Larry King

Becoming a Master Communicator — Despite Fear

Growing up, the radio was Larry’s life. He loved listening to the different voices of the broadcasters, and he was very attuned to voices by the time he was 16 years old. Still, the first time he had the chance to speak on the air, he was terrified. 

“I was nervous as hell. My name was Larry Zeiger, [and] I had wanted to be in broadcasting all my life. I’m in Miami, living with my uncle, and I get a job at a small radio station. … And they hire me, and they say, ‘You’re going to be a disc jockey — play music.’ And I’m starting on a Monday, and the whole weekend I can’t sleep. I’m up, and I’m planning my records, what I’m going to play, [and] what I’m going to say. … I didn’t sleep all … weekend.” – Larry King

For many people, public speaking and communication are huge fears. All attention is suddenly on you, and in these moments, it’s easy to get flustered. Even though Larry had wanted to be on the radio for as long as he could remember, he couldn’t stop thinking about the possibility of messing up. But rather than letting that fear keep him from his dream, he conquered it and is now teaching people how to do the same. 

“[I offer] ten different courses, all based on my book — How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere. … So I try to help people through this course learn how to communicate because the biggest fear people have is public speaking. That’s bigger than any challenge.” – Larry King

Do you struggle with this fear? If so, know that you aren’t alone. But in order to move past this fear, you have to face it, not avoid it. And that’s just what Larry did — even when everything went wrong.

“I still remember it — a hot day in Miami Records. … [I] turn the mic on. Nothing comes out. I bring the music back up [and] bring the music back down. … And I’m saying to myself, ‘All my life, I wanted this, and I’m scared. I can’t do it. I’m too nervous.’ So the whole thing is blown. And Marshall Simmons, [my boss], kicked open the door … to the control room. And he said, ‘This is a communications business, goddammit — communicate!’ I turned the record down, put the mic on, and I can almost remember it verbatim — ‘Good morning. My name is Larry King.'” – Larry King 

Everything that could go wrong, went wrong — the music wasn’t working, he was too terrified to speak, and his boss came in shouting at him. At that moment, Larry had to make a decision. Was he going to let the pressure get to him? Or was he going to rise to the challenge and confidently pursue his dream? He chose the latter, and you can too.

“There is no secret, [other than,] ‘Be yourself.’ If your self is going to work, it’s going to work. You can’t grab the microphone or the camera and make them like you. I can’t make someone listening to us now continue to listen. So all I can [do] is directly answer what you ask, try to be conversational, and hope that works.” – Larry King

If you want to become an expert communicator, you have to be yourself. Don’t try to be someone else — just speak from your heart. People are drawn to authenticity, so next time you have a conversation, just be you. 

One of Larry King’s Most Fascinating and Inspiring Interviews of All Time

Larry King has interviewed U.S. Presidents, top celebrities, and incredible athletes, but one of his favorite interviews was with a New York City cop. 

“I’m in New York doing my television show, … and someone recommends [that I] interview this New York City cop … [who] is in the public relations area. He doesn’t walk a beat. He goes around and talks to schools and groups. … And he comes in with a beautiful wife and a little son, except he’s paralyzed from the neck down.” – Larry King 

This policeman can no longer walk, hug his wife, or play with his son — all because of an accident that happened years ago. He was on duty in Central Park due to an increased number of bike robberies in the area. 

“He’s in the squad car, driving through the park, and [he] see[s] a Black kid with a brand new Schwinn [bike]. They pull over, [and] the driver stays in the car. He gets out to approach the kid, … and the kid shoots him. He remembers the puff of smoke going up, … [and] the ambulance comes to give him last rites in the car.” – Larry King 

Despite all odds, the policeman survived; however, he was paralyzed from the neck down. His son was just one month old at the time. After leaving the hospital, the policeman decided to visit the teenager to ask him why he shot him.

“The kid said, ‘I’m a student. My brother was a bad kid. And he left town to go to Philadelphia. And he said [to] hold [his] gun. I was just holding it. I didn’t even know how to shoot a gun. … I saved money delivering groceries for five years to get my Schwinn bike. … And you were the 12th cop to stop me that day.’ So he says, ‘Can I ask you a question? Would you have stopped me if I were White?'” – Larry King

The cop was humbled by his question and admitted that he wouldn’t have stopped him if he were White. Due to repeated offenses of racial prejudice from cops in the area, the kid lashed out in anger. He had worked hard and saved his money to buy that bike, and there was a cop assuming that he had stolen it. Here’s the most incredible part of the story, though:

“The cop [got] the kid paroled, … and that kid became a cop.” – Larry King

That story gave me chills. By visiting the kid who shot him, the policeman was able to put himself into the other person’s shoes and realize the weight of his racial prejudice. At the same time, the kid could see the debilitating effect his actions had on the policeman. It’s an incredible story of loss and redemption, and I was so grateful that Larry shared it with us. 

Why You Should Listen to This Larry King Podcast Episode Right Now…

Guys, I cannot stress this enough — this interview with Larry King was absolutely incredible and life-changing for me. He’s one of the greatest interviewers in the world, and I had the honor of interviewing him myself. He knows how to ask the right questions, and through his curiosity, he seeks truth like no other person I’ve met before. 

Before I wrap up this article, I want to share Larry King’s definition of greatness: 

“I think greatness is to, in your chosen profession, exceed at being the best you can be. So you can be a great delivery man for a milk company. You never miss your rounds. The milk is always there.” – Larry King

Larry King is certainly great at what he does, and I hope to follow in his footsteps. If you want to hear more from Larry King, be sure to tune into Larry King Now. You can also read his books or enroll in his courses to become a better communicator. Lastly, don’t forget to listen to the full episode to learn more from Larry King about his incredible legacy. 

If you enjoyed this interview, let us know on Instagram! You can tag Larry King, @larrykingnow, and me, @lewishowes, and let us know what your greatest takeaways were! We’d love to hear how this interview inspired you. 

Now, friends — you know what time it is. Go out there and do something great today!

To Greatness,

On January 23, 2021, Larry King passed away due to complications from COVID-19. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on for several years to come. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have interviewed him — he was truly a great man.