Donald Trump’s flat, monotone delivery during formal speeches reveals more than just a lack of enthusiasm — it gives us a glimpse into his psychological makeup.
When speaking off-the-cuff at rallies, Trump is animated, aggressive, and often crude. But when he’s reading a script — especially during national crises or tragedies — his voice goes flat. This isn’t just boredom. It’s emotional disengagement. He appears to lack genuine empathy for others, a hallmark of narcissistic or antisocial tendencies.
This detachment seems intentional. By underplaying emotion, he maintains control over how he’s perceived. He doesn’t speak to unify, reassure, or mourn — he speaks to dominate the stage. That flat tone becomes a performance in itself: a signal of contempt for tradition, protocol, and even the gravity of the moment.
His delivery also suggests cognitive rigidity. He sticks to simplistic language, repeats slogans, and avoids nuance. It’s not that he can’t vary his tone — it’s that he won’t, unless the subject is himself or his enemies.
Trump’s monotone isn’t just dull. It’s calculated. And it tells us plenty about the man behind the microphone.
Kim A. Fowler, Orem
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