When I was in college, I worked for a summer as DJ at a country radio station. I remember trying to sound like one of the seasoned radio DJ’s. He seemed to have a perfect voice for radio (though he always told me that I had the perfect face for radio). He was a natural. Though I really hated the twangy country music of that time, I LOVED using my voice even though I didn’t feel like I was a natural. It never occurred to me then that I would someday use my voice as a professional speaker.
I love it when I see someone who is a natural whether their talent is in sports, music, entertainment or voice. It’s even better when those “naturals” are discovered or rediscovered in unexpected places. Ted Williams is a former voice-over artist who until recently was homeless. Though he two years drug free, he was once addicted to drugs and alcohol. He was recently discovered by The Columbus Dispatch in Columbus, Ohio as he showed signs to drivers asking for help. His handwritten signs displayed a message to drivers that read, “I have a God given gift of voice. I’m an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times. Please, any help will be gratefully appreciated.”
His street auditions led Ted to the viral title of The homeless man with the radio voice. He’s become a YouTube hit and has been reportedly offered a job a voice over for the Cleveland Cavs. (who needs LeBron James when you have Ted Williams). Williams said “the voice became something of a development over years and I went to school for it. Then alcohol and drugs and a few other things became a part of my life. I got two years clean and I’m trying hard to get it back.”
Williams became interested in radio started at age 14. He met an announcer who told him that radio was ‘theatre of the mind.’ A love affair was born. The love affair came full circle when Ted, the homeless man with the golden voice, took a risk, put aside his pride, and starting promoting his natural talent in the most unlikely of places.
Watch for Ted Williams, the man with the golden voice, January 6th “On Air with Ryan Seacrest”. Ted Williams story was “The Today Show,” and he’ll appear again tomorrow.
Inspirational Speaker Tim Richardson is a full-time professional speaker and author. Tim writes and speaks about how to build community with customers, with co-workers, and in the community where you live. His programs focus on how to increase employee morale, lower employee turnover, increase customer loyalty and build a better sense of healthy community in cities, states, and countries all over the world. He is a community builder by volunteering in scouting, youth sports, and as a board member in several organizations including president and founder of the Bill Walter Melanoma Research Fund. For more information on Tim, go to www.TimRichardson.com
