Being on the air can be a simply turn on the mic, say something, something and then turn off the mic kind of job.  Very rarely does one get ahead with this kind of approach.

Being effective and effectively being on the air takes thought, prep and actual content to make you stand out above the throngs of talking heads out there.

This can be relatively simple as thinking of how the next break is going to be structured, what the main point is going to be, the components that will make up the break and practicing it over and over until it becomes second nature to say it.

The standard break (the story you’re about to tell) has three parts; The beginning, middle and end.  If every story you tell has all three parts then your listener will have a better grasp on what you’re trying to convey.  One of the main missteps I hear disc jockey’s make is not having an ending to the break (story).

Example

“Today ay 12 noon...” (that’s the beginning)

“...we’ll be giving away all of the front row to the Radiohead show next weekend..” (that’s the middle)

... This is as simple as calling in at noon to try and win a pair. (that’s the end)

Example

“So yesterday I’m down at Marie Calendars for the all you can eat salad bar...” (that’s the beginning)

“... and the waitress takes one look at me and says, “Hey are you Sean Demery?” (that’s the middle)

“... and I said the answer is yes only if you’re not asking for Linkin Park tickets and it gets me my salad for free.”  (that’s the end)

I know that as you read this you’re thinking, “That’s way to simple, what the heck is he talking about?”  Do me a favor and listen to the radio and you’ll hear heaps of incomplete sets being thrown around. 

You can do better.