5 Words You Want Your Audience To Say

Maybe it’s time to wonder again. To look back in history to a time when radio captured imaginations. More on that later. First, let’s glance at a couple of newer platforms that many think might kill the radio star.

When streaming launched some radio stations tried to mirror a Spotify playlist by not identifying their radio station in between songs. Song to song segues became a thing, but not very effective for branding in an ever-growing and crowded audio space.

Now, as podcasting has grown in popularity (with some demographics), some are suggesting that DJs should talk longer because listeners love long form conversations. Yes, SOME listeners do love longer conversations ON a podcast, but is that what they come to your radio station for?

RADIO DOESN’T NEED TO MIMIC TO STAY RELEVANT

On the radio, you can capture someone’s imagination over a short song intro or in as much time as you need during a stop down break, just so you don’t waste anyone’s time or lose their attention.

When you don’t have body language (or video) to help tell a story you must rely on words to capture someone’s imagination. Think of it as a movie set with colorful costumes, characters, appropriate background music, and, as Texas Radio Hall of Famer Tommy Kramer says, the right camera angle.

5 WORDS YOU WANT YOUR AUDIENCE TO SAY

Here are 5 words that you want your audience to say after spending time with you: I saw what you said.

I would argue that DJ breaks shouldn’t grow longer; they should become more vivid. On-air breaks should provide color and capture the right side of a listener’s brain.
Theater of the mind at its finest.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

It’s not about length; it’s about impact.

It’s hard work trying to activate a listener’s imagination so that they put themselves INTO your story and SEE what you’re saying.

It’s easy to talk longer. Maybe that’s why there are thousands of podcasts (and streaming playlists) that no one really cares about.

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.