"Being a press secretary is like learning to type: You're hunting and pecking for a while and then you find yourself doing the touch system and don't realize it. You're speaking for the president without ever having to go to him"
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The quote by Larry Speakes uses the example of learning to type to describe the function of a press secretary. In the beginning phases of typing, one might fight with the "hunt and peck" technique, gradually discovering each key, which signifies the preliminary problems and discovering curve related to mastering a brand-new skill. This phase is identified by uncertainty, cautious attention to detail, and a lack of fluency or speed. Similarly, a new press secretary may face understanding the intricacies of the function, assimilating the subtleties of political interaction, and accurately representing the president's views and policies.
As one becomes proficient in typing, they shift to the "touch system", where the process ends up being more user-friendly, fluid, and almost second nature, enabling the typist to type effectively without consciously thinking of each keystroke. This shift embodies the development of a press secretary's journey from amateur to proficient representative. In time, and with experience, the press secretary becomes skilled at handling the intricacies of the job, speaking in the president's voice naturally and authoritatively without needing consistent guidance or direct guidelines.
Moreover, the final part of the quote highlights an amazing aspect of the press secretary's role: articulating the president's position and viewpoints perfectly, sometimes without direct assessment. This needs a deep understanding of the president's policies, concerns, and interaction design, as well as a high level of trust and responsibility. It highlights the press secretary's autonomous ability to serve as the president's voice while keeping precision and fidelity to the administration's message. Speakes catches the essence of the role's development-- beginning with a difficult learning curve and progressing into a seamless, integral function of governmental interaction.
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