Conversation with Francisco Hernández-Cáceres
In this episode of Conversations with Peacock Voices, host Margaret welcomes three-time Emmy-winning producer and former television host Francisco Hernández-Cáceres.
Margaret and Francisco explore the multifaceted nature of communication, focusing on personal experiences, language dynamics, and the importance of authenticity. Francisco shares his journey from being in front of the camera to working behind the scenes, emphasizing the significance of understanding and connecting with others through effective communication.
They discuss the challenges of accents, the impact of emotional awareness, and the evolving nature of communication styles in both personal and professional contexts.
Show Notes
Accents, Authenticity, and Depolarization: A Conversation with Francisco Hernández-Cáceres
In this episode of Conversations with Peacock Voices, host Margaret welcomes three-time Emmy-winning producer and former television host Francisco Hernández-Cáceres.
Francisco shares how his 15–20 year career in television evolved from being on-camera to running a production company focused on translating university and academic research into engaging, accessible video content—including documentaries and training videos—with an emphasis on reducing polarization and bringing communities together. He connects this mission to his personal history as a gay kid in El Salvador during the civil war and reflects on how division shaped his understanding of human connection, voice, and language.
Margaret and Francisco discuss the differences in how he speaks Spanish versus English, including shifts in vocal tone, confidence, and humor, and how fatigue and word-finding can affect vocal control in a second language. Francisco opens up about past insecurity around his accent, taking accent reduction classes, and how improv helped him focus less on perfect pronunciation and more on emotional connection. They explore the entertainment industry’s mixed messages about accents, Francisco’s experience feeling celebrated when working in English-language media, and the idea of “clarification” rather than accent reduction.
The conversation also examines how Francisco’s communication style has changed as he moved from fast-paced morning show environments to behind-the-camera leadership—shifting from talking to be heard toward listening and making words count. He describes directing professors at Harvard for a workplace training video on constructive disagreement, using improv and playful techniques to help them relax and speak authentically on camera.
Margaret and Francisco talk about tone, intent, and approaching difficult conversations with a learning mindset rather than a need to win, as well as how emotions and personal triggers can affect communication.
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
01:15 From TV to Academia
03:38 Why Unity Matters
05:52 Bilingual Voice Shifts
11:17 Accent Identity and Industry
15:09 Embracing Uniqueness
18:12 Behind the Camera Now
19:38 Listening and Directing
23:39 Depolarization Conversations
27:05 Authenticity and Emotions
32:59 Favorite Voice
35:34 Closing Thanks and Farewell
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