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Motivate Yourself …It’s Not Someone Else’s Responsibility
May 26, 2020
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It always makes me wince whenever I hear an air talent say, “Our PD doesn't motivate us.” I believe it is up to the personality to self-motivate; you’re in charge of you. I’m not overlooking the importance of leadership in the workplace, but if you can’t motivate yourself in your chosen career, that’s a personal problem.
Nothing Stops Her …
I have a client who recently reminded me of the importance of passion and self-motivation. She has spent the last two years working a full-time non-radio job while also working part-time in radio. The young lady even resisted the temptation of moving back home with her parents to save a little money; she was afraid the comforts of home might dull her eagerness and edge. This client was chasing a dream and despite this pandemic, she has been on a job quest. A PD in a top-50 market responded to her inquiry about an opening. He asked her for another demo and to use his station’s approach to presentation. She called me for help.Air Talent: I am nervous and excited about a chance for this job I’m up for. The PD wants me to listen to his station and the personalities. He wants me to fit with what they are doing on air. I sent you an aircheck; let me know what you think.
Coach: Hold on and I will listen while you wait.
Air Talent: Okay.
Five minutes later...
Coach: First of all, you are nervous, take a deep breath and relax. Your approach to content is fine, but you sound like you are reading. You don’t sound like your most recent airchecks. When you normally talk, your voice is expressive and has variation to it. Your energy levels are fine, but you need to feel the words that you are saying. Also, talk to me, not at me. Go back and listen to the demo from two weeks ago that I told you sounded great. After you’ve listened, re-record another demo for this PD and e-mail me air-check today. I know how important this is to you, so I will listen to it and get back with you right away.
Two hours later...
Air Talent: I am calling you to let you know another aircheck is in your e-mail now.
Coach: Okay, stand by…………... This is much better. You were emotionally connecting with the words coming out of your mouth and using your whole voice like you do on the phone with me. Sometimes you get into a habit of trying to control the pitch of your voice. On this aircheck you let go and let me hear the warm, expressive, and fun you. Hold on to this demo but go and record one more and get it to me.
Air talent: Okay, I will touch base with you again when I am finished.
One hour later....
Air Talent: Hey Sam, look in your e-mail, I think I got it this time.
Coach: I listened, and I have only two questions: Did you follow the station's on-air procedures of identifying the station and did you handle content on air the way his other personalities do?
Air Talent: Yes.
Coach: Then you nailed it. You sounded great with your verbal presentation. It was all there, the use of your voice, concise content, you were funny, and informative when necessary. You sounded relaxed and your energy levels were perfect. I also noticed that you blended with the tempo of whatever song you were either talking over or back-selling. I think you did a good job, send this to him and let me know what the PD says.
Three days later...
Air Talent: They want to start me off by voice tracking shows. The PD told me as soon as things with the coronavirus are more stabilized, they want to move me to the market. I’m excited.
Coach:I can hear it in your voice, I’m proud of you.
Difficult…But Possible …
The journey into a communications career is a challenge. It requires passion, compassion, humor, style, self-motivation, adaptability, openness to guidance, a thick skin, persistency, and toughness. Stay motivated, don’t listen to the nay-sayers, and look for opportunities at all platforms -- terrestrial radio and all audio media. -
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