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Finding Your Unique Personality …
November 1, 2022
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There are ways to put yourself in a position for success behind the microphone on terrestrial radio or any audio platform. To get good at anything it's about practice and repetition. A sports reporter once asked Baseball Hall Of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, "How do you repeat your mechanics?" His answer, "I throw a lot."
Once Upon A Time …
I once had a client who felt, no matter how well she did, it was never enough. Then it dawned on me that she'd been telling me what her problem was, but I didn’t hear it. She kept saying, "I have to get this right for my demo." Then it hit me, she was trying to be perfect. That’s a lot of self-imposed pressure.Being Perfect …
Her perfectionist tendencies with audio were limiting her ability to let go and find her unique self behind a microphone. I figured out what was going on after seeing some of her YouTube and TikTok posts. She was being herself and had a way of saying things that was funny. Having discovered the issue, I was able to help her transfer what I saw on video to her audio practice sessions. Eventually she was able to sound more like she did in the videos. As a result, her air check/demos became more reflective of her talent.Once You Find It …
Once you find your unique self, the process of refining it never stops. You’ll be working on perfecting your ability to be your true self for the rest of your career. That’s not perfectionism, that’s perfecting your unique personality and your ability to make it look and sound easy.I Have A Theory …
It’s become too acceptable for audio talents to pre-record each talk set, edit, and play it back on the audio platform as opposed to talking in real time every time. Edit, edit, edit, and then post the finished product. Doing too much of this potentially limits the growth for the beginner or average air personality. Editing is a skill and it’s not supposed to be the end-all for effective communicating. This has slowed the process for many but not necessarily for all air talents to find their unique personality for use on any audio platform.Your Gift …
You must learn how to express that part of you that's yours and yours only. It's never about the number of words that come out of your mouth, it's the spin you put on those words. Your unique personality paints the canvas at terrestrial radio and audio platforms. Once an air talent is comfortable with syncing that uniqueness with their voice, it’s like magic. Many spend a lifetime making sure that same sound always comes through when talking to listeners.The Work Never Stops ...
Stop worrying about other personalities, comparisons, or what somebody else has. There are no short cuts, just work. It won't take years, but it will take lots of time and effort. Be patient. Remember, regardless of what you're saying, everything deserves the same amount of effort in presentation. And above all find a way to use your unique personality to make what you say your own. Practice makes you better not perfect.You Can Do It…
Remember, regardless of what you're saying, everything deserves the same amount of effort in presentation. Radio and all audio platforms provide a series of moments for listeners to enjoy. Above all, no matter what, without adding to the script, add a part of your unique personality to the words coming out of your mouth. One more thing, get used to listening to everything you record. It’s one of the steps towards becoming better at being you.Ways To Find The Unique You:
· Get a radio talent coach
· Find an experienced radio mentor
· Take vocal lessons
· Take acting classes
· Take comedy improv workshops
· Take some radio classes
· Download an Audio App, record, listen to yourself
· Take Speech classes
· Study your favorite comedians -
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