Phrases to Eliminate From Your Show

How many times have you been told, “Never say this”? Usually, I hate lists like that. It seems simplistic, but I’ll make an exception because most personalities have at least a few crutches that become habits they don’t even recognize. But to a listener, it sounds weird (or worse).

Here’s a list of things to never say on the air. Breaking the habit of using these words and phrases can help a radio personality. It can also improve writing skills. Have fun with the list, but learn from it, too. Use it to help listen for crutches that subtly infiltrate performance.

Never Say This About the Talent

Peppy and Zippy are along with you, and This is Peppy keeping you company.

Coming up in a few minutes is our very own Zippy, who will delight you with soothing songs.

Peppy here, on your radio.

Hi, it’s Peppy and Zippy checking in with you.

I’m Zippy until 10 o’clock (and who will you be after that?).

I’m Pepy with you until 3. (just because your show is over doesn’t mean the listener is done. And why should I care what time you get off work?).

The lovely and talented Peppy has an update.

About the Music

We’re taking you back to 2002.

That was Pearl Jam that we just heard from.

Pumping the tuneage or jammin’ the tuneage. (Nobody talks like this in real life).

…and before that we heard from Taylor Swift. (We’ve been listening to the radio long enough to know that when you are back announcing songs, the song title you say next was “before that!”)

As we travel along in song together. (Gross).

Just ahead of (artists and or music sweep name here)” (like they are threatening to overtake us or something).

Let’s get back to more music. (Yes. Please. Let’s do it).

Let’s keep the music rolling. (It’s bad when this is used every time you talk up the ramp).

That’s music from Justin Bieber. (What else were we going to get from Bieber? Recipes? Car Tips?).

Coming up in the next set. (Only musicians can get away with that).

That’s a great new track from Beyonce. (When is the last time a friend told you about a great new “track?).

About Service Elements

It’s 37 degrees on the outside.

14 and a half minutes after 10 (Really? You need to be this exact down to the second with time? In fact, I’m not sure you need to give the time at all…except when promoting an upcoming feature).

17 minutes before the hour.

And the thermometer is sitting on 29 degrees.

It’s 31 degrees at the airport” (I’m not at the airport. Why would I care?).

Weatherwise…

Currently, it’s 58 degrees outside (never use “currently”…it’s assumed).

It’s [time] here on 93X (and everywhere else in the Time Zone).

It’s 8:51, nine minutes ’til eight, thirty-nine minutes ’til 9:30 if you gotta be there at 10, you have an hour and 9 minutes.

The wet stuff (It’s rain, okay? Snow is not the White Stuff, either. Nobody ever says, “It’s the Wet Stuff outside. Looks like it might change to the White Stuff. I’d better get my boots.”).

Right now, it’s 18 degrees in the city. (What if I live in the country? Or the suburbs?).

In other news (Just do it).

Our top story (At least substitute “Breaking News”).

Never Say This About the Industry

Remote broadcast or even remote (they have no idea what that means).

Meet and Greet (It’s not exciting).

Any mention of a “desk” as in “newsdesk,” “weather desk,” or “traffic desk.” (I have never seen such a desk in any furniture store).

Right around the corner (how many times have you heard a jock say that a particular holiday, concert or other event is “right around the corner”? Where’s the corner?).

Control board, behind the glass, board, or controls.

About Promotions

Where the winning is easy (no…it’s not).

Your chance to win (Nobody wants a chance to win. They want to win).

The cue to call or the touch tones (What the heck is that? That’s how my grandma talks).

What station just made you a winner? (Don’t trick listeners into saying something nice about you).

What station is hookin’ you up? (Same).

You just won yourself tickets to see Dua Lipa (you can’t win “yourself”).

We’re giving you tickets to the car show (Be the station where you get, not where we give you).

In Commercials

Come on in and see the fine folks. (Yuck)

Cruise on by and check it out. (Does this influence anyone?).

and more! (This is just a way to end a list of services and/or attractions. If it’s worth saying “and more,” it’s worth telling them what “more” is)

Be sure to tell them that Peppy and Zippy sent you. (You’re giving the client an INSTANT barometer for whether or not your endorsement is working).

Never Say This: General DJ-Isms

Feel-good Friday. (Overused and trite).

On this Monday morning (I know what day it is).

Cranking it up in JAMuary. (You’re more clever than this).

Welcome to a Wednesday (oh, you got there first?).

On another Winning Wednesday. (Enough with the petty alliteration).

Stay tuned (Invitation to tune out. Also, stick around, hang around ,etc.).

On the other side (Other side of what?)

When we come back (Where are you going?)

Welcome back (Wait, I didn’t leave. You did. Who are you talking to?).

Here on your Tuesday… (Who else’s day would it be?).

And, if you’re listening in the car, thanks for the ride! Who’s great-grandfather are you?

And, just a reminder. (Just say it).

Coming at ya (it sounds like a physical threat).

Here in the air-chair with you.

Broadcasting live from downtown Springfield. (Who cares?).

Hope your day’s going well so far. (Weak).

Don’t touch that dial! (This suggests maybe I should).

Glad to have you along. (Nothing but a space filler)

Good morning! (Okay to say, but say it like you mean it).

Here’s what happening in our community. (Just tell them!).

Let’s go to the phones. (Won’t the crappy sound of the call alone tell them this?).

We’re having a great time. (If you sound like fun, you don’t have to say it).

We have a lot of great stuff coming up. (Like what? Don’t tell me, show me).

Bonus Phrases To Avoid

We were just talking about this off the air, and. (Oh, so I’ve already missed the good part, huh?).

During that last break, you wouldn’t believe what happened in the studio. (Well, I couldn’t see it or hear it, so this is a waste of breath).

OMG, this pizza I brought for lunch is delicious. (Who cares?).

Conclusion

Do you have some of these habits? You can break it by getting rid of the crutches. The Never Say This list is fun, and you probably have some to add to the list. The key is to identify those crutches and make an effort to fix that situation.

Pic designed by Kamran Aydinov for Freepik.com.

Tracy Johnson is a talent coach and programming consultant. He’s the President/CEO of Tracy Johnson Media Group. His book Morning Radio has been described as The Bible of Personality Radio and has been used by personalities worldwide.