By Lauren Fusco, Account Executive
During the month of November I traveled a lot.
A total of six plane rides, equaling to 13 hours in-flight. If you were to add up the famous “safety talk” that the flight attendants gave, it would be equal to 30 minutes.
I understand that it is important to know where the closest emergency exit is, how to properly put on your oxygen mask and how to inflate your life vest, but who is really listening to this information?
Because I consider myself “flying pro” for the month, I will go out on a limb by saying this. No one wants to listen to what you have to say if you are monotone and boring. Even if the information is detrimental to your survival.
One’s tone and delivery can determine how effective your message is.
My prime example is my plane ride from San Francisco to Sacramento, which took place at 7:15 a.m.
The 20-seater plane was ancient. When the pilot started the engine, I wasn’t sure if it stalled or if it was working properly.
As the flight attendant began her spiel I was exhausted, yet ready to hear her out and give her a chance. I was surprised to hear an awkward, mumbled tone come out of her mouth. Instead of being completely turned off, I was baffled and continued to listen.
At this point I wasn’t tuning into the safety tips, I was comparing the feeling of being on a rollercoaster to the sound of her voice.
Long story short, her spiel failed.
One week later I found myself on a plane to Los Angeles. Ready to tune out and let the air-pressured cabins put me to sleep.
I heard, “If you don’t like our service you can exit at any time from any exit nearest you.” This wasn’t your typical flight attendant talk. This was humorous and enjoyable.
The chipper-toned flight attendant added in a couple of wisecracks and gained the attention of her audience.
I will gladly admit that for the first time I listened to the entire flight attendant lecture and it was wonderful.
From this experience I learned that no matter what your occupation is, your delivery and tone plays a big role in the effectiveness of your message!
Note: Not all flight attendants deliver boring safety spiels. Visit 7 Secret Flight Attendant Tricks for some real-life entertaining stories that take place above the clouds!
I love this! I travel a lot and I agree, nothing is as miserable as hearing the same old speech flight after flight. I feel like I could give a better one by memory at this point! Really creative post!
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