Tips for Being a Well-Rounded Radio Announcer

"Hi, there. This is Eddie Matthews on behalf of Expert Village. A few tips for announcers trying to get a career in radio. In this segment, we're going to be talking about being a good communicator and a better communicator. Taking an interest in a variety of things, and also in the music. It just makes you more well-rounded. PDs like to hear that. If you have something to state, carry a conversation. Carry a conversation that makes sense. Don't just talk for the sake of talking. There's good talk, and then there's really good talk. There's so many different stations that have different formats, like a talk format. But you want someone that can carry on a conversation. Even if you make a point that the listener disagrees with, get them involved in the conversation. It can be boring just to hear one voice. But if you engage the listener, have them call in - boy, you've done your job just by getting them to call in. Most people will never call in to a radio station, no matter what the announcer says. Over forty percent of the public consider themselves to be too shy to ever talk - or talk in public for that matter. If you can get someone to come on the radio, come out of their shell, and to speak to you. That's pretty special. And it's not just the content; it's the manner of how you speak as well. If you sound unapproachable. If you sound like you're having a difficult time connecting with your listeners, if you sound like you have a chip on your shoulder, or put people down constantly, your shelf-life is going to be pretty limited to a certain audience. So bring out a personality and be consistent with it. Bring out a style of your own. Don't just imitate other people. It's one thing to imitate and then carry on your own style, that's okay. But if you just imitate others, people will see right through that. You don't have to re-invent the whee. Just be creative and be personable."