Leadership Communication, via YouTube

The New York Times reported this week that the 163 videos posted on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s site since he took office last January have made him a folk hero for his earnest demeanor and his snappy comebacks, such as when he responded to a teacher during a town hall:

“I stood here and very respectfully listened to you; if what you want to do is put on a show and giggle every time I talk, well then I have no interest in answering your question. If you’d like to conduct a respectful conversation, I’m happy to do it. If you don’t, please go and sit down, and I’ll answer the next question.”

The audience burst into applause and the exchange drew 770,000-plus views on YouTube.

“A Sean Hannity or Don Imus interview has a bigger audience, but experts say the influence of online video may be greater,” the Times reported. “People learn of the videos from trusted friends or bloggers, they can replay them endlessly, and they often forward the links to others; and they are likely to pay closer attention to something they seek out rather than something that washes over the airwaves.”