Tim Scott's Senate speech: Race relations, and a lesson in speaker credibility

United States Senator Tim Scott, a conservative Republican from South Carolina, and one of only two African-Americans in the United States Senate, delivered an outstanding speech in the United States Senate in the wake of police shootings and the murder of five Dallas police officers. He narrated his own personal experiences, describing incidents during which police officers treated him unfairly. Shockingly, he has even been treated unfairly by Capitol Police during his service in Congress.

US Senator Tim Scott

Several factors made Scott's speech memorable. First, as a conservative Republican, he brought credibility to the issue that liberal politicians may not have enjoyed. Second, he gave several specific narratives, telling not only what happened, but also how he felt. His calm delivery, and his plea for non-violence, also helped to make his speech credible.

Skillful presentation can make a speech more believable, but the speaker's character also makes a speech more credible.