So what do you think? Are these slips of the tongue worthy of Rick Perry-like condemnation?

I say no. Of course it’s best to work as hard as you can to avoid verbal tics, or embarrassing blank-outs, however, the reality is they happen from time to time. I think that perfectionism is much, much more dangerous than a stray “um” or “ah”. Should Obama hire yours truly so I can put him through some exercises to help him embrace silence and clarify his thoughts? Of course! But considering the hundreds of speeches Obama has given, I am not at all surprised at the handful of semi-cringe inducing outtakes in the video above, and I find them but a small shadow hiding within the light of the numerous great speeches he has given.

I have said it before on this blog, and I will say it again…. everybody bombs form time to time. Everybody. Lincoln, Roosevelt, Reagan, Thatcher, Churchill, even Obama… everybody has an off-day. A speaker should ultimately be judged on the totality of their speeches, and the impact that they have on the culture at large.

So if you’ve given a poor speech, perhaps recently, don’t despair. Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again. You’re in good company.

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