Jim Carr has been a long time teacher of the Radio Production program at Seneca College in Toronto Ontario. He began his career working for a video road show, then as a young entrepreneur purchased and operated his own mobile recording studio. He worked as a DJ and voice over talent before settling into his current profession. Jim created the audio introduction to the CyberCletch and CanadianaConnection video interviews. He is a fount of knowledge that we’ve tapped to gather tips on speaking via podcasting, video or in front of a group.
Speaking to Be Heard with Jim Carr
The “Caramilk Secret of Radio” Jim refers to in the video is making a connection with your audience by speaking to one individual at a time. Broadcasting is possible but lasting engagement comes from building relationships, one person at a time. This is true of social media as well.
When communicating via video conferencing, use a visual aid by placing a picture near the camera. The benefit is the aid keeps you looking at the camera rather than averting your eyes downward at the screen. This keeps eye contact with your viewers.
Jim also discusses how new technology has been challenging many of the old broadcasting rules, such as realizing listeners who are multitasking during presentations, still receive the message, despite looking otherwise engaged.
When speaking you can keep your listeners active by adjusting pitch, pace, using pauses and projecting clearly.
Several speaking myths are challenged, such as, imagining your audience naked. He suggests the “no clothes” technique actually interferes with focusing on your key message. Instead, realize people are present to learn from you and place your focus on sharing and teaching. Learn to make eye contact with your audience because that creates the connection needed for listeners to “buy into” your message. He also recommends speaking to the majority, and to not get sidetracked. You run the risk of losing your entire audience if you waste time trying to ensure strugglers get the message too.
Only send clear concise messages by editing out all superfluous and most multiple syllable words.
Jim shared that he will be discussing social media in radio broadcasting with well known Toronto radio personalities, Humble and Fred, on an upcoming podcast.
Here is Jim’s presentation I referred to in the interview.
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