"Be entertaining. Speak only when you have something to say. Don't waffle. Don't insult your listeners by sounding bored."
RADIO PRESENTATION 10-POINT CHECKLIST
by Marc Lansdorp & Sharyn Peacocke
1. Thoroughly understand how all the studio equipment works.
2. Practice in an off-air studio until you are completely confident.
3. Plan every aspect of your show and rehearse all announcements.
4. Once on-air, keep your broadcast level within the prescribed range.
5. Place your scripts on a copy stand at head height.
6. Just before announcing, turn on your microphone. Place your hands beside the relevant fader and switch. Make your announcement while operating the console, then switch off your microphone.
7. To back announce over a fading track, start speaking as the meters on an analogue console drop to between -7 (minus seven) and -10 (minus ten). If a track ends dead, speak immediately after it finishes. (Prescribed meter range not applicable to digital consoles which vary considerably. Check your console's operation manual.)
8. When forward announcing, adjust the track's level so it won't drown you out. Never speak over vocals.
9. Be entertaining. Speak only when you have something to say. Don't waffle. Don't insult your listeners by sounding bored. Change the order and style of your announcements to vary your delivery.
10. Stick to the golden rule of radio - no air gaps! Unnatural pauses with frequent stops and starts are generally irritating for listeners (classical, some jazz and experimental music excepted).
