Meditations from a Talent Coach on “The Noise”
— And What to Do About It
What should we be saying on air?
Gary Morland, a Finney Media Talent Coach passes along thoughts for our noisy times. Visit GARY’S page to learn more about him. And, visit our TALENT COACHES page for more.
Election season can be hard when you have strong opinions and the only thing you feel like you can do is keep them to yourself. It can be a challenge when your job is to talk and you have a microphone in front of your face. Right?
But, it helps me to remember that all the opinions of other people haven’t changed me. And, mine won’t change anyone either. No one needs my big opinion on the issues of the day.
But, we all need a helpful perspective on the issues of the day. And, that perspective is built right into the Christian format we all love.
That perspective tells me some simple, uncomplicated things:
“No grumbling or arguing.”
“Don’t quarrel about words – it only ruins the hearers.”
“Have nothing to do with foolish ignorant controversies – they only breed quarrels.”
I don’t want people to feel any strong political opinion from me. They don’t need to feel frustration from me either. There’s already a lot of contentiousness these days. Can I counter that atmosphere with something different?
Can I be an example of not being a victim of strident arguments? Can I show a calm confidence that comes from a different place?
I can if I focus on that place for myself and really believe it. I can think of myself on the radio as being a citizen of somewhere else, living by the standards of that other place, as a temporary resident in this place.
Our attitude can be faithful to that other thing we’re a citizen of—the Kingdom of God. I’m not here to change the place of my temporary residence, but to affect the people here with the values of my permanent residence.
We can do what a great wise man did long ago.
He took his wisdom, looked around at the issues and people and contentiousness of his day, and then wrote down his simple observations.
In a way, he did show prep for us. It’s Proverbs and it’s filled with everyday perspectives of that other permanent place we belong to. We can do what he did and look around, pay attention, then tie in his words with scenes we see these days:
“Hatred stirs up strife – but love covers over all offenses.”
“It’s an honor to keep aloof from strife – but every fool will be quarreling.”
“Correct a scoffer and he’ll abuse you – correct a wise person and he’ll love you.”
“Whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
We don’t even need to include chapter and verse, or even necessarily say it’s the Bible. God says the words have power on their own.
A calm confidence and occasional wise words can lead to what we all really want, described by another wise man a few years ago:
“If what you say has value, it will last longer than you will.” – Vance Havner.
Visit our TALENT COACHING page to learn more about how we can help you reach your listeners and make true heart connection.
