Every DJ Needs The 3 A’s of Storytelling

Whether you use a show prep service or rely on real-life you can transform on-air breaks from ordinary into memorable with the 3 A’s of Storytelling.

Imagine a song is ending and you crack open the mic with the name of the station, your name, and back sell the song. Then, you get into your break...

GOOD: When you’re happily married the in-laws come for a visit. Some people dread that, but not me. (Continue with the break...)

BETTER: When you’re happily married the in-laws come for a visit. Some people would rather spend the weekend in a 6x10 jail cell and eat prison food. Not me. (Continue with the break...)

BEST: When you’re happily married the in-laws come for a visit. Some people would rather spend the weekend in a 6x10 jail cell and eat prison food. Not me. I do my very best to honor them, and that also honors my wife. (Continue with the break...)

The 3 A’s of Storytelling That Every DJ Needs:

Adjectives
Analogies
Antidotes

Adjectives help you create the theater of the mind that radio is best known for. Before there was TV, there was radio. It captured the imagination of millions. If you think about it, using adjectives is really your entry fee as a GOOD on-air talent.

Analogies help you paint a picture that activates the imagination. An analogy takes a topic, compares it to something else, and helps you communicate BETTER. I’m always drawn to FOX SPORTS RADIO’s Collin Cowherd for great analogies. He’s masterful at relating sports stories to everyday life.

By definition antidotes are something that relieve, prevent or counteract. If you or someone on your show can provide an answer to a life situation, champion a cause, or simply offer hope people will be drawn to you.

You don’t need to cram the 3 A’s into one sentence or in the beginning of the break. I simply put all three together to offer you quick examples.

Building your amazing (< - - adjective) on-air breaks with the 3 A’s adds depth. It’s the difference between a frozen lasagna dinner and going to the Cheesecake Factory (< - - analogy). People will be drawn to you when they join YOUR story in THEIR mind. That kind of depth leads to loyalty, and loyalty leads to better ratings (< - - antidote). Good luck!

I hope this has encouraged you. If you would like to talk, I would be honored to help build confidence in you, your team, and your brand. Together, we can grow the greatest message and the greatest songs Beyond the (615) and into your local community.

Todd is the Christian Format Editor at AllAccess.com as well as the Owner of a Consulting & Coaching service at beyond615.com. He helps build confidence where people feel unsure.