Kick-Ass Audio Breaks

If you’re in a moment with high emotion, grab that phone and get audio of it.  That audio will aid you in telling the story on-the-air in a way that simply recounting it won’t.  Case-in-point is what was done by Zach Johnson and George Bremer, The Anderson Journal, WHBU-FM, Anderson, IN.  George is flawed as he’s a lousy driver.  The team was out on a remote.  Driving back to the station, Zach and the promotions/video team started to rib George about all his driving mishaps.  It was very disarming and exceptionally funny.  Which is why, instead of just re-living things on the next show, Zach got audio of the post-trip conversation in real time from the group.  Listen to all the emotion and laughter in this exchange and hear how much differently the break was because of it.  Always think:  is there an oppotrunity to get audio here because it wil make the break on our next show when we tell it better?

Character development comes in many forms.  When you share a story of something going on in your life, when you’re honest about your take on whatever topic you’re engaging on, and when you are completely vulnerable with the audience.  Strategic character development is the primary instigator of the connection you must form with the audience to build that relationship which leads to loyal listening.  “I feel like I know them,” is a powerful statement any listener can make which proves the connection is happening.  Here’s a unique character development bit as done by Chris and Dina, WMAS-FM, Springfield, MA called the Bowl of Confessions.  They brought into the studio a co-worker who pulled a slip of paper out of a bowl, which contains a statement he had or decide if it was true or a false.  All of it leading to me learning about Chris or Dina.  Listen as the chemistry drives the fun.