Modi’s Covid19 speech: A Masterclass in Crisis Communication

I was moved by Prime Minister Modi’s address to the nation yesterday on Coronavirus. The speech had emotion, brevity, hope, and action. It was reasonable, sensible and appealed to the greater good. At our core, we all want to be good citizens, good humans, good parents, good friends and see the world and our planet thrive. Throughout history, whenever humans have been called on in a time of crisis, they have risen to the challenge through extraordinary actions and impact.

In times of crisis, leaders need to guide and coalesce people through deep conviction towards strong outcomes. This is as true for leaders of companies as it is to leaders of nations. My thoughts and reflections on Modi’s speech last night

1. Engage the hearts and minds of people

Leadership in times of crisis demands an ability to influence and facilitate people through risk and change. Modi’s speech did just that. He built trust with the common man by being transparent. He also thanked people for their support on previous initiatives where the nation stood strong together.

2. Clear articulation to prepare for what is to come and setting the right expectations to influence behavior

Modi clearly laid out the urgency and gravity of the situation with an example of developed nations not being able to cope with this crisis. And there is no reason to believe that nothing will happen to us in India. He further spoke about the scenario that can be and what is needed from each one, be it senior citizens or children under 10.

3. We can overcome this crisis together

Explaining the importance of social distancing, he requested each individual to spread the message to 10 more people. Janata curfew experiment, in interest for everyone’s safety, is a gentle way to lead into a potential lockdown situation.

4. Empathy and Gratitude

With the economic and humanitarian lens, Modi appealed to employers to not stop salaries or let go of people, amidst the crisis. Also, the idea of cheering for health workers at 5 pm on Sunday, brings in gratitude for the real heroes saving the country.

5. Motivation and reassurance

He ended his speech with though times are bad now, we will prevail for good times. He also noted how during such a pandemic, only one mantra can take us through — ‘Hum Swasth, toh Jag Swasth’, that is the ‘World will be healthy, if we stay healthy’.

In the annals of history, a few speeches have always stayed on in carrying the power of their message to posterity. Lincoln’s State of the Union, Churchill’s Darkest hour, Steve Jobs’ Connecting the Dots are my all-time favorite speeches and I will now add Modi’s speech to that list.

You can read his entire speech in English here

Disclaimer: Views represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the author and do not represent the views of Kstart or Kalaari.