Coaches Corner
Broadcasting The Best Version Of You …
There’s no shortcut to success behind the microphone, whether you’re on terrestrial radio or any audio platform. It’s all about doing the work, practicing until it becomes second nature. A sports reporter once asked Baseball Hall Of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, “How do you repeat your mechanics?” His answer, “I throw a lot.” In other words, keep doing the work. There’s no magic formula—just persistence.
Do You Hear What I Hear…
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.
Just Be Yourself…
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.
Ah, You Get It Now…
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.
Here’s My Take…
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 communication. This has slowed the progress for many but not necessarily for all air talents in pursuit of getting better at their craft.
The Road Traveled…
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 all audio platforms. Once an air talent is comfortable with syncing that uniqueness with their voice, it’s like magic. Oh, and one more thing—get comfortable with listening to yourself. It’s not always easy, but it’s how you’ll get better at being your true self behind the mic.
Finding Your Unique Voice Suggestions:
Get a radio talent coach
Find an experienced radio mentor
Find an experienced voice actor
Take vocal lessons
Take acting classes
Take comedy improv workshops
Download an audio app, record, listen to yourself
Take public speaking classes
And if you need some friendly advice, drop me an email; samweaver@samweavermedia.com or text me, (972) 672-4812.