It Takes More Than Just Sounding Good …

Sometimes those blessed with natural abilities to succeed in their chosen field have a hard time understanding people not on the same level. The fact that people learn and comprehend at different speeds is what makes us human. You already know I am leading up to a story to make my point.

There’s Slow & Then There’s Me …
During my days as a wandering air personality moving from one opportunity to the next, I always needed a few days to learn the studio board at my new place of employment. I would place sticky notes on the board for things like microphone levels. Sometimes it would take me a week or more to learn how to operate things by memory.

The Story Begins …
I have said all of this to lead into this week’s question from an air talent who just lost his morning show producer/cohost.

Air Talent: I have an awesome ensemble cast for my local morning show, but recently my number two person took a job to anchor her own show and we had to find a replacement. She was also my producer and audio editor. Our show is very social media conscious, and every second is accounted for by each person on my team.

A friend of mine turned me onto this young lady with talent and great energy. I pretty much vetted her in two days and got my PD to hire her for my show. It’s been three months and she’s not keeping up with the group. She sounds great, but I’ve had to cut back her airtime because she doesn’t seem into what she’s doing. What do you think?

Coach: I’m like a mechanic, you can’t just say my car is not working and expect me to fix your problem without more detail than “she doesn’t seem into what she is doing.” I have some questions for you.

1. How many stations has she worked at?
2. Has she ever done mornings before?
3. Is this the first time she’s been on the air as a member of an ensemble?
4. Specifically what is the problem or problems?

Air Talent: She has worked at two other stations and unofficially did mornings at one as a fill-in host for several months. And one other time she co-hosted mornings with the PD at a station but was fired after 6 months. She has got the sound, but she’s not contributing much to our show prep sessions and has taken a part-time job on the side to pay off student loans.

Coach: It doesn’t sound like she has had much experience. Have you told her how you want her to prep? And what does your PD say about the situation?

Air Talent: I have told her to be observational and that prepping is a 24-hour thing. I’ve told her to pay attention to everything she sees and figure out if it will fit our show. My PD leaves the operation of my morning show up to me and our group. He encourages and makes some suggestions, but sort of leaves us on our own.

Coach: You sound like an exceptional talent who gets it. It sounds like you grasp the concept of “prepping by living with your eyes open to everything around you.” How many people are on your morning show and what is the average time for a talkset?

Air Talent: Including her, there are four people, and we never go past a minute when doing a break on the air.

Coach: In my opinion you have one too many in the studio, but you said it worked with the previous ensemble member who left. Here’s what I think you should do:

Stop assuming she knows how to show prep and start holding brief and casual one on one sessions to discuss how you want her to prep. Talk to her about any reading materials, prep services, or online areas you would like her to start reading. It sounds like you need to help raise the level of her radio I-Q. She probably hasn’t had many opportunities to learn much.

Air Talent: She’s sounds great on the air.

Coach: I believe you, but her story is not an uncommon one these days. Oh, and one other thing, it’s also possible she feels intimidated by the ghost of your former co-host. And you mentioned something about a second job. She sounds stressed. I know you have a PD, but it’s been my experience that regardless of what your PD does to help, you’re the anchor of the show and your new ensemble member needs you to help her fit in with your team. For example, take your ability to observe for show prep and teach her how you do it.

Air Talent: She came here from a market bigger than mine and based on how she sounded, I assumed she might teach us a few things.

Coach: Well, then your PD missed it too. It’s no one’s fault. How’s she to be around otherwise?

Air Talent: Great. She’s likeable.

Coach: Good. Well then between your help with extra tutoring and patience, things should turn around. However, in case the situation does not correct itself in a reasonable amount of time, you and your PD need to be ready with other options for the show.

Air Talent: My PD has already told me we need to think of alternatives just in case she doesn’t work out.

Coach: Either way it goes, send me an aircheck, I’d love to hear your show.