When the current host of “Meet the Press,” the oldest TV show in the U.S., first took the job, he had an unusual habit on-air. We’ll get to that shortly.
I wasn’t surprised when the former host was replaced. He seemed depressed, as if the weight of the world had finally ground him down, and he’d lost any shred of hope.
“The news this week,” his expression seemed to say, “is just dismal.”
The current host looks upbeat and energetic. But during his first few months, he’d sometimes deliver a brief commentary, standing up (that part is good—if you can stand, do it), while holding a rolled up paper.
Why the paper?
I figured he’d eventually unroll it, and reveal something important, or unexpected. “42,” he might say (that’s the meaning of life, according to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy).
But no, the paper always stayed rolled up.
“Lose the paper,” others must have advised. “It serves no purpose, it’s distracting.”
“But the paper makes me happy,” the host might say.
And it’s true, when you’re under pressure, holding onto something—a piece of paper, a large pointer, a small puppy—offers comfort.
But that’s speaker-focused, not audience-focused.
Why not vary the prop for intrigue? One week, you hold the paper; next week, a flashlight; then, a random shoe from one of your colleagues.
You could argue the paper reveals a lack of confidence. Maybe. But maybe someone suggested it to eliminate a worse habit. Or maybe this host is so confident that he simply doesn’t care.
The truth is, over time, I’ve grown accustomed to this rolled up paper. Recently, I haven’t seen him hold it. I sort of miss it.
That’s the thing about a small, human imperfection: it’s authentic.
Tip: You’ll always feel a tug, when presenting, between following the 101 rules of good form versus expressing your unique presence.
Find your balance.
© Copyright 2021 Paul Hellman. All rights reserved.
P.S. 3 ways I can help you & your team:
1) Webinars—e.g. Your Point? Say It Concisely; The Power of Presence; Resilience @ Work. Click here for all 12 programs.
2) Virtual workshop—I’ve been leading Dynamic Speaking, a four-session course for small teams. We practice how to get heard, get remembered, and get results.
3) 1-1 Coaching—Got an important, upcoming communication? I’ll help you with design (what to say) and/or delivery (how to say it with presence). Click here for details.
P.P.S. Rather just read a book? Check out You’ve Got 8 Seconds.
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PAUL HELLMAN consults & speaks internationally on how to make your point—fast, focused, powerful.
Please email info@expresspotential.com or call 508-879-0934 for more info.
Paul consults & speaks internationally on how to make your point with maximum impact—in less time.