>WHAT PAUL HARVEY TAUGHT ME ABOUT WORDS
on March 1, 2009 at 2:07 pm>
I will remember where it was and when later, but I think it was 1982 or 1983, I met Paul Harvey at one of his affiliate stations he was visiting. I didn’t get to speak with him long, but he gave some ‘business’ advice to a 22 year old ‘major market super jock wanna-be’.
“Choose your words carefully… Write down your ad libs. Write like you speak. Read all the time until you can read without sounding like your reading. Make sure your words bring color to the black and white medium of radio. If you don’t know what to say, say nothing. ‘Ums and ahhs‘ make you sound unsure. Word economy. Instead of saying, This coming Monday, February X… just say, ‘This Monday’… the listener knows what you mean. Pauses. They add flair. I use them alot. PAUL HARVEY – – – – – – – – – – – – – GOOD DAY! And it gives you and your listener time to think.” Tease. Don’t give ’em too much up front. Let them discover it with you. “
And the best advice he gave me that I still use today… “when you’re talking to an audience, big or small, live or in a studio, talk to ONE PERSON. Don’t say words like, ‘Folks, everyone, etc. as in ‘Hello folks’, you’re always talking to one person. Make your listeners feel like you’re just talking to JUST them. Even in a crowd, you can make each person feel it is just you and them. Besides most people don’t gather around a radio anymore.”
This should inspire you, too. Mr. Harvey died at the age of 90. That means he enjoyed his success on the air when we was in his late 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. All those young kiddos that corporate radio owners think are radio’s future. I don’t think so. Those kids have no identity, no mentors, no communication skills training or guidance.
Paul Harvey inspired many young radio people like me. All the radio heroes are leaving us. How can radio truly survive? Mr. Harvey, you will truly be missed. I know that your stories will live on through the ages. My sincere condolences to your family and friends.
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>I like so many people was truly saddened by the passing of Paul Harvey. You are just too cool to have gotten to have met and speak with him. How wise of you to listen and learn from his advise. How cool that he took the time with a ‘young rookie”. That says a lot about him too. Renee
>I first began listening to Paul in 1960 on KWEB in Rochester, Minnesota. Some ten years later I worked at KWEB, and we still carried him. For a time, he had a monthly magazine, and I was so mesmorised by his talent, I subscribed. Paul Harvey was the inspiration for my getting into broadcasting. I continued to hear his talent up till several weeks ago. I will miss him, and always admire him.
>Andy, Paul Harvey is truly a person I would have enjoyed meeting. I never fully realized how he affected my writing and speaking skills, but you wrapped it up in the comments above! He will be missed. Thanks for sharing, Joni <><