How to Master Your On Air Responses

When someone challenges you on the air to prove your point, why do you react the way you do?

You’re in a position where you don’t want to sound unintelligent in your response. Your mind starts spiraling. You stumble on your opening. Then you start rambling, gambling with sentences that have little to do with the topic. Your palms get sweaty. You feel that intense need to prove yourself — but you’re drowning.

Remember this: what you don’t own, owns you.

Maybe the reason you can’t clearly defend your position is because your belief system isn’t anchored in what you said. This is what happens when you speak on things you have no real connection to. You’re detached from your own words — and now someone’s called you on it.

Be a Student of Your Own Mind

Get in the habit of studying how you think and why you think that way.
Speak boldly, and never betray yourself when you speak. Only say what you mean and can defend.
Speak with clarity, and stay within the boundaries of what you can clearly articulate.

These are some of the ingredients for mastering every response that leaves your lips.

Own Every Word

Your responses shouldn’t come from someone else’s mind — they should come from your own.
If your words are born from your own thoughts, you can never be caught off guard.

Take ownership of what you say. Live and die by your words — and know exactly why you said them.

Let People Hear the Real You

Sometimes we’re afraid to let people know what we really think. But every day, you’re forming opinions about people, places, and things — that’s natural.
Your audience wants to hear your take, your truth, your perspective.

Don’t let fear trap you. Don’t hide. Don't stumble over your words, just say it. When you don't speak your truth, people will embarrass you on your own show. So on your show or as a guest, say what you mean with clarity. Start eliminating the practice of trying to search for the perfect words to say, just say what you mean.
That’s why you’re on the air in the first place — to give voice to what others only think. Say what you think the first time. No more beating around the bush.