From time to time, I analyze the speaking skills of political and business figures from around the globe. If you have someone you’d like to see me critique, please send a video link to tj@tjwalker.com.

Speaking analysis of Julia Timoshenko, a Ukrainian political figure. Based this video http://www.youtube.com/user/tymoshenkoua?hl=ru#p/u/35/VSnihNPq6d8

Timoshenko is a strong communicator. She radiates passion and conviction. She does an excellent job of maintaining eye contact with her audience and appearing natural, relaxed, comfortable and conversational. Her dress in this video is professional and elegant looking, yet not flashy or distracting, partially because it is a solid color. Her appearance is neat and professional; though her hairstyle is not one that is seen in the West/US (it reminds me of Princess Leah from the 1970s Star Wars Movie).
Timoshenko has natural hand and body movements that make her appear quite confident and relaxed. Overall, she appears to be an excellent communicator, one who can develop rapport with her audience.

Speaking Analysis of Viktor Yanukovich, another Ukrainian political figure, based on this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE6wcMO77PQ

Yanukovich is a competent, yet ordinary political speaker. On the positive side, he seems confident, reads without stumbling and had a polished and professional appearance—he’s certainly not an embarrassing speaker (Like US President George W. Bush was).
However, Yanukovich does have several deficiencies:
1. His eye contact in this speech is poor—he’s looking down 80% of the time (he should be looking up at least 80% of the time).
2. His hands are frozen holding onto the lectern. Good speakers move their hands when they speak.
3. His speaking volume, speed and tone are too consistent—this is boring to the audience and does not sound conversational.
4. While professional in appearance, Yanukovich could improve by not wearing a tie that is so bright and by wearing a shirt that is off-white or has a little color. The all-white shirt was too bright. Additionally, his hair is so well-coiffed that is appears to be excessively hair-sprayed and is reminiscent of early 80s American politicians like Ronald Reagan.
Yanukovich is certainly a competent speaker with no major flaws, but he could become much better if he solved some of the above mentioned problems.