Whatever else you think of her, Sarah Palin has been drumming up kudos in the world of communications experts for a certain, well, prowess.   And today I listened in as my fellow Woodhull Fellow Jillian Straus–a former Oprah producer now media consultant who advises corporations, individuals, and nonprofits–spoke to a group of “leaders who lunch” at another one of my fave organizations, Catalyst, about what we can all learn from Palin’s often infuriating yet ultimately effective-for-tv communication style.  Thought I’d share the, um, lessons learned:

1. Style over substance – the visceral feeling you get from watching someone on tv is WAY more important than what you say (so think hard before going on tv about how you look, sound, and how you’re going to convey your passion for your topic)

2. Stick to your msg – “I’m a Washington outsider, an average American, and just a regular mom.”  When asked about pretty much anything, Palin marginally responded, then quickly bridged to what she REALLY wanted to talk about, then sparkled (otherwise known as the classic “hit, bridge, sparkle!”)

3. Use stories and anecdotes – they humanize you, they personalize you, and they’re much more memorable that anything else you will say.  Few who’ve watched her on tv know what Palin actually did as Governor, but everyone knows that Palin is a hockey mom.  Think also of the images from last night’s Obamamercial: most memorable were the snapshots — Obama laughing with his kids, photos of his mom, etc.

4. Fake it til you make it – smile when you are talking.  It conveys “confident” even when you’re not.

Other takeaways from the whole Sarah Palin phenomenon?  Bring em on!