Programming: Hot Tips

Handy hints for DJs

Ever stopped to think about the steps to effective communication?

1. Thought

Your opinion on a subject, information about the weather, time or what the record was you just played: all thoughts to be communicated. But no matter what they are, before passing your thoughts on to others, consider them for purpose, appropriateness and value.

2. Attitude

Having the right attitude when you say something is also important to the listener. Are you aiming to be informative, entertaining or persuasive? Reading the news in a jokey voice devalues what it has to say. A humourous commercial that isn't persuasive means listeners may laugh but probably won't remember who the ad was for. Just as important is a general attitude of confidence, friendliness and believability.

3. Brevity

Listeners' time is valuable, so why waste it? Commercials are aiming to get their message across in the shortest possible time, so why not do the same? It's much more effective if you're able to be clear and brief. Write down the major points of what you have to say first, edit it down as much as possible before giving it to the listeners.

4. Clarity

In radio your audience can't talk back at you and say 'Hey, what was that?' so every sentence must be clear and understandable the first time. Be precise with the words you use, make sure they can't be interpreted wrongly and enunciate clearly and you're well on the way to achieving that aim.

Keep your listeners listening with valuable thoughts, appropriate attitudes, responsible brevity and sharp clarity!