Here are some highlights from this 2013 book:
* One way to create your character at first is to emulate or model your favourite presenters. You can borrow some of their techniques before you find your own. This is not to suggest, of course, that you try to sound like anyone, but rather learn how they articulate themselves and adopt one or two content formulation ideas from
them.
* Another useful tip is to imagine stepping out of your skin and into a person who is already very experienced. Adopt the same mind-set as this professional broadcaster and act accordingly. This is a form of creative visualisation, which can be useful in everything you do.
* Callers are also a brilliant way to gauge your ability to sound natural. The more natural you sound and conversational you are, the better the caller will respond to you. If you “DJ voice” all over them and try and make jokes, they will respond in a clipped or guarded fashion.
* Example 1: A radio boss once insisted that one of his breakfast show presenters never used headphones during his show. He liked the presenter’s articulation but thought his voice sounded too “DJ.” The presenter was offended at first but now agrees that it was a worthwhile and valuable exercise. He eventually agreed with his
boss that he sounded more like a normal person without headphones. This is your goal too.
Example 2: Another presenter in his early career decided to develop a “laid back” element to his character in an attempt to sound proficient and relaxed. While it sounded relaxed to him, he was actually told he sounded bored, sleepy and intoxicated! It was not until quite late in his career when a producer made him force a grin before talking that he was able to notice the difference and make a change. Radio management will encourage presenters to speak as though they were addressing a friend.
