THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING HAPPENING Greg Diamond – ByrnesMedia “There’s nothing happening.” I hear that quite often in discussions with on-air people and while I certainly sympathize with those who attempt to find relevant content for their show, I also believe strongly that there’s always something happening and it’s just a matter of opening themselves up to see it and hear it. In short, they need to do a better job of looking and listening.
Successful performers have either an innate or acquired understanding of this important skill. They know that show prep is not something that is only done prior to their show through newspapers, the Internet, prep services, etc. Instead, much of their content is gleaned through daily routines and interactions. It’s this 24/7 approach that sets these people apart and often gives them the topics that create a stronger bond with the listener.
Some of the best personalities can make this look so easy that they can get the reputation as being people who never prep. It only takes a glance at the sizable followings of successful jocks to realize that this simply can’t be the case. No, in fact the opposite is true. These individuals may not spend as much time in the prep-room as others, but that’s because they don’t have to… and in many cases, it’s because they don’t want to. Don’t get me wrong – prepping by the usual sources is important, but these people show up for work already brimming with ideas that they have amassed since they last got off the air. They show up for work armed with topics they arrived at by leading their lives in much the same way as the people they’re paid to talk to. It’s this connection with the listener that allows them to hone in on the audience’s “sweet-spot” and communicate with them in a meaningful and relevant manner. In essence, it sounds easy, and for the most part it is… provided you train yourself to do so.
What’s on the mind of the listener at a given time? That’s a question that, if answered properly, can set you apart from the multitude of more generic “announcers.” One of the most effective ways to do this is by just listening.
Eavesdropping may not be the most honourable of practises, but it can be very effective for the prep-hungry jock. This is something you should train yourself to do in all situations. Whether you are in the check-out line at the grocery store or in your dentist’s waiting room, get into the habit of bending your ear to others. You will be surprised what kinds of useful things you can take away and use on the air later.
When actively engaged in conversation with friends, acquaintances, family, etc., try to listen as well as participate. Often we get so wrapped up in what we are saying or will say that we lose retention of what others bring to the discussion. This may seem obvious, but in fact it’s much harder than it appears. This is especially true with jocks, given that people who make their living by talking are those who are usually the most likely to hog a conversation. Compounding this is the expectation of others which can frequently force you to be “in character” and thus be the centre of attention, whether that’s your desire or not. The next time you’re out for a beer with your buddies, try sitting back and letting the chat be dictated by those around you. When you aren’t always leading the dialogue you can increase your chances of coming away with useable content.
What you see can be just as effective as what you hear.
From time to time I will jump in a car with an on-air staffer to provide first-hand examples of “observational prep.” Admittedly, it’s easier for someone to point out “potholes and park benches” when they don’t live there, but the point is to illustrate the need for the personality to peel back their blinders and view their surroundings with greater detail and objectivity. How many times have you driven past the next strip mall being constructed without paying attention to it? We’ve all done that and it’s actually human nature to do so. We are programmed, to varying degrees, to filter out vast amounts of external stimuli, but effective jocks have taught themselves to pay greater attention when driving (hopefully not to the point where they become hazardous behind the wheel), walking, cycling, etc. Our surroundings change daily and the best communicators pick up on these things and incorporate them in their shows.
Of course, content is only half of what makes for a great jock and a great show. How the topics are aired is just as important. Don’t worry that you’re not a comedian – very few people are. What’s important is that you bring your bag of experiences to the listener in a manner that varies and doesn’t always start with, “I noticed on my way to work…” or, “I was talking with friends about…” While these are indeed your observations, you don’t always have to let the listener know that. There’s nothing wrong with just launching into the item without taking credit beforehand. The fact that it’s on your show gives you tacit ownership anyway.
The next time you find yourself thinking “there’s nothing happening”, use your eyes and ears and find out what many high-level performers already know – there’s always something happening. |