You may not know this about me, but I grew up eating, sleeping and drinking media. Anyone over the age of 25 can say the same, but I mean it in a special way. My father built a successful broadcasting company in which I, and two of my three siblings, worked for many years. He was an early pioneer in cable television and owned/operated somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 radio stations throughout the Western United States. Before starting VisionTrust, I worked for several broadcasting companies in every capacity from the lowest rung on the ladder to the airy heights.
I started out on the air as a disc-jockey. It’s kind of like being paid to have fun, but in a very real way I draw on my experience as a “radio personality” in my public speaking today. Bringing energy and value to an audience you can’t see through a microphone is an interesting challenge. As a speaker I get a lot of energy from the instant feedback a live audience provides. Never had that when I was on the radio and now, with the advent of webinars, Ask The Experts online meetings, Skype consulting and pre-recorded presentations, I find myself calling on those old days to make sure I still bring the same level of energy and, dare I say, excitement to these new technology-based speaking engagements.
In my “other” life, I have worked as a rock-n-roll musician and worship leader in several churches – and my time spinning records came into play there as well. It taught me the importance of knowing what key you’re in, the impact of tempo and time signatures and the all-important segue – the transition. These are all key skills in communication. Getting it right requires you to think ahead, to pace yourself, to know where you’re going and to move smoothly from one thought to the next.
Take a moment today to think of all the ways your past (the good stuff and the bad) contributes to the value you bring to the world today. Then check your tempo.