A Key Content Reminder from a Funeral?

The element of "Surprise"! It's so critical, yet missing from most shows, radio stations and Podcasts. Over the years we've developed a well-defined set of rules for formats and on-air talent and unfortunately, rarely do we deviate.

Yesterday I attended a "Celebration of Life" in Owen Sound, Ontario for Bob Wallace- the long-time morning show co-host of 92.3 The Dock. The venue was packed (as I knew it would be for a community minded guy like Bob), pictures of Bob in his beloved Habs shirts and kilts were rotating on a big screen, family members, the Mayor and Chief of Police all spoke eloquently about Bob and everything was rolling out as expected...until the end.

Diana- Bob's longtime partner in life and on the morning show got up to thank those in attendance and surprised us all by inviting an auctioneer to the podium and revealing a Maple Leafs Jersey with Bob's name on the back. Bob hated those Leafs and it's the one item Diana says she can't stand to have in the house any longer so "let's auction it off" with proceeds going to one of their favorite charities. What??? An auction at a funeral or "Celebration of Life"???

And, so it began. The crowd was caught completely by surprise, the hands started to fly and in the end, that dreaded jersey that Bob and Diana hated so much went to the top bidder for...are you ready??? Almost 4 thousand dollars!

We were all standing, cheering, laughing and really enjoying the moment. Bob would have loved it and I could see a huge smile on Diana's face along with the tears, but tears of "joy" I think for the first time in several weeks.

We'll miss you Bob Wallace. I loved your passion for the business and your community along with your quirky sense of humour. And Diana, thanks for the reminder.

What are you doing to surprise your audience today?? Without this key element, your show might just feel like a funeral.