A lesson in public speaking dos and don’ts: one year since Rishi Sunak’s rain-soaked election speech

By Arthur Instone, Financial Services 

A year after Rishi Sunak’s rain-drenched election speech, this blog explores essential public speaking lessons. It covers setting, delivery, handling disruptions, body language, and timing – offering key advice for anyone aiming to communicate effectively and leave a lasting positive impression. 

It’s been exactly a year since then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stepped in front of Number 10 to call a General Election. What should have been a carefully choreographed moment of authority and resolve quickly became one of the most talked-about political misfires in recent memory. 

Sunak delivered his speech in the pouring rain – and without a coat or umbrella – was drenched in minutes. As he spoke, the 1997 Labour anthem “Things Can Only Get Better” blared in the background, courtesy of a nearby protester. The symbolism of a political leader drowned out, both literally and figuratively, was hard to ignore.  

While the internet was busy mocking the optics, communicators and public speaking experts were quietly taking notes. The whole occasion was a masterclass on things you should avoid when public speaking, and beneath the sorry sight of a Rishi Sunak getting soaked, there are a number of lessons for anyone looking to deliver a message in public. 

Set the stage – literally 

The setting outside No.10 is iconic. But on this occasion, it was also poorly thought out. Sunak appeared without an umbrella, cover, or protection, and was drenched within moments. It’s difficult to project authority when your suit is clinging to your shirt and your glasses are fogging up. 

The takeaway: Your environment matters as much as your words. Always assess your setting for potential distractions or disruptions. Whether you’re presenting at a conference, hosting a webinar, or speaking to a journalist on Teams or Zoom, ensure the physical setup supports your message. 

Ask yourself: is the lighting okay? Are there any sources of background noise that could be distracting? Is your attire comfortable and consistent with the message you want to convey? And, crucially, do you have a backup plan if something goes wrong?  

Control the narrative, even when things go wrong 

As Sunak spoke, a protester blasted “Things Can Only Get Better” — the soundtrack to Labour’s 1997 landslide victory.  

This of course wasn’t ideal for Sunak, hijacking an important political moment. But it was his refusal to acknowledge the disruption, or even make a gag or joke out of it, which made it even more awkward to watch.  

The takeaway: In high-stakes communications, always plan for the unexpected. If you’re speaking in public, particularly outdoors or in politically sensitive environments, anticipate interference — and know how you’ll respond.  

Have a response line ready to go, even if it’s a light-hearted joke. If disruption does occur, don’t ignore it. Acknowledge it briefly and then move on with confidence.  

Body language matters 

In today’s social media age, how you deliver a message is just as important as the message itself. Sunak’s words — outlining the government’s record and setting out his case for re-election — were instantly overshadowed by the image of him standing miserably in the rain. 

As Sunak gripped the lectern, it was clear this was an unusually difficult moment for the Prime Minister — and his body language gave it away. He stood stiffly and uncomfortably, lacking the visual authority expected of a national leader. 

The takeaway: Public speaking is just as much of a visual performance as it is a verbal exercise. Your audience reads your body language, facial expression, and general appearance — sometimes before you’ve even started speaking. 

Before any public speaking engagement, it’s just as important to rehearse how you’ll deliver your message as it is to perfect the message itself. Good body language is your secret weapon; it can enhance persuasion, reinforce verbal messages and build credibility and authority. 

Timing is everything 

There was a sense that Sunak’s speech was rushed — that the political urgency of calling an election overrode more basic considerations, like waiting 20 minutes for the rain to ease. At best, the announcement looked reactive and poorly planned. At worst, it looked desperate. 

The takeaway: Timing isn’t just about what day or hour you speak — it’s also about whether the moment feels right to your audience. Ask yourself, is this the most appropriate moment for my audience to receive this message? Is there a better environment available? 

If something about the timing compromises your delivery, don’t be afraid to reschedule or adapt. You often only get one shot at publicly delivering a message. It’s far better to wait a bit longer and get the timing right, instead of rushing and not having the desired impact. 

How Aspectus can help 

Rishi Sunak’s rain-soaked election announcement will likely be remembered more for the setting of its delivery than for its content. But for professionals and leaders, it’s a valuable reminder: public speaking is never just about what you say — it’s about how, where, and when you say it. 

From managing your environment and timing, to mastering your delivery and establishing rapport with your audience, there are lots of factors that shape the impact of your message. Get it right, and you project confidence and control. Get it wrong, and even the most carefully crafted speech can be overshadowed by distractions — or drenched by circumstances beyond your control. 

That’s why preparation goes beyond knowing your talking points. Our media training, led by former journalists, is designed to help you succeed in real-world conditions — whether you’re standing behind a lectern, facing the cameras, or handling tough questions from a reporter. We focus on practical outcomes: helping you get into the mind of the media, build techniques that boost confidence under pressure, and develop strategies that work for you to deliver your message as effectively as possible. 

Do you want your message to resonate further with your target audience? Get in touch with us here. 

Key takeaways 

Q1: Why is environment critical in public speaking? 

A: A poorly prepared setting can undermine your message. Always control your environment to support, not distract from, your speech. 

Q2: How should you handle disruptions during a speech? 

A: Acknowledge disruptions briefly with humour or confidence, then refocus your audience quickly to maintain authority. 

Q3: Why does body language matter so much in public speaking? 

A: Non-verbal cues like posture, facial expressions, and stance strongly influence how your message is received and perceived.