Hello! I am your Captain speaking!

Aviation and lifestyle 3 Minutes

Recently, I was asked to speak on a worldwide forum featuring women in various roles. During my introductory meeting with them, Gratitude and Re-Focus turned out to be the focal points. Hence, it was decided as our topic for the interview. We felt it was worth sharing this perspective, especially in these COVID times. The interaction received an overwhelming response.

In the post interview de-brief with the team, I was asked about my previous experience as a presenter/public speaker. What is the best advice I have received and how do I connect with an audience? I have conducted a few workshops and presentations but the one thing that came to mind was my announcements in the aircraft. I told them that my tools of humor, honesty and timing were all cultivated by that experience. I had not realized until now, how much impact those Passenger Addresses had on me. It shaped my confidence and ability for public speaking. These PAs taught me more about audience interaction than any course ever could.

You are probably wondering what is the big deal about in-flight announcements? I consider it as the Captain’s only direct communication and interaction with the travelers. During my personal travels and as a co-pilot, I encountered all kinds of PAs. Some too long, some too short, some ill-timed and sometimes… none at all. I bet most of you can identify with these :). I was asked to make the PA a few times as “practice” and on other times as “delegation”. I used to imagine what I would say to my passengers, how I could catch their attention and make it interesting for them. 😊

COVID humor!

What would I like to hear my Captain say? That was a good premise to start with. I most enjoyed listening to funny bits from the cockpit and noticed that it rarely happened. In my experience Humor relaxes everyone instantly. I use it a lot and it comes naturally to me. It invariably gets a great response. Even if just a few passengers listen, understand and it makes them smile, my job is done!

Another mantra, I learnt from one of my favorite Captains was to always be honest with your passengers. Honesty is underrated. By respecting the passenger’s intellect and capacity to understand the situation, I get them to see my perspective. It has always worked even in the worst of situations. One time, my co-pilot made a (much) harder touchdown than usual. He was ready to jump out of the window and hide. After I told him to relax and checked with the crew for their safety at the back, I made a PA to acknowledge the hard landing. I was the Captain and ultimately responsible. I explained how, even though it was not pretty, it was acceptable in technical terms as a ‘positive’ touchdown. I said “We try to make a smooth landing every single time! Many times we succeed but sometimes, we don’t. We will do better next time!” The passengers’ and the crews’ reaction is what reassured me that showing your vulnerable side can, in fact, be rewarding. They thanked us for our candor and wished us well as they left the aircraft. I was told there was some clapping too! 👏 Hard to imagine! (I never mentioned the co-pilot to anyone and gave him the next landing to resurrect himself 😊)

Lastly, I learnt to make the audience the focus. I always want to make their journey a memorable experience and do it with a big smile on my face, which transmits even through the microphone!😊 I realize that the ease with which a Captain speaks, the voice itself, has the ability to put a nervous flyer at ease, get a child excited and make an elder feel safe. The passenger is the Guest, the most important person in the aircraft and the Captain can make him/her feel that! A Captain was once kind to me as a child and look at where it led me!

I am grateful for every life that has touched me and humbled by every life I have touched. Attaching the link to the interview, in case it interests anyone. For the announcement, you will have to fly with me!! 🛫✈💺🛬 ;)))

Until next time…Over and out! @thethinkingcaptain

https://www.pangalogroup.com/fika-experience-s02

Published by Geetanjali Khadria

A passionate aviator for over two decades, I have had the privilege to travel, see and experience the world and it's people in all forms and situation. This exposure has helped shape my world view in a unique way. The deep desire to explore oneself has been the highlight of recent years. New challenges seem more challenging and more rewarding too. I want to share slices of life. My taste buds like sweet and sour, bitter and sweet, hot and tangy. Just like life itself!

Published

47 thoughts on “Hello! I am your Captain speaking!”

  1. Kudos Captain Geetanjali !!!
    PA is the only channel which connects with your real mission; to connect people to their destinations. Unlike in other surface transport, this PA system is only available on aircrafts. You are putting it to maximum use. Hope other aviators follow suit. Keep it going.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. First off, congratulations on being invited to speak on a worldwide forum. It sure takes a lot to get there!
    And, I love your pointers- plain, simple and workable! Thanks! Will definitely be reiterating these to my teenagers tonight 😁
    I’ve traveled quite a bit but can’t think of a PA that might have stuck with me. So can’t wait to receive one from you someday (soon, hopefully)! So sure it’ll be a memorable one 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Aye Aye Captain! This forum & your writing is just fabulous. Indeed we look forward to the Captain’ interaction with the guests in the aircraft. Never had the privilege to have you flying the craft for me though…look forward to hearing you on the PA system soon. Till then keep it coming on!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. While on our first trip to the USA, our internal flights were all on a particular airline. On our subsequent trips to the country, we ensured we only booked that airline. The reason…the absolutely refreshing, frequent and witty communication by the captain via the PA. I think it was the culture they had as even their mandatory security instructions at the beginning were so funnily delivered…we actually listened!
    Beautifully written piece Captain…simple 3 points which will work in every situation in life. Looking forward to more of your gems…

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Good morning ma’am,
    As rightly written by you, PA is the direct communication btwn captain and passengers, the more honest and crisp it is, more it will be appreciated by pax and in return gives confidence to you. I too have experienced it. Wonderful ma’am …. so aptly and beautifully written.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Captain Geetanjali, Very well said. Great. This is almost the same way we train our Inflight Supervisors and other Cabin crew on inflight announcement during their training in MOCK UP and refresher courses at the old Airport. Thanks for sharing. Anil Kumar Srivastava, GM(Retd) Inflight Service Dept. Air India

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Great and well written…. as always. The “being honest” part of the announcement is so so true. I too have never faced a pax ire for being truthful.

    Even since you’ve told me the hardlanding story, many years ago, I’ve always owned upto them and have received nothing but praise (well most of the time anyway). So thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. I have heard your PA on LHR-BOM sector which was cool!👍🏻

    I think it is really important for captains to communicate little candidly rather than in a predefined boring format.

    Generally my experience with foreign air lines has been more interesting but I still remember one flight taken years back with Air India on a domestic sector where the pilot spoke in such “shudh Hindi” and for soo long (15 min….no kidding) that everyone got entertained.

    Just getting eager to take my long flights….. it’s been 6 months😞

    Liked by 1 person

  13. When the pilot addresses the passengers it does leave an impact. Humour is even better when it comes from the cockpit as it’s unimaginable that a person of that stature can be such and so relatable. Waiting to hear you address me and fly me

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Being A First Officer I would gladly say that I myself am a very Big fan of Your In flight announcements mam. We have so much to learn from yourself and your experiences which you share in these lovely articles of yours.
    A VERY GOOD READ EARLY ON SUNDAY MORNING.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Very well articulated Captain and so relatable! My mum’s been praised for her PA (she flew with you in AI) and I as well while I was with Jet.
    I loved the content and agree with every bit you have expressed. Definitely will use this as a reference for my future and will share this to all my fellow aviators!

    Safe landings!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Nice one Geetanjali!

    I resonate to all that was wtitten. I totally believe in being honest in life. So it comes naturally to me to be the same with the pax and the crew. Always good to keep them in the loop.

    I have a bunch of replies from the pax written on paper napkins, visiting cards, a corner ripped from a used sheet etc. I was even sent a pen which was a corporate gift from a passenger’s company!
    So yes, some people do listen!

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Waiting to be there in your flight and hear you. You have a great skill of communication and it does leave a positive impact on the passengers.
    Love to read your write ups… Waiting for the next one❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Truth and sincerity conveyed!
    I can still hear it your voice above !
    It’s to take note , that it’s the passion that exuberates honesty.
    As her batch mate , I can totally understand the feeling of satisfaction when your passenger feels touched from the heart.
    Our regular pax in comparison to earlier times is how more learned. Understands aviation closely. What else than giving him that comfort he desires and his basic rights as a flier.
    The captains PA…. Always something to look forward to ! Even when I still travel a Passenger !
    Well conveyed from my colleague Capt Gitanjali above !

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Wonderful thoughts, Captain. As a passenger, I do feel a bit let down when the announcement is a ‘forced’ one. So yes, the message & the tone are both important to me, it makes the Captain that much more reliable & makes my flight comfortable. Sadly, I was this close to being on your flight to London…but, there’s always a next time. Fly high with your feet grounded 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Excellent article. I too used to get a lot of compliments for my announcements but with the number of announcements increasing in flights due to the current situation I feel it’s a futile attempt as the audience is no longer interested. Will try and restart again using humour like you. Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Loved reading this. It’s refreshing to see that other than superior technical skills, sound judgement and years of experience, a senior captain also values customer interaction and heart to heart communication! I love it when we can all be kind and friendly humans first, no matter how hectic our jobs! Also, I hope I get to fly in your flight someday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Shruti, you made me think about the combination of the two sides so clearly. You managed to catch the essence. How it appears to you. I had missed that part. It gives me a good feeling indeed. Have considered reviewing pieces officially? You are very good at it.

      Like

  23. Hello Capt.. Nicely written. Loved ur gratitude towards the Capt who was once kind to you and the way u r repaying kindness with kindness. Considering pax as guests and communicating honestly with them out of deference to their right to know what’s happening is certainly commendable.
    Please keep writing. Best wishes.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Neelam, your ability to absorb and reflect the most important parts of the piece is marvelous. I look forward to hearing what you picked up and how it resounded with you every time. From one reader to another, Salute’!

      Like

  24. This takes me back to the times when as a new wife I used to look forward to Vikram’s PA…I still make it a point to take off the ear-buds whenever the pilot makes an announcement…..bada maza aata hai to hear the crew speak….you must be nailing it each time!

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  26. A short chance encounter and I am your fan. I love women in power, You have no idea how much you can influence other South Asian women who are desperately seeking role models. Your articles are direct, purpose-driven, and well written (almost an extinct art). Humor and candor bring optimism and are indeed key elements in a leadership position. These can turn adversaries into admirers, in my opinion. I am sure your stories will inspire young people and motivate them to reach for the skies-pun intended!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Manishi, our admiration of each other is mutual. I thank you for your generosity of spirit and appreciation. I have a feeling that we will meet again soon. Thank you for reading. Love.

      Like

  27. An easy read which made a good connection with the author. This is the way forward I think, seeing more of YOU. Well done. One of the best ones I’ve read from you so far. Haven’t seen the interview yet. Will do tonight. Keep going!

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Khadz this is such a good article. I personally love it when the captain is humorous.

    One thing I miss… back in the day when I was younger, the captain would “occasionally” make announcements about the geology of the places we were flying over. Maybe it’s still done in India… but in the USA, it never happens. I am always so curious about the features we see on land as we fly over it.

    One day, I will love to fly with you ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The captains in the US regionals are very humorous and part of my inspiration. The geographical references still do happen. Many passengers even ask about the landscapes we are passing. So, next time don’t feel shy to ask. 🙂

      Like

  29. Very well written.. though I have never heard your announcements on board, but I do know the importance of a personalized announcement. We have Capt Suradkar (retired now) who takes pride in his PA announcements and has a big fat file of appreciations from the passengers and CMD Mr Lohani. It is indeed an art and a great way of connecting with the passengers. Keep up the good work.

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  30. Well Said well done! piece Geetanjali. From one communicator to the other, Good communication is the key. It evokes positive emotions in the listener and confidence to the speaker. Keep Going. The PA surely helps 😉

    Like

  31. Very well written Geetanjali.
    I too believe in keeping your pax in the loop and what better than being honest about it.
    Our guests on board feel very comfortable when there’s a announcement fro the cockpit and it’s our duty to make their journey has comfortable possible.
    Happy landings and fly safe.

    Liked by 1 person

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