Behind The Mixer

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Imagine yourself walking up to a microphone to give a speech.  Now imagine, in front of you, are about 10,000 people eagerly awaiting your every word. This is how the movie “The King’s Speech” opens.  Only you have to add one other factor.  The person speaking, the Duke of York, speaks with a debilitating stutter.  When a guest speaker comes to your church, chances are they feel nervous.  Using methods like the Queen of England used, you can give them the confidence they need.

The movie is based on the true story of the Duke of York, who would become King George the Sixth, his speech problem, and the man who taught him how to overcome it, Lionel Logue.  Looking back on this movie, there are three people who made a difference in King George’s ability to give speeches.

The three people and what you can learn from them;

1. The radio broadcaster.  His role is minor but what he does, does not go un-noticed.  He sets up the broadcasting room, for the king, so it’s free from distraction and free from clutter.  When the king arrives, he greets him cordially, calmly, and shows no apprehension even though the whole country knows of the king’s terrible stutter.

The take-away;

  • Approach guest speakers in a calm and confident manner.  If they get their own wireless mic, help them put it on and make sure it’s in the right location. Also, make sure it’s turned on (muted on the mixer).
  • Make sure the stage is clear.  No wires running around where they walk up and where they will stand.

2. Queen Elizabeth.  She was by his side throughout his most difficult times and was supportive of him all along.  She was an excellent encourager.  When he failed, she still loved him and encouraged him.

The take-away;

  • Guest speakers usually need a bit of encouragement.  After setting up their microphone, ask them about their topic, ask them about the best speaking engagement they have given.  Then load them up with confidence.  Compliment them on their attire.  Tell them the congregation is looking forward to the speech.
  • After the service, when you go to get the microphone from them, compliment them.  This helps them at their next engagement.  If they struggled through their talk, encourage them.  “It’s ok, Babe Ruth struck out half the time he was at bat.  Next time you’ll do great.”  If they are speaking at more than one service that day, this will help them build that confidence.

3. Lionel Logue, his speech coach.   Lionel taught him how to form words, how to focus on the words, and how to get the words to flow.  He walks him through the events of his coronation.  Lionel was not only his coach but also his friend.  In the final scene, as the King is preparing to start his speech which would call England to war against Germany, Lionel looks at the King and says in-so-many words, “just talk to me.”

The take-away;

  • Walk the guest speaker onto the stage, showing him/her where to walk and where to stand.  The latter part is helpful if you have more than one podium on the stage, for example one for the pastor and the other for scripture readings.
  • Tell them, “in case you get nervous, just look at me.”  When I first started in broadcasting, my boss told me, if you ever get nervous, put up a picture of someone you like and imagine you are talking to them.
  • Hand them a schedule so they know when they are to go on stage.  I know they might have been told but if the guest speaker is very nervous, they could easily forget – now one more thing to worry about.

Summary

Public speaking is one of the most nerve-racking events that people go through.  You have the opportunity to help the next guest speaker that walks through your door.  You might even be able to help someone in your church who is going to speak for the first time.  Take those few moments you have when you help them with the microphone to give them the instructions and encouragement they need.

King George made this statement in the movie;

“If I’m King, where’s my power? Can I form a government? Can I levy a tax, declare a war? No! And yet I am the seat of all authority. Why? Because the nation believes that when I speak, I speak for them. But I can’t speak.”

Yet, at the end of the movie, after giving his England/Germany speech, we watch this dialog…

Lionel: “You still stammered on the ‘W’.”
King George: “Well I had to throw in a few so they knew it was me.”

Question(s): How have you helped nervous speakers?

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Comments

  1. Great article, as usual. Thank you, Chris, for all you do to help us serve others effectively.
    Along the lines of confidence, and what I have done to help people who don’t routinely use microphones in public speaking, is to project confidence myself. Reassure them verbally that they need not worry about any aspect of the sound reinforcement, being heard, etc.: everything will be handled for them so they can focus in their message. Of course, I have to be on the top of my game to deliver on that commitment.
    1. Reassure them their mic will be turned on/off (they may not understand tech terms like “muted”) at the right time. (Beware: even though muted in the house, a wireless transmitter or a control room monitor can still pick up–honor their privacy.)
    2. If there is a mic that needs to be turned on from the house floor, provide a buddy at the ready to do it, for a smooth transition.
    3. Many people out of nervousness will reach for and handle, or think they need to adjust, a stand-mounted mic. Make all those adjustments beforehand during sound check; tell them exactly where to stand and reassure them they need not touch the mic. Provide a buddy to make any adjustments in real time, as a backup.
    4. If using a handheld mic, give simple instructions on how and where to hold it.
    5. It helps with youngsters to squat or kneel down to their level when giving instructions; you are less intimidating that way. Provide a sturdy, safe step stool if they need it to reach a mic (let them try it during sound check), and a buddy to place and remove it at the right times.
    It occurs to me just now that a lot of this has to do with preparation.

    Reply

    • Ah, a few more things I just thought of.
      6. Many people will appreciate you offering a lectern or stand if you have one. It provides some psychological “safety” to “hide” behind. It must be sturdy enough to not collapse if they lean on it, and deep enough to hold any notes they have.
      7. Offering a bottle of chilled water is a nice touch and says that you are thinking of their needs.

      Reply