audience

Lessons from The Crown: When You Shouldn’t Listen to People Around You

Picture courtesy of Netflix 

You must do anything you can to find out how you look and sound to your audience. NOT how people around you say you look and sound. Here is an example as shown in The Crown on Netflix.


I’ve been watching The Crown.
Have you seen any of the series? It’s on Netflix and follows Queen Elizabeth’s rise and rule.

In season 2, episode 5, Queen Elizabeth is criticized by a lord who’s the editor of a newspaper. He points out that her recent speech was tone-deaf.

The monarchy was stuck in the past.

The speech was not written by the queen, but by a bunch of old men who were not in touch with their audience.

Eventually, the queen reluctantly listens to the lord’s feedback.
It’s painful for her. She’s not used to this kind of help.

In the end, his notes made it easier for her to guide the monarchy in relating more to its audience (the people).

It was difficult for her to sit there and listen to the criticism, but she did.

She had to swallow her pride and for a moment, not take the counsel of the people surrounding her.

This is difficult for many leaders. But it’s key to building a business.

You must do anything you can to find out how you look and sound to your audience.
NOT how people around you say you look and sound.

It’s critical to take that information and see if you can alter your presence and image to reach more people, and keep your current audience.

In the Queen’s case, the advice originated from criticism written in newspaper articles.

She could have prevented that in the first place by listening to more forward-thinking advisors.

Sometimes your staff — the people you trust the most — are too afraid to tell you what you need to hear.

It’s not that they don’t care. It’s hard to tell your boss they’re boring, not transparent enough, has an outdated look, doesn’t do a great job on stage… and whatever else you should be hearing.

Many times, it takes an outside voice to break through and convince you of the tweaks that will help you become a more effective leader.

I would have loved to have been there to help guide Elizabeth II. Of course, I’m honored to help all my clients. Here’s a little more on why public speaking is the most important skill you need.


Kathryn Janicek | Media Coach, Producer, Public Speaking Trainer
Kathryn Janicek is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with 20 years of experience working in newsrooms across the country. Kathryn coached talent, producers, and writers before switching her focus on helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Now, based in her home city of Chicago, she is a much sought-after media coach and public speaking trainer who will help you produce the best YOU. Click HERE now to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Kathryn!

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Knowing your audience when speaking in public

We experienced a family medical emergency a few weeks ago and had to spend time in a hospital.

You pay close attention to the mannerisms and language of doctors when it’s important. You want to know what they’re really saying when they’re talking.

It was mostly good… the normal, “I’m sorry we’re meeting in this situation” and “I’m sorry to be meeting you today…”

They’re normally so careful in what they say.

One doctor was different.

Before he popped in a BIG needle – he turned away from me and asked his team of two younger female doctors, “Do you play darts?”

They answered, “No.”

While I was thinking how odd of a question that was for two young women who probably had no time for bars during med school and residency… he said:

“That’s what this is like.”

Then:

He stabbed.

Not the communication I was looking for at that moment.

Not something that made me feel better.

Are you miscommunicating, confusing or causing unneeded fear in those you think is your audience?

Do you even know who your audience is when it comes to your messages online or in person?

Have you defined your best audience?

The audience that will bring you more business, growth and $$$$$$?

Click here and we’ll talk. 

It’s important to know how you sound and what you look like to your audience whether you’re live on TV, speaking to a small workgroup, interviewing for a new job or addressing a large live audience.

This doctor thought his audience was made up of the other two doctors.

But the patient was his real audience.

Imagine if you heard those words before someone stuck you with a needle.

Imagine the confusion in the message.

Do you have your own language barriers in your industry?

Is your audience getting lost in lingo, jargon on your website, in your marketing – or in how you communicate in person?

I’ll show you how to make sure your message:

  • sticks with your audience
  • attracts new clients
  • brings you new opportunities
  • and helps you move up in your career.

I’m here to help you.