Are you a podcaster striving to connect with your audience on a deeper level?  Or perhaps you're trying to figure out how to create a unique experience in your performance. You might be wondering how to create an authentic persona that truly resonates.

Contrary to popular belief, being real doesn't necessarily mean being interesting. So, here's some surprising advice: don't focus on being real. Instead, shift your gears towards authenticity.

Many podcasters think they can (or should) simply turn on the microphone and start talking. Every performer should strive for authenticity, but that's quite different from simply being a literal version of your personal life.

The first step in captivating your audience is crafting a unique character brand that is true to your personality in a genuine way. However, it doesn't mean revealing everything.

For instance, when I worked with Melissa Etheridge, she explained the difference between her public and private lives. She said: 

"I always speak the truth in a way that is consistent with who I am. But it's not an exact, literal version of the real me. I show the audience a part of me. Nobody is interested in everything."

Authenticity doesn't always mean sticking to the facts. Part of the art of performance (for radio personalities or podcaster training) is storytelling, which often involves the Three E's of Entertainment: Exaggeration, Embellishment, and Enhancement.

As Mark Twain famously said, "Never let facts get in the way of a good story." 

It isn't about reporting events; it's about transforming topics into stories that only you can tell. Here are some ways to apply that concept: 

• Add colorful details to stories to make them more entertaining. Exaggerate details that increase interest.
   
• Adapt stories to make them personal. Maybe an event happened to a friend or relative, and it would make a great story. It would be more relatable if it happened to you or a co-host. Borrow (or steal) content that fits your character's brand.
   
• Learn to tell stories in first-person, even if the story is about someone else. The goal is to hijack attention and place the focus on your character's brand without coming off as arrogant, self-absorbed, or egotistical. 

As you continue to grow and evolve as a podcaster or radio personality, make it a priority to refine and develop your podcast persona. Utilize reality hooks, personalize stories, collaborate with others, and embrace your authenticity to create a memorable connection to your audience.

By prioritizing authenticity over the pressure to be "real", you'll be more entertaining and the audience will get to know you for your character traits more quickly. 

Remember, it's not about trying to be someone you're not or sharing every detail of your life. It's about connecting with listeners on a deeper level by being true to yourself and delivering content that speaks to their experiences and emotions.

Let go of the pressure to be "real" and focus on being authentic. Your journey will be all the more rewarding for it.

I can help you find your voice and identify traits that can make your character brand more successful with my self-guided 5-Star Character Brand course.