While watching them I was trying to figure out, what is it about this gentle, soft-spoken person that is so utterly captivating? Had he been speaking in front of the Senate today, I can't imagine a single person stopping to check their phone.
I'm sure the answer is multi-faceted, but I think a huge aspect is his head-to-toe, 100% Authenticity. I think there's an important lesson to draw there, and its something I see repeated elsewhere (blogosphere, TV, etc.). There's something captivating about authenticity.
The interesting thing is that it doesn't have to be as pure as Rogers'. Sometimes it is just an undercurrent with lots of stylization on top, but that authenticity somehow resonates with humans.
It also reminds me of an old Charlie Rose interview with Quentin Tarantino (to jump to the other end of the spectrum). He is talking about the process of writing, and how he has this inner voice constantly reminding him, "tell the truth", and how he can't watch his movies with some family / friends because it's too embarrassing: he's put a bit of himself up on the screen.
Now obviously Pulp Fiction is not a true story, but I think what he means is that under the hyper-stylized veneer, there is an authentic voice, even in a bizarre made-up world, and that, as much as the shocking revival scene, or hilarious Walken monologue, struck a nerve with audiences.
So my takeaway from Fred Rogers is to be authentic. Even if not as completely as him, make sure in whatever you do, there is some aspect of your true self in it. It resonates with people, and it probably feels good for you, too.