In response to a piece I wrote in my latest Radio Programming Letter, Chris Wienk writes:
“Thanks for the great reminder of what to do when opening your mouth on air. Common sense, but sometimes I feel we leave common sense behind when we go into on air studios.”
That prompts me to offer this incomplete list of what to bring and what not to bring into the studio prior to your live, personality-oriented radio show.
Bring Into The Studio
– Your own true personality. Not all facets of your personality; you choose which “real” parts of yourself you share with your listeners. But it should be you talking into that microphone, not just some disembodied voice.
– The sense of excitement you felt the very first time you realized you were about to crack a mic and speak to thousands (or hundreds…or a scores) of people.
– Amazement that you get paid for doing this. Not necessarily highly paid, but paid nonetheless.
– More show prep than you’ll possibly have time for.
– At least one thing that you can’t wait to share with your listeners.
– Fear. Not overwhelming fear. If you’re an “old pro,” the fear is buried deep inside you. This is live, and if you’re a true radio personality then you’re going to be taking some chances during the next three or four hours.
That fear of looking foolish should take a distant back seat to your desire to delight your audience. But it still should be there, somewhere.
Leave Behind
– The conflict you’re experiencing with your program director, consultant…or that one salesperson who really drives you crazy.
– Your cell phone. Yeah, I know, there are Important Messages that you just can’t afford to miss. But if during your show you have time to check your phone, there’s a problem with your show.
– Your embarrassment over that bit that flopped yesterday. No one in your audience is thinking about it. Why should you?
– Your growing doubts about the comedy bit you produced a few days ago and are going to play for the first time today. If it was funny when you recorded (or wrote) it, it’s still funny today.
– Your worries about what other people in the building will think about your performance today. Unless they have ratings diaries or PPMs, those people are irrelevant.
– That gnawing worry about what you’re going to do when you grow up. Trust me; it’ll still be there after your show is over.
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Dan,
This should be posted on every studio door as you walk in, it should also be posted on the bulletin board right in front of PD’s, GM’s and sales reps to remind them as well,, maybe there’s a guideline for them on what to bring to the station every day..
Scott
Dan – Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this! 30+ years and it’s all true. Even the “fear” thing. I sometimes have to make myself remember about those “first times cracking the mic” to keep myself honest and to avoid complacency. Along the way, in brief tenures as a PD, I imparted ALL of this to those in my care. Especially the butterflies and the prep. Thanks for sharing!
Great stuff. Thanks
“More show prep than you’ll possibly have time for.”
The fascinating thing for me, over my entire career, is that the more show-prep I had, the less of it I used. Just having it there if I needed it somehow was enough to make the creative juices flow naturally.
Great stuff, as usual, Dan.
“More show prep than you’ll possibly have time for.”
Think of prep as your toolbox — full of tools you may or may not need. Pull out the right tool when you need it. With the right tool you can fix anything. Dan’s words should be engraved on the eyeballs of every young jock.
Things you ALSO must bring: Your own headphones, something to write with, a file of ‘savers’ in case everything you try that day sucks, a multi-tool Swiss Army Knife to repair chairs, mike holders, etc; aspirin…and, most important, your own coffee mug. Unless you like French kissing everyone who works there. I know, i know, you were speaking about the things your bring philosophically…but, really, do you want to worry where the midday guy’s tongue has been lately?
I agree with everything except the phone. Sure, you shouldnt be taking calls unless it’s an emergency, however, if you are connected in the community people will no doubt send you messages or info you can use on air. Plus, if you are using social media the it is likely to be set up on your smartphone, so I think the advice on the phone is a bit old fashioned?
Koop Kooper
Thanks Dan, however about the phone issue, thats a tall order. In Uganda we communicate constantly with our listeners thru sms providing u with all breaking news and weird stuff in their locale. Personally i have to always carry my phone to the studio and i imagine a show without it-horrible
Great to read – even now! Stomach butterflies every single day while getting dressed! (the rest of that thought is going in *my* book. Thanks Dan 🙂
Glad to have helped strike fear into our hearts, even just a little. Once again – Thank you, Dan! You keep us thinking about the one thing that is most important – our listener. You rock!