Tips for begginer radio presenter?

Question

I begin tomorow evening, and am really really nervous, its only a small station, hence getting the position, but now im terified, any tips on radio speech techniques etc...

Answer 1

dont talk fast. talking fast will make u run your words together. be calm and dont drink coffee. itll make ur nerves worse

Answer 2

You didn't tell us where in the world you are - and that matters.

AnswerMan give a great answer for someone in the US (maybe some commercial stations in UK/Canada, etc.) presumably at an unscripted music station - which is common.

However the word "presenter" tips me off that this could be a different sort of job in the UK, India, etc that we in the US call a newscaster or even talk/variety show host. Often it's just the announcer who gives local updates between national network feed "events." The "breaks" are often scripted.

If that's the case, absolutely, keep water nearby, but don't get carried away or you'll spend more time in the loo than behind the mic. Go easy on the caffeine, too. Also have some mints, OceanSpray or other "natural" nasal spray, chap stick (lip balm) and tissue or a handkerchief. Sounds silly, but these are practical things.

As to your presentation, like the man said, keep it natural. Everyone can tell when an announcer is trying to sound more authorotative than their voice can handle.  Read  your scripts thoroughly before-hand, practice (if you have time), understand what you're are talking about (don't just read the scripts or your own prepared-material) - KNOW what you are talking about by studying the general subject matter and keeping aware of local, national and world events and stories.

RECORD every show you do and review it enslessly while critiquing yourself. Get friends, co-workers and your boss to help critique as well.

The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel and soon, you'll find yourself improving and moving up to bigger and better things.

Good luck!

-a guy named duh

Answer 3

Play good songs. Be relaxed and be prepared for everything.

Answer 4

Terrified...ha...I remember the first time I went on the air live, terrified only began to describe how I felt!  What a rush though!

Don't worry about your voice right now, that will come with time.  Just don't do a fake "radio voice", talk normally like you are speaking to someone on the phone.  Pace your speech, speak clearly and announciate.  

Some other helpful tips, be aware of what is happening with pop culture and with the artists that you play.  Know what is happening in your town and near by cities as far as any concerts or other events that are going on.

Plan out every break ahead of time, every time!  I can't stress that enough.  Nothing is worse than opening up the mic and not having any idea of what you are going to say.  Know what you are going to say and how you will say it.  Doing a radio break is like a good movie, it has a "beginning, middle and end" to everything you will say.  Keep your breaks a short as possible, less is more, brevity is king, keep it short and sweet.  Don't say 5 words when 3 will do.  

Most important though, be realateable to your target demographic.  If you don't know who your station is trying to reach, ask your program director.  Before you do a break, you have to ask, "will my listeners care about what I am about to say?"  If they won't care, don't say it.  As my first program director told me, be entertaining, be informative or be quiet.

Good luck and just remember, it's radio, not brain surgery.    Just have fun doing something that most people can't do!

Answer 5

Have a bottle of water next to you.  Do some show prep.  Breath.  It gets easier.