of gender—strategically manage their visual presentation to reinforce their message."
Kamala Harris: (nodding thoughtfully) "Fair enough. Please continue."
Dr. Bennett: "At the Emerge event, you wore a black blazer with a white turtleneck. While this created visual contrast, it projected a softer image rather than executive authority. Your hair styling, which featured longer, less structured strands, created an impression that many observers described as 'unkempt.'"
Kamala Harris: (touching her hair self-consciously) "I've never been entirely satisfied with how my team handles my hair for events. It often doesn't hold its shape under the lights."
Dr. Bennett: "This might seem superficial, but research shows that viewers process these visual cues instantaneously and form impressions that then color how they receive your message. Consider how world leaders like Angela Merkel developed a consistent, recognizable visual presentation that reinforced perceptions of steadiness and reliability."
Kamala Harris: "So you're suggesting more structured suits and a different hairstyle?"
Dr. Bennett: "Yes. A more tailored, structured suit creates an immediate visual cue of authority. A shorter, more professional haircut would not only create a sharper impression but would also be more practical, staying in place during dynamic speaking. These adjustments would help viewers focus on your message rather than being distracted by visual elements."
Dr. Bennett: "Now let's address a particularly important aspect of your Emerge speech—the elephant metaphor."
Kamala Harris: (with a slight defensive edge) "People in the room responded well to that story. It illustrated my point about standing together in crisis."
Dr. Bennett: "The metaphor itself wasn't the problem. In fact, the concept of community protection during crisis is powerful. However, your delivery of this metaphor created several issues that undermined its effectiveness."
"Please allow me, friends, to digress for a moment, okay? It's kind of dark in here, but I'm going to ask for a show of hands. Who saw that video from a couple of weeks ago, the one of the elephants at the San Diego Zoo during the earthquake. Google it if you've not see it. So that scene has been on my mind. Everybody's asking, what you've been thinking about these days? Well... So in the video, for those of you haven't seen it, here those elephants were, and as soon as they felt the earth shaking beneath their feet, they got in a circle and stood next to each other to protect the most vulnerable. Think about it. What a powerful metaphor."
Dr. Bennett: "Let me highlight several communication issues here. First, the extended introduction—'allow me to digress,' 'it's kind of dark in here,' 'show of hands'—creates a meandering path to your point. Second, the instruction to 'Google it' inadvertently suggests you're referencing something your audience should already know but doesn't. Third, the personal aside 'everybody's asking what you've been thinking about these days' followed by awkward laughter and 'well...' creates a sense of disorganization."
Kamala Harris: (looking at the transcript with new eyes) "I see what you mean. It does read as disjointed."
Dr. Bennett: "This style of delivery may create a sense of intimacy in a room of supporters, but when broadcast to a national audience, it reinforces negative perceptions about clarity and precision. The same metaphor could have been powerfully effective if delivered with greater concision:"
Alternative Delivery: "Last month, during an earthquake at the San Diego Zoo, the elephants demonstrated a profound truth about crisis response. When they felt the ground shake, they instantly formed a protective circle around their most vulnerable members. This is precisely what we must do now—stand together, protect each other, and face this political earthquake united rather than scattered."
Kamala Harris: (nodding with recognition) "That is clearer. More direct."
Dr. Bennett: "Exactly. It delivers the same powerful metaphor but with authoritative precision rather than conversational meandering. National audiences need that clarity, especially when receiving information through media filters that may not be charitable to your message."
Dr. Bennett: "Another pattern I'd like to address is your tendency to insert laughter or light remarks during substantive discussions. I noticed this several times in the Emerge speech, particularly around serious policy points."
Kamala Harris: (sighing) "This has been pointed out before. I think it's a nervous habit—a way to create connection or break tension."
Dr. Bennett: "That's exactly right from a psychological perspective. It's a social bonding mechanism and likely served you well in many settings. However, in high-stakes national communication, it creates a problematic tonal inconsistency."
Kamala Harris: "How so?"
Dr. Bennett: "When you're discussing serious issues like constitutional threats or economic hardship and then insert a laugh or light remark, it creates cognitive dissonance for the audience. The emotional mismatch between content and delivery suggests either insincerity about the serious content or inappropriate levity about serious matters. Neither impression serves your goals."
Effective communicators maintain emotional congruence—their emotional expression matches the content they're delivering. When delivery and content are mismatched, audiences experience discomfort and question the communicator's authenticity or seriousness.
Dr. Bennett: "One particular example from your Emerge speech was when you mentioned the economic impact of Trump's tariffs—a serious policy critique—then immediately shifted to the elephant anecdote with a chuckle and 'that's what I've been thinking about.' This transition undermined the gravity of your economic message."
Kamala Harris: (thoughtfully) "So the laughter signals that I'm not taking my own points seriously enough?"
Dr. Bennett: "Precisely. And in a political environment where your opponents already attempt to characterize you as unserious or unprepared, this pattern provides them with material. The good news is this is entirely correctable with conscious practice."
Dr. Bennett: "Perhaps the most persistent criticism of your communication style is what some have labeled 'word salad'—a perception that your statements sometimes contain complex or circuitous phrasings that don't communicate clearly."
Kamala Harris: (with evident frustration) "This criticism particularly bothers me. I'm trying to express complex ideas, and they get reduced to sound bites and mockery."
Dr. Bennett: "Your frustration is entirely valid. Complex policy issues deserve nuanced discussion. However, there's a difference between complex ideas expressed clearly and clear ideas expressed in unnecessarily complex ways. Let me show you some examples from the transcript."
| Current Pattern | More Effective Alternative |
|---|---|
| "What we are in fact witnessing is a high-velocity event where a vessel is being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making." | "Trump isn't creating chaos—he's methodically implementing a decades-old conservative agenda." |
| "So the instinct has to be to immediately find and connect with each other, and to know that." | "In crisis, we must immediately come together." |
| "We all know President Trump and his administration, and their allies, are counting on the notion that fear can be contagious. They are counting on the notion that if they make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others." | "Trump weaponizes fear to silence opposition. He knows fear is contagious." |
Dr. Bennett: "Notice how the revised versions communicate the same essential ideas but with greater clarity and impact. They use fewer words, simpler sentence structures, and more concrete language."
Kamala Harris: (studying the examples) "The revised versions are more direct. I can see that. But they also feel less... nuanced."
Dr. Bennett: "That's the tradeoff in mass communication. Perfect precision sometimes comes at the cost of perfect clarity. The key is finding the right balance for each audience and context. For major national speeches, clarity should generally take precedence."
Kamala Harris: (leaning forward) "So where do we go from here? These are multiple issues requiring different solutions."
Dr. Bennett: "You're right, and attempting to address everything simultaneously would be overwhelming. Instead, I recommend a phased approach, addressing the most visible issues first and then working through the others systematically."
Phase 1 (Immediate/30 Days):
Phase 2 (30-60 Days):
Phase 3 (60-90 Days):
Dr. Bennett: "The most important aspect of this plan is consistent practice and feedback. Each of these changes requires developing new habits to replace existing patterns."
Kamala Harris: "What about authenticity? I don't want to seem overly rehearsed or artificial."
Dr. Bennett: "That's a crucial question. True authenticity isn't about unfiltered expression—it's about effectively communicating your genuine values and ideas. Professional athletes don't become less authentic by perfecting their technique; they become more effective at expressing their natural talents."
Kamala Harris: (considering) "That's a helpful frame. So these changes aren't about being someone else—they're about becoming a more effective version of myself."
Dr. Bennett: "Exactly. The core strength of your communication has always been your passion for democratic values and concern for vulnerable communities. These refinements will help more people connect with those authentic qualities rather than being distracted by delivery issues."
The former health secretary under President Joe Biden is joining the burgeoning field to be California's next governor — regardless of whether Kamala Harris seeks the post. Becerra's entrance into the race injects new intrigue into a contest that for months had been stagnant as Democrats wait to see if the former vice president will jump into the fray.
Kamala Harris: "I have a more immediate concern, Dr. Bennett. I've stated publicly that I won't announce my decision about running for governor until late summer, but the race is already taking shape. Becerra just announced, Porter is in, and others are positioning themselves. Given what we've just discussed about my communication needs, is it even prudent for me to speak publicly before addressing these issues?"
Dr. Bennett: "That's a complex strategic question. Let's break it down into several components: timing, preparation, and political realities."
Dr. Bennett: "From a purely communication perspective, waiting to make any major public appearances until you've implemented at least the Phase 1 improvements we discussed would be ideal. That could be accomplished in 30 days with intensive focus."
Kamala Harris: "But politically, a month of silence while others are campaigning could be damaging—even if I haven't officially announced."
Dr. Bennett: "Correct. There's a tension between communication optimization and political momentum. If I may ask, how firm is your late summer timeline for deciding whether to run?"
Kamala Harris: (thoughtfully) "I set that timeline to give myself space after the election loss, but I hadn't anticipated such a quickly developing field. Becerra's announcement that he wouldn't drop out even if I enter the race changes the calculus."
Political figures face a particular challenge when needing to substantially improve their communication style: appearing in public during the renovation process risks cementing negative impressions, but remaining silent cedes ground to opponents. This creates a strategic dilemma with no perfect solution.
Dr. Bennett: "This presents what I call the 'Silent Renovation Dilemma.' Let me pose a direct question: Could your staff accommodate the kind of intensive makeover we've discussed—not just in communication style but in visual presentation?"
Kamala Harris: (sighing) "That's complicated. Some of my team would embrace these changes immediately—they've been advocating for similar adjustments. Others... there's resistance. Some advisers feel that changing my appearance or speaking style too dramatically would seem inauthentic or reactive."
Dr. Bennett: "I'm curious about this resistance. Do you feel you're in a trap created by family, friends, and staff who have locked you into particular wardrobe choices and communication patterns?"
Kamala Harris: "That's... surprisingly insightful. There's a narrative about 'authentic Kamala' that's become almost sacred among some in my inner circle. My husband is supportive of whatever I choose, but some of my oldest advisers have strong opinions about preserving what they see as my essential style."
Dr. Bennett: "This is a common phenomenon. Inner circles can inadvertently become guardians of patterns that no longer serve the individual. They mean well, but their commitment to what they see as your authentic self can prevent beneficial evolution."
Kamala Harris: (returning to her seat) "It's also about female politicians being constantly criticized for their appearance. There's a resistance to conceding that ground—like we're playing into sexist expectations."
Dr. Bennett: "That's a valid concern. However, there's a difference between being forced to conform to sexist standards and strategically choosing to optimize your presentation within those unfortunate realities. The former surrenders your agency; the latter exercises it purposefully."
Dr. Bennett: "I want to raise another dimension of this challenge that may be uncomfortable to consider. Have you reflected on how your staff's dynamics and culture might be shaping your public persona?"
Kamala Harris: (with curiosity) "What do you mean exactly?"
Dr. Bennett: "Research in organizational psychology shows that leadership teams often develop their own microcultures that influence how the principal behaves. Looking at footage of your events and your staff interactions, I've observed a notably informal, friendly dynamic that might be affecting your public communication style in ways you haven't recognized."
Kamala Harris: (defensively) "My team is professional. We have close relationships because we've been through intense experiences together."
Dr. Bennett: "Close relationships are valuable, but there's a difference between internal closeness and how that translates to external performance. What I've observed is that the informality among your staff—the friendly banter, casual interactions, dinner-party atmosphere—appears to be bleeding into your public presentation style."
Kamala Harris: (thoughtfully) "You think my staff's behavior is influencing how I act publicly?"
Dr. Bennett: "Yes. When you're constantly surrounded by people who interact with you in a particular way, it naturally shapes your behavioral patterns. The casual, sometimes playful dynamic I've observed may be appropriate for your inner circle, but it's created what organizational behaviorists call 'context collapse'—where behaviors appropriate in one setting inappropriately transfer to another."
Kamala Harris: "Like my greeting style at the Emerge event."
Dr. Bennett: "Precisely. The way you greeted women at the club—in what some observers described as overly familiar or 'cute'—may feel natural to you because it mirrors your staff interactions. But to external observers, particularly those who don't share those communication norms, it can appear unprofessional or insubstantial."
Kamala Harris: (with growing concern) "I hadn't considered that my staff dynamic could be reinforcing communication patterns that don't serve me well publicly."
Dr. Bennett: "The Emerge event is effectively 'strike one' in terms of post-vice-presidential public perception. Your next two speeches before any gubernatorial announcement will be critical in determining whether you should run at all. The stakes couldn't be higher."
Kamala Harris: (soberly) "Are you suggesting I need an entirely new staff?"
Dr. Bennett: "Not necessarily an entirely new staff, but certainly a reset of professional boundaries and expectations. This makeover we're discussing isn't just about wardrobe and speech patterns—it requires a new organizational culture, a new public attitude and delivery, and fundamentally, a new way of thinking about your role."
Kamala Harris: "What specific issues did you observe in my Emerge speech delivery?"
Dr. Bennett: "Your responses were too deliberate and lacked the punchy directness that registers as 'fighting' for a cause. What might have been rousing at a small gathering appeared unfocused in a broader context. Most concerning, some commentators suggested you appeared intoxicated or cognitively impaired due to the irregular speech patterns and tangential references."
Kamala Harris: (alarmed) "Intoxicated? That's absurd!"
Dr. Bennett: "I know it's not true, but perception in politics often supersedes reality. The combination of meandering structure, unusual cadence, and seemingly random asides created an impression that's damaging regardless of its accuracy."
Kamala Harris: "I've always adapted my style to different audiences. Isn't that what effective communicators do?"
Dr. Bennett: "There's a crucial distinction here. Let me be very clear: You cannot change roles depending on the event and audience. You are a player in the political game at the highest level, and consistency is paramount. While policy emphasis can shift, your fundamental presentation must remain steady."
Kamala Harris: (with a hint of frustration) "But isn't authenticity valued? Being myself in different contexts?"
Dr. Bennett: "The paradox is that what feels most authentic to you may not be perceived as authentic by observers. Your Emerge speech content was substantive, but because the delivery appeared rehearsed rather than sincerely felt, the substance was lost. When you advocate for a message, you become inseparable from that message. If people can't get past the messenger, they never hear the message."
Kamala Harris: (after a long pause) "So what's the solution? How do I maintain my authentic voice while addressing these issues?"
Dr. Bennett: "The solution begins with recognizing that the 'authentic Kamala' as defined by your inner circle may be just one dimension of who you are—and perhaps not the dimension best suited to executive leadership. True authenticity isn't about performing the most comfortable version of yourself; it's about aligning your presentation with your deepest values and purposes."
Kamala Harris: (thoughtfully) "And my purpose is to serve effectively."
Dr. Bennett: "Exactly. If your current communication style is hindering that purpose, then evolving that style isn't betraying authenticity—it's actually honoring a deeper authenticity centered on your core mission rather than surface behaviors."
Kamala Harris: "You've given me a lot to think about regarding my team's influence on my public persona. I need to consider whether the environment I've created is actually serving my larger goals."
Dr. Bennett: "That's a profound insight. Leadership isn't just about who you are, but about the environment you create around you—and how that environment either enhances or diminishes your effectiveness. The staff culture that may have worked well in the Senate or even as Vice President may be entirely unsuited to a gubernatorial campaign where you need to project clear executive authority."
Kamala Harris: "I jumped from Senator to Vice President without executive experience. And while the Vice Presidency is important, it doesn't necessarily provide the kind of leadership training that translates to voter confidence."
Dr. Bennett: "Which makes how you communicate all the more critical. Voters who question your executive experience will be looking even more closely at signals of executive presence in your communication style. The informal, sometimes hesitant delivery style reinforces rather than counteracts those concerns."
Kamala Harris: "So I need to begin this transformation immediately, not just in how I speak, but in the entire ecosystem around me."
Dr. Bennett: "Yes. And that may require difficult conversations with longstanding advisers who have developed fixed ideas about who you are and how you should present yourself. Some may need to step back if they cannot support this necessary evolution."
Kamala Harris: "You've given me a lot to consider about presentation. But what about content and style? Is changing my speaking style for different audiences good practice, or should I aim for more consistency?"
Dr. Bennett: "That's an excellent question that gets to the heart of political communication. Let me address it directly: some adaptation is necessary and natural, but core elements should remain consistent."
| Elements That Should Adapt | Elements That Should Remain Consistent |
|---|---|
| Specific policy emphasis relevant to audience | Core values and principles |
| Technical detail level based on audience expertise | Basic speech patterns and cadence |
| Cultural references that resonate locally | Overall visual presentation and style |
| Balance of emotion vs. data based on setting | Fundamental policy positions |
Dr. Bennett: "Running for California governor would allow you to speak to a more progressive audience than a national race. That doesn't mean you should dramatically change your positions, but you could emphasize aspects that particularly resonate with California voters."
Kamala Harris: "Like my record on environmental protection and climate change initiatives."
Dr. Bennett: "Exactly. The content emphasis can shift while your improved delivery style remains consistent. This creates a strong, coherent personal brand while still connecting with specific voter concerns."
Dr. Bennett: "Have you considered pursuing other roles besides the governorship? Your experience as Vice President, Senator, and Attorney General provides multiple pathways."
Kamala Harris: (with interest) "What alternatives would make sense from a communication perspective? Where could my natural style be most effective?"
Dr. Bennett: "Your strengths include one-on-one connection, passionate advocacy, and prosecutorial precision in controlled settings. These could be particularly effective in roles like:"
Kamala Harris: (considering) "The governorship offers executive experience that would be valuable for any future national role. But you're right that there are other paths that might better align with my current strengths while I develop others."
Dr. Bennett: "Whatever role you choose next, implementing the communication improvements we've discussed would benefit you. The question is really about timing and sequencing."
Dr. Bennett: "Based on our conversation, here are my strategic recommendations about the California race and your immediate next steps:"
Kamala Harris: (thoughtfully) "Moving up my timeline is something I hadn't considered, but it makes sense given how quickly the field is developing. And beginning the communication work immediately—whether I run or not—seems prudent."
Dr. Bennett: "Precisely. These improvements will serve you regardless of which path you choose. The most immediate question is whether to maintain public silence during the initial improvement phase."
Kamala Harris: "What would those limited strategic appearances look like? Where could I practice these new approaches with minimal risk?"
Dr. Bennett: "I'd recommend a university commencement address or a substantive interview with a friendly but respected journalist—perhaps on a specific policy area where your expertise is unquestioned. This creates an opportunity to demonstrate a more polished presentation style without the pressure of campaign-level scrutiny."
Kamala Harris: "Thank you, Doctor. This has been illuminating. I came here focused on the technical aspects of communication, but you've helped me see this as part of a larger strategic picture."
Dr. Bennett: "That's the nature of political communication—it never exists in isolation from the broader context. If you do decide to run for governor, you'll be facing a strong field of competitors. The improvements we've discussed would help ensure that your considerable experience and vision can be communicated clearly to voters without the distractions of delivery issues."
Kamala Harris: (rising, gathering her materials) "I think I need to have some frank conversations with my team. And perhaps schedule some intensive sessions with that speech coach you recommended."
Dr. Bennett: "I believe that's wise. The California governorship is a powerful platform—leader of the world's fourth-largest economy with significant national influence. It's worth making these investments in your communication effectiveness, regardless of when you ultimately decide to announce."
Kamala Harris: "One last question, Doctor. If I implement these changes successfully, how quickly do you think public perception would shift? The narrative about my communication style seems so entrenched."
Dr. Bennett: "Public perception changes through a process I call 'pattern disruption.' When you consistently present a new pattern that contradicts existing assumptions, people are forced to update their mental models. For someone at your level of visibility, I'd estimate three to five major appearances with your improved style would begin shifting the narrative significantly—especially if those appearances generate substantial media coverage."
Kamala Harris: (with renewed determination) "Then that's the immediate goal—disrupt the pattern. Thank you, Doctor Bennett."
Dr. Bennett: "You're welcome, Madam Vice President."
Dr. Bennett: "I've prepared some additional resources—exercises, practice techniques, and reading materials that will support your development in these areas. Would you like to schedule a follow-up session in two weeks to assess progress?"
Kamala Harris: (standing, taking the folder) "Yes, I would. And I appreciate your directness today, Doctor. This wasn't easy to hear, but it was necessary."
Dr. Bennett: "You've demonstrated remarkable openness to feedback—a quality that distinguishes great leaders from merely good ones. The challenges we've discussed are entirely addressable with focused practice."
Kamala Harris: (with renewed confidence) "They say the first step is acknowledging the problem. I believe we've done that today."
Dr. Bennett: "Indeed. And perhaps most importantly, these changes will help ensure that your message—which clearly resonates with those who hear it directly—can reach the broader audience it deserves."