Coaching improves talent performances. A major responsibility of programmers is to motivate, stimulate, counsel, and critique the staff. These intangible “show improvement” sessions should take priority in your organization’s structure.
Aircheck sessions are essential for talent growth. These frequent coaching sessions help talents learn to improve their performance and build their skills.
Conduct weekly coaching sessions with the DJs or daily sessions with the morning talent(s). Consider these guidelines for analyzing airchecks and offering guidance:
> Program the Basics. Some are determined by format, yet the station brand name should be said FILO – First In and Last Out. This is the key ingredient to brand-building.
> Talents “sell” the station name clearly and enthusiastically, as if it is being delivered to a stranger for the first time.
> Attach the station name to each feature, like news, traffic, and weather, to take ownership and after stop sets when going back into music.
> Plan every show. Use a show prep planner to map out every show element and break. Follow it with focus and discipline. Evaluate the planner in aircheck sessions.
> Localization and relevance are essential. Talents should know what is on their listener’s minds – the big events of the day – and talk about them. Reliability is connecting with the audience.
> Start each segment by immediately getting into the subject. Set the hook with a compelling topic or headline. Listeners leave if the talent doesn’t grab attention within the first eight seconds.
> Telegraph your punches. When going into a break, set expectations for what to expect afterward. Tease the next topic, song, breaking news, or guest.
> Don’t be vague; be specific. Timestamp your appointments. ‘Coming up in the next hour’ or ‘hour number three’ is like requesting a doctor’s appointment without knowing when to show up. Consider saying the exact time or how many minutes until a topic or guest comes up later in the hour. Don’t be vague; be specific when setting your appointment.
Pic designed by Microgen for Envato Elements.
John Lund is President of the Lund Media Group, a radio programming consulting firm with specialists in all mainstream radio formats. Did you find this article useful? You can leave a comment below or email John at John@Lundradio.com.