If you’re like me, you’ve probably watched film clips of Hitler giving speeches and wondered why the German people responded so strongly to what appears to be an unattractive little man ranting and raving. Based on a little research and some recent experience, I think I know the answer.
From what I’ve read, Hitler typically started slowly, but then built up to a powerful climax. There was little that was positive or inspiring about his speeches; they were dark and sarcastic, and they focused on the dangers created by the country’s many enemies and how they had to be overcome. His audience had, in the recent past, experienced military defeat, a spell of hyperinflation, and a depression; he consequently tapped into a reservoir of anger and fear, and he exploited it to the hilt.
If this isn’t ringing any bells in your head, you have to be deaf.