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How should a leader communicate to the public?

The answer to this question depends on your subjective opinion. However, in an ideal world, it's safe to say that most members of the public would like their leaders to communicate with honesty and integrity by relaying important information in the way best-suited to serve the needs of the masses.


Let's put this idea in the context of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Brutus, the most noble character in the play, always tries to work toward the greater good, and so he accordingly communicates honestly with the masses of Rome. Antony, on the other hand, uses crafty and deceitful rhetoric to gain the support of the public and advance his own political schemes. In short, Antony will say anything to the public that he believes will bring him power. However, at the end of the play, Antony is living and powerful, while Brutus has perished. As such, though we'd all like our leaders to communicate to the public honestly, Shakespeare suggests that many leaders will communicate dishonestly in order to gain power.  

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