Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has fended tough competition to win the crown as the most eloquent leader in the world.
Upon analysing more than 100 hours of videos from news conferences, interviews and other public addresses during 2020, professional development coaches from Acuity Training ‘s Development Academy division assembled a list of world’s most eloquent leaders.
After being praised for her empathy, Ardern toped the ranking.
“Jacinda Ardern employs an empathetic leadership style. She challenges the common perception that emotional communication shows weakness, instead choosing to approach the public with softer touch,” the Development Academy wrote.
“She has a measured and authoritative sincerity about her – she is kind and compassionate, without shying away from tough issues.”
Three of the leaders listed in the top five are women, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel listed the second most eloquent leader, leading third-place Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and fourth-placed Canadian Justin Trudeau.
Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon was ranked fourth, praising both her reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic and her humour.
“Nicola Sturgeon has received a lot of praise for her response to the coronavirus pandemic – and it’s not hard to see why.
“She is clear, calm and compassionate, he is not afraid to be tough or emotional, and she has a great sense of humour. There’s no sense of performance with Sturgeon – she is very real.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison came in at 10th place, with the Academy saying he “greatly improved his reputation since the country’s devastating bushfires earlier this year”.
“Morrison has been open, emotional and even vulnerable during his addresses to the Australian people, demonstrating to voters that he shares in their pain.”
In sharp contrast, the experts listed US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as two leaders whose style of presentation required improvement.