DJS: DON’T USE THESE 2 WORDS AND YOU’LL STOP MAKING SWEEPING ASSUMPTIONS

If you’re on the air and striving to improve, I hope that when you read this you’ll experience the same kind of revelation that I had this week. It was like a light shined down from heaven as I was preparing for a coaching session with one of the radio shows that I serve. Let’s dive into this week’s Beyond The 615 Column, article # 36.

NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW

You probably already know this, but I can’t assume that everyone reading this article does. Having a radio show shouldn’t feel like you’re speaking from a stage to a large audience of people. I always encourage the shows I coach to picture themselves at a coffee shop with friend having a one-on-one conversation while sipping on their favorite latte.

The words you use help place you inside that coffee shop in an intimate conversation OR on a stage proclaiming something to a large crowd of people.

In my opinion, when you use the words “we” and “us” while on the air it places you on a stage. Even if your intention is to be understanding and inclusive, “we/us” may be doing more damage than you realize. Damage may be too harsh of a word, but stay with me.

So, I’m a fan of using “you” and “your” most of the time. Those words are personal, intimate, and directed at the listener.

LET ME EXPLAIN

As I was preparing for this coaching session with a wonderfully talented on-air personality, I began to dissect the break that she sent.

She said: “The reason WE struggle with insecurity is because WE compare OUR behind the scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.”

Substitute WE with YOU: “The reason YOU MIGHT struggle with insecurity is because YOU compare YOUR behind the scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.”

Even a better way of reconstructing this break and building future ones is by going down the funnel?and sharing YOUR personal experience and how YOU feel. More on that below:

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/set-yourself-apart-from-competition-todd-stach-gzb0e/?trackingId=fcn4MEb6R2O92PtoqoZ2dw%3D%3D

Using the funnel: “I don’t know about YOU, but I struggle with insecurity because I find myself comparing MY behind the scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.

Notice in the “WE” sentence above that a sweeping assumption was made that EVERYONE listening struggles with insecurity. That’s simply not true. You know what assuming does. Well, it does “that” and it damages your chances of deepening relationships.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY?

Stop making sweeping assumptions and you’ll improve your show in an instant. Implementing “you/your” will allow you to connect and deepen relationships at a faster pace. Listeners will feel like you actually know them. They might start posting on your socials or even call the show every now and then. Heck, they may even part ways with their hard-earned dollars and begin supporting your station or sponsoring a child simply because you asked them to. Words matter.

#radio #radiopersonality #radioshow #radiodj

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Todd Stach launched Beyond 615, a coaching and consulting business in 2021, where he strives to help others build confidence and discover their full potential. At the time of this article, he serves 25 shows at 10 radio stations. Todd has also written 150+ free articles to encourage on-air personalities and program directors. He and his family live in the (615) area code, aka the heart of the CCM industry.