I’m not going to mention him by name, but you know this famous anchorman. As I was winding my way thru the local news circuit, I’d hear one story about him over and over.

During a media gaggle years ago, he allegedly took a piece of gum out of his mouth and handed it, wet and slimy, to the unlucky reporter behind him saying, “Keep this! One day it’ll be worth something.”

About the only worthwhile takeaway is pretty obvious; TV reporters and anchors can really let their egos run away from them.

During my 23 years in broadcast news, both as a behind-the-scenes producer and network on-air correspondent I saw more preening, pontificating and pretense than I’m comfortable admitting.

Good looks and a strong sense of self, whether genuine or feigned, has never hurt an on-air personality.

But, in the end, there’s really just one trait which separates the best from the rest.

It’s so simple, yet so overlooked, that you might think it’s silly – but it’s not.

And, I’ll give you an example of what I’m talking about.

Two weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates about her upcoming movie.

I wasn’t sure what to expect.

            I was preparing for the possibility of getting a piece of her used gum.

            Her handlers wanted her lit a certain way at a particular time with a specific chair and chosen questions.

            My crew was ready. I knew what I needed to ask.

            And, then bam – everything changed in an instant.

            Kathy walked in, kind as could be, and made a short comment in passing.

            Years of reporting experience kicked in.

            And, I fell back on that one skill a mentor of mine had taught me years earlier.

            I listened.

            I really listened.

            The room became quiet. The lights seem to dim. The handlers faded away.

            It was just Kathy and me.

            The legendary actress had something much bigger than a movie on her mind.

            So, I relied on what I like to call a “Larry King question” – short, sweet, simple and to the point – and I asked, “What’s wrong?”

            Kathy made really strong eye contact and began to explain her battle with two different forms of cancer.

            I listened to her speak about both the physical and emotional pain that resulted from this dreaded disease. I knew she had more to say. So, I got out of my own way.

            After nearly six minutes, an eternity for an on-camera interview, I learned that Kathy had subsequently suffered from Lymphedema – a potentially fatal and very uncomfortable swelling of her legs and arms.

            She became the national spokesperson for the leading Lymphdema non-profit and even testified before Congress on Capitol Hill.

            I’m so glad I didn’t allow myself to be locked into her handler’s questions or their intimidating presence.

            I took that necessary breath.

            I paused.

            And, most importantly, I listened.

            The actress barrier fell by the wayside as Kathy morphed into an intensely human and honest person with an incredibly heartfelt story.

            So, listen up. It will pay off in ways you’d never expect.