One- He talked the way real people actually talk. Paul Harvey was the master of relating. He used radio’s most powerful secret, one on one communication. His delivery felt personal, like he was talking to ‘me’.
Two- He used word pictures. There has been none better than Paul Harvey. The man spoke theatre-of-the-mind and used this radio tactic to the utmost. Instead of saying—“it was a cold day”, he would say something like “ it was so cold the stubbly grass on the front lawn was white with frost and crunched under foot.” What a difference.
Three- He was direct. Quick. Staccato. He left nothing to ambiguity unless it was needed . Paul Harvey’s phrases were precise. Trimmed. Concise. His style was commanding. That creates a sense authority.
Four- He was real. Listeners learned of his family. His weekends in the country. His meetings with celebrities. He shared his real life with us. How he spent Thanksgiving, weddings, births, and deaths.
Five-He was trusted. A master salesman with integrity. Paul Harvey only endorsed products he believed in. No other person on radio has ever been so convincing. The best promotions appear to be non promotions. The best sales methods do not appear to be selling at all. His commercials were little slices of information delivered in a compelling, believable voice. Sincere, relate-able.
Six- Paul Harvey was a pro, plain and simple. The best. His example of professionalism is an example of refinement. Educated for practicality. In other words, knowledge you can use.
Seven- Paul Harvey was a master storyteller. His beginnings, middles and endings kept the listeners on the edge of their seats with curiosity, in the grip of drama and in the wonder of awe . His voice carried the story with such transparency that he disappeared and the story took over.
Eight- He always gave more than expected and in honor of that principle, I give one extra lesson-
He was creative. One classic newscast was nothing but laughter. He got tickled, could not regain his composure and laughed the entire newscast, right up to his signature closing… Paul Harvey… good day.
Thank you Mr. Harvey, for the memories. Thank you for the laughs, the sharing, and the lessons.
God speed Paul Harvey.
–by Kyle Whitford
