Air Talent ... Presentation-Practice-Passion

In Time ...

People learn and grow at different levels; it's what makes us human. A reoccurring theme for air personalities is learning how to show more personality. These days some programming experts argue that on-air talents are not important anymore. I disagree; a good personality can enhance the listening experience. In life and in radio, it's those with the ability to make us laugh and smile that make the best impression. In radio and audio media, it's about keeping pace with the best ways to communicate in a consistent, concise and entertaining way; that includes utilizing other platforms.

Personality Within Programming Directives ...

Regardless of how restrictive you might think your PD is, there is always room for personality within the confines of the format. Personality is little things like:

• Artist and title in a back-sell into a commercial break.
• One piece of music information in a front or back-sell of a song.
• A silly comment used to describe a song verse or title
• Getting your point across in the fewest amount of words
• A verbal transitional tie-in from one statement to another

Air Personalities, Please ...

Unless directed otherwise, 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; maybe they were just nominated for something or coming to town to perform. Playing a song and then giving music info unrelated to what was on the air defeats the purpose. The job of an on-air talent is to be an accessory to the musical moment or moments for the listener.

It's Not Brain Surgery ...

To be a successful air personality requires passion, practice, a willingness to learn, desire, an open mind, the ability to read, and an ego in check. Air personalities anchor the broadcast industry and the microphone is the power. The early pioneers of contemporary music radio knew what research and Mscore tell us today; it's in the conciseness of presentation.

Do This ...

• Aircheck every show and listen to it
• Once a week. get your boss or someone to critique your work
• Be patient with yourself; the more you work at it, the easier things will become.
• Off-air practice ... practice ... and then practice some more
• Find a mentor

Conclusion ...

Knowing what to say and how to say it is an easy art form to learn ... if you have the passion to do so.