Have a senate confirmation hearing in your future?
The answer is likely no, but that doesn’t mean you can’t adopt Judge Neil Gorsuch’s commanding performance and apply it elsewhere.
Senate Democrats have asked unfair and difficult questions, and yet Gorsuch remains calm and articulate. HOW DOES HE DO IT?
I’m so glad you asked. Here are a few ideas as to how Gorsuch is making it hard for Senate Democrats to filibuster or vote no:
He Doesn’t Take the Bait
He acknowledges the bait and leaves it.
In his back-and-forth with Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., about D.C. v. Heller, Gorsuch refused to agree or disagree with a statement made by Justice Antonin Scalia in the majority opinion:
Feinstein: I’m just asking you do you agree with the statement. Yes or no? […]
Gorsuch: Whatever is in Heller is the law. And I follow the law.
Feinstein: Do you agree?
Gorsuch: It is not a matter of agreeing or disagreeing, senator, respectfully. It is a matter of it being the law. And my job is to apply and enforce the law.
Gorsuch’s focus is constantly on the law. Not only does he make clear his understanding of the very important job he’s applying for, but he stays on message in the meantime. Gorsuch acknowledges the question posed and responds as he’s able or thinks appropriate.
But also, he talks about who he is rather than who he isn’t:
Feinstein: How do we have confidence in you that you won’t just be for the big corporations, that you will be for the little man?
Gorsuch: The bottom line is that I’d like to convey to you from the bottom of my heart is that I’m a fair judge. I can’t guarantee you more than that, but I can promise you absolutely nothing less.
The effect of staying on message and talking about who you are and/or what you’re for is an audience that trusts you and finds you likable.
He Keeps Calm
Not only does Gorsuch give solid answers, he looks and sounds good too. He has a pleasant resting face when he’s not speaking, he lifts his brow instead of furrowing it (which is a good and rare thing), and his pacing, intonation and inflection remain steady and conversational. He doesn’t raise his voice or speak too fast. You might assume he’s growing impatient as he’s asked to explain his motivations over and over and over again (because everyone else is!), but you wouldn’t know it by his behavior.
He’s Likeable
If you’ve listened to just five minutes of the hearings, you have a pretty good idea about who Gorsuch is as a person. He’s not afraid to mention him home state of Colorado, his love of his family, or the fact that they have a pet goat. He laughs and gets others to laugh too. Some might think it’s cheesy, but I think the cheese gives us moments of levity in an otherwise heavy and serious process.
I can’t imagine the immense pressure of a senate confirmation hearing, but Gorsuch is giving a commanding performance. Though you may never find yourself fielding questions on Capitol Hill, this recent round of hearings has showcased why it’s important to stay on message, give good visuals, and show us some personality. We can all learn from and adopt Gorsuch’s strategy to become better communicators. Teach us your ways.
Gorsuch’s final mission, should he choose to accept it? Figure out how to escape the awkward handshake from President Trump.
Beverly Hallberg (@BevHallberg) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog. She is president of District Media Group.
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