This is a record of the ups and the downs; the struggles and the achievements; the laughter and the frustration and what it takes to break into The Industry...the radio industry that is.
Day Nine - Prep Pt. II
Two part two’s in one week, how very exciting! I got a little side-tracked with getting a couple stories in, which are awesome by the way… and of course if you have one to share, send it to me: mitch.hawes@gmail.com, but as promised a few days ago, lets talk more prep! I shared some great sites for finding material for your show, but how do you format your breaks? Well again, they are just my tips and what I do (I would love to hear your tricks in the comments…) so… shall we read on? I thought so haha.
There are four ways that I know of to format your prep:
- Written Verbatim
- Point Form
- Combo of 1 & 2
- Not at all
Each one has its advantages… well number four doesn’t that’s just a really bad idea. Again I’m assuming you have something awesome to talk about (if not click here for ideas). This post is all about how you are going to say it. First it’s important to know the general structure of a break. Again, this will vary with station formats so be flexible.
Normally when going into a break you start with a backsell, in which you say what song just played, perhaps the last couple if it was a series, your name and the time. Those are just the basics. You can change the order and of course, make it sound like how you would say it… think one-to-one communication (tips on this tomorrow!), or you talking to one person. After the backsell you go straight into your bit which is then usually followed by a commercial set. With that in mind, let’s elaborate on the four-er…3 methods of writing out the break.
1. Verbatim. This is a great way if you are starting out. You’ll have it all there for you. Backsell, transition, bit. Every word! However, the biggest problem is that you run the risk of sounding un-natural or more simply “fake”, which is a big problem! You don’t want to sound scripted… so by scripting your break completely… well you get the idea. Again, it is great for when you’re starting out, but I would advise against this method for your entire career, but you’ll learn what works for you.
2. Point form. This is a fantastic method. You have your talking points, but you don’t have to worry about sounding scripted. The risk with this method is that you can catch yourself rambling or you can go off on a tangent. This can be disastrous as you can then stumble and all that fun stuff. The Program Director at 100.5 The Peak in Vancouver calls this “missing the exit” meaning that you miss the point where you should have stopped talking and pulled off the road (aka. go into the commercial set) and you now are rambling and have to figure a way to get back on track, which will sound messy and unplanned. If you are a natural rambler this method might not be the best for you, but it does work for a lot of people and personally, I use a variation of this technique.
3. The combo. My method of choice! Now I don’t want to sound biased, but I have found for me, this is perfect. After a small stint on air you stop writing out the backsell and just read from the screen/insert random comments, whatever. When I get through that I have my bit information in limited point form. Only what is needed. Keep it short and interesting. Then I have my extro (end of the bit) completely written out. This can be used as a safety blanket. If you see that you are in the far left lane and have to cross over 4 lanes and there are cars all around you and you think you’re not going to make it. Finish your sentence, check your mirrors, shoulder check and use your scripted extro to get to the exit! It will sound neat, tidy and even if it sounds a little off, it will be better then stumbling all over the place.
4. Not at all. Well… just don’t do it… at all.
Again these are my tips and this is just for formatting your break. You still have to add personality! This is what people really want to hear on the radio… you! Make it interesting, make it sound like you’re talking to your best friend, and don’t fly by the seat of your pants, because listeners will notice, I guarantee it. Again, if you have some secret tricks for prep I want to hear them in the comments below!
