The 10 best & 10 worst communicators of 2012

Politicians, business execs, athletes, entertainers-each group is represented in both categories. Check out who made the lists, and why.

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10 best communicators:

The 10 best mastered the art of connecting with their audience. Their behaviors exude passion and energy, and they deliver a consistent and credible message.

1. Michelle Obama

First lady Michelle Obama consistently communicates to influence. In the way that then-Sen. Barack Obama won our No. 1 spot (in 2006 and again in 2008), Michelle Obama captures her audience by being articulate, down to earth, informal, and humble. She did not pick up the bad habits that plummeted her husband from the top of our list, remaining steady with and without a teleprompter. At the Democratic National Convention, she opened with personal stories like this one, that hooked viewers immediately—exposing vulnerability while relating to her audience.

2. Marco Rubio

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