Charlotte SEO | 7 Lessons Any Communicator Can Learn From Paul Harvey

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 listener 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.

One Response to “7 Lessons Any Communicator Can Learn From Paul Harvey”

1. Leela on December 7th, 2009 10:25 pm

   Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. Paul Harvey was such an important part of my youth. He created a space of quiet in my childhood home. Chaotic car rides fell silent when his voice began to vibrate attention demanding, softly shared, slices of life.

   I wept and laughed, with you and countless others, as we listened to Mr. Harvey carefully share the sacred telling of intimate details of the lives of fascinating people.

   My father and I never argued during The Paul Harvey Show, and we often bonded over the revelation of “The Rest of The Story.” I was so fond of the kind voice coming through the speakers. He was a safe, gentle grandpa, who showed up regularly in my life. I could not say the same of my related grandfathers.

   His stories sound much shorter listening through my adult ears as they did when I was a child, and sat eagerly awaiting the climactic revelation which served as his sign off each night.

   Now in my life as a broadcaster, I’d like to do something that would make him proud of me. Create a show that speaks my heart and allows space for people to feel in a safe way, like he did for me.

   Thank you for reminding me of his brilliance again today.
   He made our world a better place with the essence of his being. Something any of us would be blessed to accomplish.

   God Bless Paul Harvey, and God Bless you Kyle for being an AMAZING teacher.

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