Shortly after talk show host Larry King announced his decision to hang up his suspenders after 25 years at CNN, he was asked to reminisce about his favorite guests. What caught my attention as a business communications coach were the traits King says he looks for in an ideal interviewee: passion, a sense of humor, anger, and an ability to explain what he or she does very well. The ability to telegraph these four qualities to audience members helps business leaders stand out -- whether they're being interviewed on CNN, giving a sales presentation, or pitching an investor. Consider my advice below to improve your own delivery.
Transmit passion. Enthusiasm is contagious. Built to Last author Jim Collins once said that some managers are uncomfortable expressing emotion about their dreams; but it's passion and emotion that attract and motivate others. Too many speakers fall into what I call "presentation mode," hiding their passion, energy, and enthusiasm. Passion appeals to the emotional side of the brain, and it's the emotional side -- the right brain -- that often guides decision-making.
Show off your sense of humor. In June, Apple Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs was demonstrating the new iPhone 4 when the demo failed to work because of an overtaxed data network in the conference venue. Jobs was able to make a joke even as he was troubleshooting: "You could help me out. If you're on Wi-Fi, if you would just get off, I would appreciate it," Jobs told the audience, flashing a broad smile.
Despite the best-laid plans, something often goes wrong in a presentation, interview, or pitch. Shrugging it off with a smile and a humorous aside shows that you don't take yourself too seriously. Notice that Larry King did not say that a great guest tells jokes. Nobody expects a speaker to be a comedian, but having a sense of humor -- especially when something goes awry -- is appealing.
Don't be afraid to demonstrate your anger. Although King didn't explain this particular quality, I believe it speaks to having a larger mission. Great communicators convey a sense of purpose -- a mission -- to right a "wrong." In the corporate world, a wrong could be poor customer  service, inferior products, or our dependency on fossil fuels.
Audience members notice when speakers lack anger. Some liberal and conservative political observers have criticized President Barack Obama for not being emotional enough -- angry enough -- when speaking about topics such as the BP oil disaster or unemployment. I'm sure Obama is upset about both situations but this criticism reinforces the point that the outward manifestation of "anger" -- even a touch of it -- is a trait that people want to see in a speaker. (continued...)
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