Secrets to Speaking Like a Pro on Camera with Michael L Roberts

Do you want to sound confident, persuasive, and watchable on camera? In this episode, Luke sits down with Michael L. Roberts - the vocal & performance coach behind projects including Rocketman, Belfast, Better Man, House of the Dragon, and more - to break down how pros prepare, speak, and deliver under pressure. What you’ll learn: • The difference between playing a character and being authentic on camera - and why the latter is harder (but worth it). • Learn to speak in your audience's language, and how Michael landed Rocketman by demonstrating ideas visually for director Dexter Fletcher.• How “Practice makes permanent.” Build your material so you can improvise without panic - no new ingredients on show day. • Ethos • Logos • Pathos. The 3 appeals of persuasion can be a powerful framework to make your message land - earned credibility, clear reasoning, and emotion that moves people. •A 60-second vocal warm-up to boost clarity, range, and energy before you hit record.•Script writing the audience’s outcome, not your bio - structure around conflict → resolution to keep viewers watching. •Behind the scenes insights into how Michael prepped Taron Egerton vocally and at the piano for Rocketman, and coached Matt Smith (yes, in Valyrian!) on House of the Dragon. C-Suite coaching & business takeaways. Michael also coaches CEOs and senior leaders on voice, persuasive identity, and message design. If you run a business: • Serve, don’t show - Make the message about the audience’s action and outcome. • Balance the three appeals and fix your weakest link among ethos, logos, pathos. • Speak in the medium your listeners think in - visuals, numbers, next steps. • Over-prepare to improvise - Stress-test talking points and stick to tools you’ve rehearsed. • Use breath and stillness; then vary pitch and pace for emphasis - create authority without the “performer mask.” Try this before you record (quick warm-up) 1) Sit tall, shoulders relaxed. 2) Read a single line out loud three times - neutral, slightly higher, slightly lower - changing only pitch on the breath, not your posture. 3) Keep the face calm; let the air do the work. You’ll sound steadier and more expressive in minutes. 4) Try the vocal warm-up with the poem written by Michael's father About Michael L. RobertsVocal & performance coach, musician, screenwriter, and advisor to film productions and C-suite leaders. Credits include Rocketman, Belfast, Better Man, and House of the Dragon.