Tommy Kramer Coaching Tip #639: A Tip from Robert Heinlein

“The Dean of Science Fiction writers” is the title given to Robert Heinlein, author of “Stranger in a Strange Land”, “Starship Troopers”, and the wonderful book “Time Enough for Love” – among many others, was both an author and aeronautical engineer. That led to amazingly predicting many things that we now take for granted in the real world.

His main character, running through several of his books, was Lazarus Long, the world’s oldest man. Lazarus had a saying that I believe is the secret to true success in radio: “Be yourself, and be it in style.”

To young talents, stop hiding behind some façade. Stop trying to be or look like or sound like someone else. I always tell people “Crack your chest open and show us what’s in there.”

To veteran air talents who want to stay valid, I would say sweep through what you do, and take out anything that’s not genuine. What makes you “sound old” is clinging to outdated habits that don’t match up with the short-attention-span listener of today. If you sound old, you ARE old. If you sound engaged and interested in what’s new, you won’t sound old.

But above else, be yourself. And be it in style.