Since I seem to be big into blogging about Steven Colbert lately, I thought we would take a look at his congressional testimony from last week. The big question batting around the internet in regard to this speech is whether the tone is appropriate or not. Mr. Colbert was invited to speak in front of the House of Representatives in regard to illegal farm workers and the issue of immigration. Apparently someone had the brilliant idea of sending Mr. Colbert into a field to pick fruit for a few hours, and then testify before the House of Representatives on his experience. Of course, Mr. Colbert was completely outlandish, stayed in character, and, on occasion, mocked the very work he was presumed to defend.
From a public speaking standpoint, you could say that Colbert was tone-deaf, didn’t analyze the occasion thoroughly enough, and was inappropriate, but I think there is a larger question here begging to be asked, namely… what are these Representatives thinking!? And what is up with all the moralizing by politicians
and the media
regarding this speech? What did they think would happen? Mr. Colbert is a COMEDIAN. Why is he being invited to weigh in and give a speech before a sovereign governmental body on a topic of monumental national importance? It’s absurd. Personally, I think Mr. Colbert’s speech was perfectly appropriate. Satirists satirize. That is what they do. If the House of Representatives wanted an expert, they should have invited one. They invited a satirist, and the invitee turned the whole absurdity-pie around, and launched it into the face of those deserving, the House of Representatives.
What do you think? Bad taste or brilliant speech?
Jeffrey Davis is the owner of Speak Clear Communications. He is a public speaking coach
and accent reduction coach
in New York City.
