Whether you are popping champagne or weeping bitter tears over Donald Trump’s recent election, there are things that can be gleaned about the way they wrapped this campaign up . Let’s start by taking a look at Hillary’s concession speech .

What’s most important about conceding a victory is making sure that you don’t come across as too bitter . I think Hillary found a really great, subtle balance in her concession speech between offering words of support for Trump, and veiled criticism too . She was gracious in the way she congratulated Trump. The way she encouraged girls and women to continue reaching for their dreams toward the end of the speech had a dual purpose; to reassure her supporters despite her loss, and also to subtly criticize Donald , and perhaps the electorate , for their attitude toward women:

And to all of the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams

Trump’s victory speech was very conciliatory and rather subdued.

Hillary has worked very long and very hard over a long period of time, and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country. I mean that very sincerely.

What a change in tone! Last week it was “lock her up” now it’s gratitude. I guess that’s politics. The remainder of the speech was the usual list of potential accomplishments, and acknowledgments.

Trump’s non-verbal communication, both the tenor of his voice and his gestures lacked its usual fire. He was obviously reading off a teleprompter and did little to conceal this fact. Staying on message aided him greatly, but he should endeavor to maintain eye contact with his audience while speaking.

What is most important about speech making is the change you affect in your audience . Hillary used a concession speech to inspire her audience . Take a moment to think about this. She lost and yet she had the courage to use her speech to continue to inspire and persuade . This is truly selfless, and brave . For that, I give her the advantage in this contest.