Communicate Clearly

Alexander Haig and the 5 Laws of Effective Communication

‘The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.’ - Proverbs 12:18

Alexander Haig speaking to the White House Press Corps after the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, March 30, 1981.

Haig halted World War III from commencing against Russia’s might,

Yet he bears the legacy of a rash, hot-headed man whose words ignite.

Alexander Haig has always fascinated me.

From his West Point graduation in 1947, to a Korean and Vietnam War hero (two Silver Stars for Valor), to the youngest four-star U.S. Army General ever in 1973, to Supreme Allied Commander of Europe, and finally U.S. Secretary of State (1981-1982), Haig's life was filled with honor and distinction.

Haig died February 20, 2010, at 86, in Washington, D.C.

With all his military and political accomplishments, Alexander Haig’s most remarkable feat was most likely single-handedly stopping World War III from breaking out with Russia on March 30, 1981. I’ll tell that story below.

Yet, when Alexander Haig died, most Americans’ opinion of him had been tainted by one sentence that he made to an anxious nation shortly after Ronald Reagan was shot.

‘As of now, I’m in control here, in the White House.’

Haig made a Constitutional faux pas before he said, ‘I’m in control.’ He outlined the Presidential succession plan to the press as President, Vice President, and then Secretary of State. The Vice-President was on a plane returning from Hawaii, so as of now, ‘I’m in control.’

However, the U.S. Constitution and the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 outline the presidential order of succession differently. The presidential line of succession is created by cabinet officers in the order in which their agencies were created.

1. Vice President

2. Speaker of the House

3. President Pro Tempore of the Senate

4. Secretary of State

5. Secretary of the Treasury

6. Secretary of Defense

7. Attorney General

8. Secretary of the Interior

9. Secretary of Agriculture

10. Secretary of Commerce

After this press conference, the American public ripped Alexander Haig. He died, never overcoming poor public opinion fostered by his ill-fated short speech to the nation.

I’m coaching a few professionals on effective public speaking, and Haig illustrates some principles that everyone who speaks publicly should remember.

Haig’s actual audience was the Russian military. His career mistake was not understanding that Americans were also listening to his press conference.

Before I give you the Five Laws of Effective Communication, I’ll share the little-known story of how Alexander Haig effectively prevented World War III from erupting with the Russians through this press conference.