I was recording a podcast this week, and nearly made a fundamental error.
It was curious as I now have 35 years‘ experience of broadcasting, and yet almost fell into this elementary trap.
Guess I’m a little out of practice.
But it was a thoughtful moment as this insight is important for not just broadcasting, but public speaking and any form of presenting.
(Hence the nostalgic photograph of my broadcasting days!)
What was my error?
I almost said:
- So everyone, what we're talking about…
But fortunately checked myself.
Everyone?
Think about it for a moment.
Spot the mistake?
It’s most obvious in broadcasting, or podcasting.
Saying everyone spoils the intimacy of the connection.
Radio is a one to one medium.
There might be an audience of millions listening.
But actually that audience is just a series of individuals, either at home, driving, perhaps walking or taking the train to work.
If you say everyone, or all of you, or anything in the plural…
You break the spell of the intimacy of the conversation.
Which was, in fact, just between the two of you.
You and them.
Don’t believe me?
Then think about this parallel:
If you’re talking to someone at a table, perhaps in a pub, and they're interesting…
They're telling you a story, you’re paying close attention, there's a rapport going on, you’re really enjoying the moment…
And then the person suddenly looks around and starts talking to everyone rather than just you.
Now how do you feel?
It’s exactly the same with a presentation.
You might be faced with an audience of several hundred, or perhaps even several thousand people.
But in reality, that’s actually just an audience of individuals.
Each is listening to your words, thinking them through, and going on their own personal journey with you.
If you refer to everyone, rather than you, there goes the magic of the connection.
It’s one of those lovely small details of life which actually mean a lot.
Incidentally, bearing this point in mind also helps control the nerves, enhances the confidence, and improves the performance.
Much of the heebie-jeebies of public speaking and presenting come from facing an audience.
It’s far easier if you establish in your mind that you’re not facing an audience…
But instead just a series of individuals.
So whether you’re broadcasting, podcasting, or presenting, remember it’s a one to one experience, not a group thing.
Presenting personally will greatly help you in your performance, and also greatly enhance the audience’s experience.