Speech of the Month, September 2024 - Sara Cox

September doesn’t only bring Back to School, it also heralds the return of the After School activities, which see me driving the daughter to netball, ballet, maths club, drama etc. I don’t mind this as it means I can read a novel or tune into a pod while she’s doing her thing. 

On the way to and from netball etc, the little lady insists on listening to Sara Cox’s Drive Time show on Radion 2. She loves it and she loves Sara. So much so that on one trip she came out with, “Mum, you know what would be great ... … if you and Sara got married.” Mmhh. 

I suspect some of you are thinking, ‘Emma, your nine-year-old loves Sara Cox. Doesn’t that speak volumes about the quality of her show?’ And if you are, I think you’re being sniffy. I, myself, find Coxy a fab listen, eminently better than any of her Radio 2 peers, and here’s why…

Hiya babes, how are ya?

Her opening greeting is personal. She gives the impression that she is speaking to you directly. I remember one broadcaster say that this was a tip Terry Wogan gave him, so it’s always ‘How are you?’ rather than ‘I hope you’re all doing well?’ The second question alerts the listener to the fact that the presenter is aware that they have more than one listener – and in Coxy’s case she has millions – while the first ‘How are you?’ addresses just one person while simultaneously speaking to millions. And humans prefer the personal touch. 

This tip can be used when addressing audiences face to face. Yes, the individual knows that you have an audience that is larger than them, but if you favour ‘you’ singular rather than ‘you’ plural, individuals are more likely to feel a personal connection to you. 

Energy, energy, energy!

Coxy’s show often feels like an uncensored, spontaneous romp. And the energy and mischief she brings, makes the romp more of a caper. 

Of course her energy isn’t at the level we hear it for the entirety of her show. While records are playing and news and travel reports are being, well, reported, Sara is conserving her energy. But when she's 'on', she gives it her all. This is something that actors and broadcast journalists are taught to do. And this is something you too need to do when giving a presentation or making points during a meeting. Remember, you’re not going to speak for a straight 40 mins, but for each section or point, give it your all. Be alert. Get your face involved. Make an effort to get your mouth around your words. Smile!

The prepared intro

Despite her show being a loose romp for the most part, Coxy will often deliver an intro that’s unashamedly scripted and read. I don’t mind this. In fact, I like that she’s making an effort. 

I know Cox is a lover of words (When my daughter saw her presenting Between the Covers and realised that the voice she loves on the radio belonged to the glam, leggy blonde who was talking on the telly, she cried, “Wow, Mum, Sara doesn’t look how she sounds!”) so anyway she - Sara - is using that love of lingo to spice up the day job.

What are your loves? Is there a way you can weave them into presentations? It might just be that your hobby will furnish you with a great analogy. Geoffrey Howe’s resignation speech wouldn’t be remembered if he hadn’t been a cricket enthusiast. 

She shares – but not too much

From her pets to her problematic fringe to her love of salty snacks, Coxy is happy to share, however, she doesn’t over-share. Unlike several other Radio 2 presenters, her show isn’t all about her. Rather, she encourages interaction and always makes members of the public appear fascinating when they call in. This really is a skill! 

And she’s not boastful. She never feels the need to read out complimentary messages about herself. This is a far cry from Steve ‘Lovin’ the Show’ Wright. I know I shouldn’t speak ill of the dead, but I couldn’t bear the self-congratulatory shout outs he felt compelled to do.