EPISODE 144: ARE YOU A GENERATOR OR A REACTOR? (PUBLIC SPEAKING PERSONALITY TYPES)

Are you a generator or a reactor? In this episode I talk about the personality you take on when you speak in public. You likely fall into one of two broad categories: generators and reactors.

Thank you for listening to episode 144 of The Pharmacist’s Voice ® Podcast!

For the full show notes, visit https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com/podcast/.

Many of the ideas in this episode were inspired by Valerie Geller’s book Beyond Powerful Radio: A Communicator’s Guide to the Internet Age chapter two, which is titled, “Are you a Generator or a Reactor?”

Generators are bursting with ideas that come from within, but they can work either alone or with others.

Some statements that describe a generator:

“A generator is undaunted by a blank page.”

“Has a strong, independent imagination”

“Can easily work alone or as part of a team.”

“Has a lot of ideas and energy.”

“Can sit in a room alone, and their mind overflows with ideas.”

Who are some “Generators” in the world of pharmacy podcasts? In my humble opinion, two pharmacist podcasters who come mind: Dr. Adam Martin (host of The Fit Pharmacist Podcast) and Dr. Erin L. Albert (host of The Edutainer Podcast).

Reactors are also creative individuals. A reactor “reacts” to something as the source of their material.

Some statements that describe reactors:

“A reactor faces a blank page with terror.”

“A reactor can be very funny or comment thoughtfully when paired with a generator.” I like to think of this in improv terms. A reactor can, “Yes, and” very well.

Reactors “react” well in an interview situation when guests generate for them.”

Being a reactor or a generator is like being right or left handed. One isn’t better than the other, however, most people are reactors. True generators are rare. If needed, a right-handed person can learn to use their left hand, and a left-handed person can learn to use their right hand. Could you adapt to be a generator or a reactor if the occasion called for it? I bet you could! This could apply to any type of public speaking, like leading a session at a conference, working in a group, being a podcast guest, or hosting a podcast. Lots of situations.

During this episode, I discuss:

What would happen if you put a reactor in the role of a generator?

What would happen if you put a generator in the role of a reactor?

What would happen if you put two reactors together?

What would happen if you put two generators together?

Are you a generator or reactor looking to start a podcast?

Why are you starting a podcast?
Who is it for?
What do you want listeners to do with the information?

In podcasting, knowing some of the common pitfalls, like putting two generators or two reactors together can help.

Prepare
Ask good questions.
Interrupt and redirect when necessary.
And remember to deliver the content that your audience wants to hear.

On my journey from pharmacist to voice actor and podcast host, I have learned that I need something to react to in order to create podcast episodes. Identifying and developing your strengths will serve you well in your public-speaking roles. Embrace your personality (whichever one it is), do your best with the strengths you have, and challenge yourself to grow. Generate for other reactors; challenge generators to react for you; and be the best generator or reactor you can be.

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Links from this episode

Beyond Powerful Radio by Valerie Geller

Dr. Adam Martin LinkedIn Profile

The Fit Pharmacist Podcast link

Erin L. Albert LinkedIn Profile

The Edutainer Podcast link

🖥Check out Kim’s websites, and connect with her on social media!