Television Flattens Voices, So Make Sure Yours Is Energized

Whether you are booked on a television or radio show, or are hosting your quarterly conference call, make sure you bring 100% enthusiasm to the forum. Otherwise, nobody will listen to you, or watch you, for long.

Your enthusiasm is contagious…people hear it, see it, want it. It draws them to you and makes them listen to you with equal energy. The energy in your voice sells your ideas more than any other aspect of the sales process. When you speak with power and passion, you naturally convey excitement, which in turn, excites other people. I believe that the passion and excitement I have for my chosen profession in the area of investor relations and public relations has resulted in more business for IRG over the years than even our glowing references.

When you are on television or radio, a dynamic, animated style can make the difference between an okay interview and one that is memorable.

Although everyone is nervous once that tape starts rolling, especially in the beginning, keep these pointers in mind and practice them regularly. They can help you go from good to great and be considered a seasoned media pro:

• Pause and speed your speech. Think of yourself as a roller coaster rather than a freight train.
• Add volume and tempo. Variation—loud to soft, slow to fast—excites a listener’s ear. Rapid speech is energizing. Slow, distinct language can also be effective, as it makes your statements distinctive, and can help create a feeling of respect and admiration in your viewers or listeners. Again, balance is important. And a monotone is always deadly!
• Whispers work like a magnet, pulling the audience to you and hopefully to your point. Of course, whispering can only work if you have a good microphone.
• Practice with a tape recorder. Test out different speech techniques. Think of the actor Christopher Walken. He captures attention every time he’s on screen because of his accenting, timing, and overall unusual speaking style.