Avoid This Mistake When Listeners Call

If your goal is to make connections, have conversations, and grow deeper relationships with listeners the little things can make a big difference.

How you introduce a guest on the air is a great example. When listeners join your show, you shouldn’t ignore the hundreds or thousands of other people listening. Even though it’s exciting to talk with someone who took the time to call you, I would argue that they’re still not the most important person at that moment.

INTRODUCE THE LISTENER TO THE CALLER

If a radio break is like sitting at a coffee shop with ONE listener having a conversation, then introducing the person, you’re having coffee with (the listener) to the caller feels like real life. See this article for context.

Imagine having lunch at a restaurant with your family and someone that only you knew came to your table. You would probably introduce your family to the person they didn’t know. The same goes for your show; especially for fans of your show. It’s just courteous to introduce the ones who already have a vested interest in a relationship to a new person.

For example, you might come across as rude when you open an on-air break without even introducing the listener to the caller like, “Linda, who are some people in your life that bring you joy?”

You may want to consider introducing the listener to the caller just like you would in person, “Linda is here,” or “Linda joins the show,” or “Linda has a person in her life that brings her joy.”

Maybe I’m old fashioned, but it feels like the polite thing to do.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

Even though the caller becomes the star of the break, the listener is still the priority at the beginning of the break. It’s your chance to really super-serve regular listeners and fans of your show. Paying attention to these little details can foster relationships that grow deeper over time.

After spending 25+ years working in leadership, programming, and on the air at 95.5 The Fish in Cleveland, 104.9 the River in Columbus, and as Network PD at WayFM Todd launched a coaching and consulting business, Beyond615.com, on March 15, 2021. There he strives to help others build confidence so that they can connect with listeners on a deeper level. He also serves as the Contemporary Christian Format Editor at AllAccess.com. He and his family live in the (615) area code, aka the heart of the CCM industry.