We learn by watching experts in action. You learned to walk by watching your parents’ steps. You learned to talk by observing how they moved their mouths. Later in life, you learned ice skating, ballet, golf, baseball pitching, dancing, driving a car and many other activities by watching people who did those activities well.
Likewise, to become a top-level speaker, start watching and listening to the role models you can tune into for free at your convenience—the broadcasters who deliver the news, interview guests, predict the weather, report on sports, give commentaries and summarize the day’s stock market movements.
Specific examples:
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN. On “American Morning,” Carol shows us exactly what “animated” means. I can’t imagine anyone becoming distracted when Carol appears on the tube. Her hearty laugh seems completely unplanned, cer-tain to help us come to life at 6 AM. Yet in her serious mo-ments, I believe she is talking with me privately, rather than to millions of viewers. Her facial expressions always reflect the mood she wants to convey.
Another admirable trait: During interviews, she listens intently, without shuffling through notes, looking for her next question. Carol Costello provides a stronger jumpstart than three cups of high test coffee.
BRIAN KILMEADE, FOX & FRIENDS. Although he launched his career as a sports guy, Brian has become well-versed in world events. Pay special attention to his rapid-fire delivery. Why? Because most of us plod along with a rate so ponderous that listeners start daydreaming. The average per-son speaks at 125-150 words per minute, yet we can under-stand a person who speaks up to 400 WPM (picture a used car salesman giving a TV commercial). Note that Brian Kilmeade’s pace keeps you alert and interested.
PAUL HARVEY, ABC RADIO. The most durable broadcaster in history, Paul Harvey signed a 10-year contract at age 82. I attribute Paul’s widespread appeal and longevity to 4 factors.
- His trademark use of the pause. Other broadcasters have tried to imitate his well-timed pauses, but they come across as second-rate mimics.
- His stories. Usually, his broadcasts consist of a series of true-to-life stories, giving behind-the-scenes visits with the famous and the ordinary.
- His simple language. You don’t need a dictionary handy when you hear him. Paul Harvey knows that eloquence means that people get your meaning quite
easily. - His incredible voice. That’s a rare gift most of us don’t have. Even so, through coaching and practice, we can make the most of the voices nature gave us.
OPRAH WINFREY, ABC-TV. One word accounts for Oprah’s worldwide acclaim: Trust. Her guests trust her e-nough to tell their most sacred secrets. Her viewers trust her enough to believe that she is sincere. Centuries ago, Aristotle taught that ethos (credibility, in our lingo) may well be the orator’s most powerful tool. If your listeners trust you—whether they are family members, employees, bosses or pro-spective clients—you enjoy a remarkable advantage.
STONE PHILLIPS, DATELINE NBC. This former Yale quarterback has all the right moves for TV. In addition to his central-casting looks and poise, I applaud his focus on facts. You never have to wonder, “What reason does he have for that assumption?” Phillips documents every report. The lesson: Research your topics from every angle. Become a renowned authority, and you will make sales no one else can make and/or explain quite clearly a complex issue at a de-partment-wide meeting.
Bill Lampton, PhD, author of The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life! helps organizations strengthen their communication, motivation, customer service, and sales. He has spoken, directed semi-nars and provided coaching service for Gillette, Duracell, Ritz-Carlton Hotel Cancun, University of Georgia Athletic Association, CenturyTel, National Park Association, and many other prestigious groups. Visit his website to sign up for his newsletter: http://www.ChampionshipCommunication.com.
