When a listener tunes in, do they feel personally connected to what’s happening, or do they feel like they just walked into a room where everyone already knows each other? You want to sound personal, but avoid being internal or inside. In other words, you want them to gravitate toward your personality while also wanting the audience to feel seen.
Performing with the conscience of the listener is tricky. There is a thin but critical line between a show that feels personal and one that feels self-absorbed. Many shows cross that line without realizing it. The intent is usually good, “If we’re entertaining enough, the audience will want to eavesdrop.” Sometimes that works. More often, it doesn’t.
