Thursday, September 22, 2011

THE POWER OF STORYTELLING


I was recently at a funeral for the father of a friend of mine. I didn’t know the man who passed away, but after the funeral I felt like I had known him for years. All due to storytelling.

His funeral was packed full of stories about the man who died. Some sad, most funny. I had never met him, but that didn’t make the stories less interesting and entertaining. I was riveted hearing things about a man I didn’t know. Honestly, I didn’t want the funeral to end. The stories were just too good.

If you can master the art of storytelling on the radio, you’ll probably always have a job and a huge audience. People want to hear stories, not reports. Stories don’t have to be long winded. You can tell a story in just a few lines and still be riveting, but it takes practice and a plan.

Here are a few storytelling tips that I've learned along the way:

Stories are not reports

The subjects are about common and relatable life events

Have moments of genuine humor

Are delivered one-on-one and allow for interactivity

Are rehearsed so they have maximum impact when told

The listener should think of you as a friend. The best way to do this is to open up and share personal stories, experiences and opinions with your listener.

Don’t be afraid to make fun of yourself. Self deprecating is not only relatable, but endearing.

Good story telling not only has the ability to make you stand out and be remembered, but it also can help you feel better


If you want to be known for one thing, be known as a great storyteller.

Friday, September 16, 2011

DON’T BE TOO PERFECT



When talking to consumers, new research has discovered that a sales person who makes an occasional error when speaking far outperforms sellers who deliver their speech perfectly. This totally relates with being on air.

This goes back to something that I’ve preached for years. The best radio personalities are real, genuine and honest. No matter what format they are on. They make small mistakes in their breaks (“err”, “ahh”, etc). It’s OK. It makes you more human and real.

I’m not saying be totally unpolished and not professional. I’m saying the more real you sound, the more listeners will connect with you. The same way a consumer connects with a sales person that makes an occasional error and doesn’t come across too perfect and polished.