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It's All About The Audience ...
May 21, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Regardless of the platform you're on, it takes the same skillset to connect with the audience. Therefore, learn how to become yourself behind the mic or create a believable persona. Authenticity is what you can sell to an audience. Never buy into the hype surrounding what you do; stay grounded and keep in mind, it's an awesome responsibility to be a friendly voice or image to so many
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Air personalities like to know if they have made a connection with their listeners. Most of the audience will never call, never text, never show up at a personal appearance, or attend a concert. Whether it's terrestrial, online, satellite radio, podcast or live audio stream, the radio/audio media is a one-sided affair.
Audience Feedback ...
There are gratifying moments during the career of an air talent that makes you realize what you do is special. Two-way communication with a listener can be a learning experience and help you determine if you're on the right track.
But There's Always That One Listener ...
During my days as an air talent, there was one occasion when I was humbled to the point of putting my role as an air personality into perspective. I had moved back to a city and a station after an unsuccessful stint elsewhere. Within two hours of my first night back, I answered the request line and a young male voice asked, "Are you the same Sam Weaver I used to listen to?" I said, "Yes, it's me." Then I heard the kid sigh sadly and say to someone else, "Yeah, it's him," then click, he hung up. It was the first time I started to reflect on the realities of my role.
It's All About The Music ...
People listen to music stations for the music. The objective is play it, talk about it, provide information, give away a few items, and make life a little less humdrum for the listeners. Doing your homework (show prep) is the key to a concise verbal presentation. When the mic is on, you must be an actor and make an emotional connection with the listener; even if it's a live liner. Outside of mornings, most stations only have two breaks an hour. Therefore, overprepare; know the artists, music, the world around you, and your town.
Accessorize ...
It is learning how to sound like the warm and friendly you on mic and get your point across in the fewest number of words possible. Unless directed otherwise by your boss, center your music knowledge on what you are about to play or just played. Listeners tune in to hear the music and learn a little something about the artist. For example, maybe the group you just played was recently nominated for an award or is coming to town to perform. Playing a song and giving music information unrelated to what just played defeats the purpose of being special to the audience. The job of an on-air personality is to be an accessory to the musical moment when it's played; it helps to reinforce the song.
It Never Ends ...
Prep for your show as soon as your feet hit the floor in the morning and be prepared at least an hour before going on. Check the Internet, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, TV, cable TV, and read a local newspaper. During your show look at trending topics, but don't get lazy and only do your prep while on the air.
Gathering ...
There are timeless and timely bits of artist and music information you can collect and access quickly with your computer, tablet or smartphone. You could also do it the old school way and keep what is needed in a card file. No matter how you store it, don't leave for work without your files (thumb drives, the Cloud, or in your briefcase). You want to be able to pull up the information in an instant and use it on air.
Voice ...
Your voice is the instrument that will create the platform for effective communication. A voice is capable of conveying motivation, energy, humor, hope, affection, worry, passion, desperation, want, terror, fear and happiness. Your voice and how you use it are the key to success in this business.
Transferable ...
Regardless of the platform you're on, it takes the same skillset to connect with the audience. Therefore, learn how to become yourself behind the mic or create a believable persona. Authenticity is what you can sell to an audience. Never buy into the hype surrounding what you do; stay grounded and keep in mind, it's an awesome responsibility to be a friendly voice or image to so many.
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