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Getting Your Airchecks Critiqued Can Help ...
August 6, 2019
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I get these questions a lot: "What does it take to get better at what I do and how can I get to the next level?" The answers depend on what you consider the next level and your approach to life. The path to personal and work growth is in front of us, but sometimes it takes a while to become a part of our conscious awareness. Looking at things from all angles of life will make you more productive in radio
We Take Small Things For Granted ...
A limited view of life can be the difference between an average air personality and an evolving one. My best radio lesson came as a result of being unemployed. During my time as part of the audience, I learned how listeners listen. For example, one day while getting a haircut I overheard one of the barbers say, "I did not know Prince was only 5'3"." Hearing that reinforced how important music information or a quick quip can inform, put a smile on a face, or make people laugh.
Tunnel Vision Causes Lost Perspective ...
I can remember arguing with a Production Director over the production elements he used in a recorded promo. We were going back and forth until we were both struck by the same revelation -- no listener has ever called a station to ask for more reverb or any other production elements on a promo or commercial. It's about how well a voice can convey a message or thought.
Shrinking ...
Air staffs are getting smaller, but I'm still encouraged by the number of air talents who are trying to figure out how to get better at doing their jobs behind the mic. Here is an exchange I had with one those aspiring personalities.
Air Talent: My PD is always telling me I sound too young. I've asked him for critiques and that's most of what he says. He's had me use my real name and two others in the last month-and-a-half. I am not sure if he is screwing with my head or he just cannot make up his mind.
Coach: What size market are you in?
Air Talent: This is a small town and I'm in college around here. I was lucky enough to land this and I'm no longer on my college station. This is way better than working in the dorm cafeteria for money.
Coach: Good for you. So, what do you think the PD is doing with you?
Air Talent: My PD has never worked anywhere else and I'm having my doubts about how much he knows. What do you think?
Coach: I think he is doing the best he can and is a victim of what I call "stay-perience," which is a person who has only worked at one place for his or her radio career. Good PDs must be exposed to a lot of good radio, have mentors, or be blessed with the uncanny knack of instinctively knowing what to do. These days a lot of OMs and PDs have limited worldly experience. Look at it another way: Doctors practice medicine - PDs do the same with radio -both reflect their career experiences.
Air Talent: What are you telling me? I mean, I live and breathe radio. How can I get better with a PD who has issues? Jobs have come open around here and I even get considered. I do not want to do part-time all my life. After I graduate, I would like to get into this business.
Coach: Cut your boss some slack; we all have issues of some sort. Okay, I have a few questions -- how old are you, what city are you in, what are your goals, and do you have any hobbies?
Air Talent: I would rather not tell you what city or station I am at. I'm 20 and I want to work full-time and make a lot of money. I don't get the hobby thing question, but I have a hat collection.
Coach: The hobby might be the most important thing; it shows you have an interest outside of your job and classes. You are at a good age to take a chance and do some moving around in this business after you graduate. I say that because you are probably going to have move to another city and station to chase your dreams. Unfortunately, at your current station you have probably been typecast as a part-timer and the chances of getting an opportunity are slim. I have seen it happen at other stations. Unless you get a new PD or an act of God gives you shot, it's not going to happen there. A hobby is going to be important because when you land a gig somewhere else; you won't know many people outside the station and a hobby gives you something to do and de-focus.
Air Talent: Well, until I get a full-time air slot somewhere or we get a new PD, how can I improve on-air?
Coach: Getting your air act together will be easy because you want to learn. But to be a better air personality, I suggest you look outside radio to arm yourself with some extra skills. A life outside the station walls can transfer back to the airwaves. Grow as a person and you will grow as an air personality. I assume your major is broadcast related.
Air Talent: Communications is my Minor. My major is Supply Management.
Coach: When did you start going on the air?
Air Talent: At my college station in my freshman year and then after listening to the station I'm on now, I figured I sounded as good as those on the air, so I applied and that's how I got this part-time job. They work it so it doesn't interfere with my classes. But if they would put me on full-time, I could make it work.
Coach: Your story is interesting, but back to your situation with your PD, use social media to make some programming friends and get their opinions on your air work. You can count on me as a mentor. I listened to you aircheck and I'll send you my number so we can go over a couple of things. Maybe I can help you understand what the PD is asking you to do.
Air Talent: Okay, you got my attention. My mom recently told me she thought I was getting too wrapped up.
Coach: I know this might sound a little strange, but if you think about nothing but radio, you will miss out on creative moments and opportunities. You also need to look around and learn how people use radio and pay attention to the little things that seem to be important to them. Combine your passion for radio with a thirst for understanding and you will have a leg up on your goal for on-air domination and a hefty bank account. Oh, and your Major in Supply Management is going to come in handy as you climb the corporate later.
Air Talent: Thanks for the advice, can I send you more airchecks for critiques?
Coach: Sure, but don't give up on your PD, keep taking his critiques. You and I can discuss what he's telling you.
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