What Your Posture Says About You

You were probably taught at an early age to sit up straight at the dinner table. If you’ve ever worked in video, you know that people sit in chairs closer to the front edge and have pillows behind them to give the appearance of presenting well on camera. Sitting up and forward in a job interview sends a positive message too.

YOU CAN’T SEE YOUR OWN POSTURE

I recently went back to my alma mater, Cedarville University, and joined other industry professionals to encourage students. The Communications Department posted several pictures of the event on Instagram. One photo was of our Q&A panel sitting in front of the room. I looked for my blue flannel and found myself in the post. At the time I felt engaged yet comfortable, but the photo told a different story. I was slouching. Hope that didn’t impact how I was perceived.

ANOTHER KIND OF POSTURE

Whether you realize it or not, you’re known for a posture that you bring to work every day. If you’re simply going through the motions you’re seen as having poor posture. If you’re a problem-solver and go-getter others see you exuding a great posture.

For those who have the high honor of being an on-air personality, please don’t mail it in. Yes, you’ll have off days where just getting through your shift is challenging. Strive to be known as someone who has great posture in how you plan and execute your show.

Show prep
Break Structure
Storytelling
Connection
Economy of Words

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

You’re in charge of you. Try to approach each break as if you’re the director of the scene you’re creating. Take the listener on a journey WITH you. Paint your words with vivid colors (right brain) rather than numbers and details (left brain). Then, know when to cut the scene and leave the listener wanting more.

How you approach your job is not just about you or the station you work for; you’re representing all of us in radio. That’s a big deal. If you need someone to come alongside you to help guide you, please reach out. A fresh confidence emerges when your talent and desire to improve meets my passion for your potential.

After spending 25+ years working in leadership, programming, and on the air at 95.5 The Fish in Cleveland, 104.9 the River in Columbus, and as Network PD at WayFM Todd launched a coaching and consulting business, Beyond615.com, on March 15, 2021. There he strives to help others build confidence so that they can connect with listeners on a deeper level. He also serves as the Contemporary Christian Format Editor at AllAccess.com. He and his family live in the (615) area code, aka the heart of the CCM industry.