Be a Gong Show Presenter: 3.5 Speaking Lessons from Chuck Barris

This week marked the passing of a legend who changed an industry: Chuck Barris. A television producer who is most known for The Gong Show, his biography on paper doesnt do the man justice. He was one of the first adapters to the teleprompter, he created many game shows that have lived on for decades and he even claimed to be a CIA assassin (made famous in the movie Confessions of a Dangerous Mind). But getting lost in remembrances of his talent for zany show ideas, is his incredible and unique skill as a host. When I coach speakers and presentations, I reference him regularly. He had a delivery that was anything but traditional, and yet we couldnt look away. Here are three-and-a-half speaking lessons we can learn from Mr. Barris:

1. Do you. Barris was nothing, if not authentic. He brought his personality to every show he ever hosted. He couldnt keep his hands still and rarely kept his train of thought things that any Toastmasters class would tell you are faux pas. But most people in an audience arent counting your ums and ahs: They want your personality to come out. And even with all the on-set wackiness, Barris personality was always the star of the show.

2. Capture the crazy. There was seemingly nothing that was out-of-bounds on The Gong Show. And while you may not have someone in your office with moves like Gene, Gene, the Dancing Machine (Google that, if you dont know who that is), think about ways you can connect goofy concepts to your buttoned-up presentations.

3. Stay in the moment. The Gong Show was constantly changing directions, going from a horrible lounge singer to a belly dancer to someone who could play the flute with their nose. And through all of that, Barris always went with the flow of whatever the show brought his way. So when youre presenting, connect to things that spontaneously happen in your audience. At my last speaking gig, a woman made an audible swooning sound when I showed a picture of Harrison Ford. My reaction was jump off stage and several rows into the audience where she was sitting and give her a big hug. It was a simple little gesture, but the audience applauded because it was connected to the moment. Rehearse to get prepared, but know that you can always adjust on the fly.

And three-and-a-half: Bring the fun. I challenge anyone to find a clip of The Gong Show where Barris is not having a good time. This is something anyone can do. Open your presentation with a cheesy (but family friendly) knock-knock joke, throw candy at your audience or wear a fake mustache. Your workplace content might be boring, but the presenter doesnt have to be, so I challenge you to make your presentation a little more gong-y.

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