How
To Present On The Radio....
After spending over 20 years presenting shows on radio
stations in the UK here is my list of tips on how to present programmes
on the radio.
Mention the station name at least every 15 minutes.
Some stations require this to be done during every link. If playing
3 songs back to back then a sweeper ID is played between each song.
Be Local - learn about the area that you are broadcasting
to. Sound knowledgeable about the area, check pronunciation of place
names if unsure. Have a drive round the area that you are broadcasting
to, look at the local landmarks so when you mention the local football
club you know what you are talking about.
Be topical, or trivial, or relevant - (or all three!!!)
Look after your support staff, treat news/sport readers
with respect. They are not an intrusion on your programme. Listeners
tune in for this information as much as they do to listen to you.
Paint pictures - make use of imagery on air - use
links in a way that paints a picture in the mind of the listener.
Use produced sound - edit live.
One thought one link - most listeners will only take
in so much information at one go, if you hit them with three different
items by the time they have heard the third they will probably have
forgotten what you said at the beginning.
Shrink your link! - do not waffle, think about who
you are aiming each link at, plan ahead and if you have nothing
to say then just play the music, your audience will love you for
it.
Keep links short into breaks, use Q cards or teasers
to features or strong songs that are on the way in the next 15 minutes.
Promote ahead - you should always be looking to the
next 15 minutes to keep your audience listening just that little
bit longer.
Never talk out of breaks - play a station ID and straight
to music.
Check new scripts Q cards, promos before reading
on air - you don't want to be the one to find the spelling mistake
or the line that doesn't make sense.
If the station is running a competition make sure
that you understand any elements that may involve you.
Only talk about the weather that will immediately
affect the listener. 8-10 hours ahead is ample - unless it's Friday
and everybody is looking forward to the weekend or to a special
event.
Always prefade your tracks - do not trust your music
scheduling computer to give you the correct information - this will
also remind you of how the track starts and prevents the chance
of you talking over the vocals.
If a song has a proper end then let it finish before
talking, if a song fades, still remember that it's someone's favourite
song before you destroy it! Do not talk over the beginning and the
end of a song - this really annoys listeners especially if it is
their favourite song. Respect the music. Ask the question is it
necessary to back announce every song you play, it's sometimes better
to throw ahead to a song - and don't always make it the next one.
Don't mention other radio stations or other station
presenters even if they are in the news as this just gives the opposition
free publicity.
Always make the station sound BIG, sound authoritative
and friendly. Don't put listeners down, you need as many as you
can get - remember that when the survey comes in, no listeners means
no job.
Where a popular feature or show has been moved due
to restructuring of the schedule, talk up the change at the old
broadcast time, this obviously reminds regular listeners that they
can still hear the "horoscopes/comic cuts etc. at....." Always sound
positive about the moves.
Never criticise the music because as far as the listener
is concerned all the songs were chosen by you. If you don't like
a particular song just ignore it, if you really do like a particular
piece of music then say so.
Remember to check faxes and emails during your show.
It could be you that has a major story or humorous item first.
REMEMBER....
YOU....are an entertainer
YOU....are trusted
YOU....are a friend, on the radio, in the community, on the phone
YOU....are lucky!
NEVER abuse your position
TOP TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR A PRESENTER....
1. Thou shalt never be statisfied with thy show
2. Thou shalt meet thy public whenever possible
3. Thou shalt make it clear to everyone that thy studio
is not for socialising
4. Thou shalt read a daily/regional/local newspaper
to keep informed on what is happening in thy community and world
5. Thou shalt ensure thou has thy prizes before running
thy competition
6. Thou shalt work thy tail off to do the best job
possible
7. Thou shalt treat people the way thou wouldst like
to be treated
8. Thou shalt be prepared for the worst
9. Thou shalt treat thy equipment as if it were thy
own
10. Thou shalt answer thy own phone-in competition
lines
Check out my tips on how to make a demo tape
If you're interested in becoming a News Reader here's
a bit of advice
If you're interested in becoming a Voice Over Artist this pagehas more information you might find useful
For more information check out the following website....
Radio
Presenting Become a radio presenter, broadcaster or DJ.
A beginners guide to presenting on the radio
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