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Author: Dave Cruse

Published: January, 2000

Welcome to the first article on Morning shows. My name’s Dave and I’m a coffee-holic. Over the next few months we’ll cover a wide variety of topics aimed at making us all better Morning Show hosts.

We’re a unique breed, we coffee swilling, bleary-eyed, slightly left of center, sleep-deprived Morning guys and gals. Why do we do it? What makes a man leave the comfort of his bed long before the sun comes up 5 or 6 days a week? You got me. It just gets in your blood. Knowing that you put a smile on someone’s face or helped them face another day at a job they don’t like, makes it all worthwhile. It’s a great job. So how do we do it better?

Let’s start at the beginning. I’m told that the first thing John Wooden used to teach incoming freshman was how to put on their socks. What could be more basic? It was his contention that late in the game, blistered feet would slow the other team. His team, having learned to properly don their socks, would be blister free.

The basics are important.
For the novice, these are just good guidelines. For the veteran, remember how Wooden’s freshmen must have felt. Even those of us who have been at this for a while can sometimes use a refresher.

Introduce yourself often.
You’ll never be their friend if they don’t know who you are. New listeners are sampling your show everyday. People are tuning in and out every few minutes. It’s important that they know your name. It’s just as important that they know the name of your show and your station. When you open the mic, state the name of the show. Make sure you get the station name and frequency in every break as well. Regular listeners need to know what to write in Arbitron diaries, and new listeners need to know where to find you again.

Time and Temp.
There are two things on almost every one of your listeners’ minds.

1. Am I late?
2. Do I need a jacket or umbrella?

It may sound simple, but people want to know what the weather is going to be like and what time it is. You can’t give too many time checks. Work to perfect the short, conversational forecast. Slip it in wherever you can. Try to relay the info like you would if someone on the street asked you about the weather, not like a meteorologist. "Plenty of sunshine today, great day to be outside. The high is only going to be about 70. Right now it’s 62, let’s check traffic with Windy Lane, Windy…"

Be prepared!
You can’t expect to walk into the studio, open the mic and be brilliant. Without preparation, you’ll never be you best. Preparation is what turns talent into brilliance. Even Michael Jordan had to practice and breakdown film. Watch the evening news, read local papers, find out what people will be talking about. Plot your course. See what prizes are available and plan your contests. We’ll spend more time on show prep another day, but know that it is as basic as Wooden’s socks.

Be yourself.
The best way to endear yourself to your audience is to "be real". If you’re funny, be funny. If you’re warm and fuzzy, be warm and fuzzy. But don’t try to be something you’re not. The days of "Joe Radio" are gone. You don’t have to sound like a radio announcer and you don’t have to spit out one liners like an Uzi with a jammed trigger. Forced humor isn’t funny. Just share your life with people. Talk about your family, your kids, your trip to the beach or last week’s sermon. Treat the audience like a friend. One of the best tips I ever heard on this topic was attributed to Tom Joiner. When asked how he felt speaking to such a vast audience, Tom is quoted as saying, "…they all listen one at a time." Picture one person and speak to them.

Play the hits.
Entertainment is great. Everybody likes the fun and games, but if you work for a music intensive format, people still want to hear music. When people begin to compliment you on that last bit or comment on what a blessing you are to their day, it’s easy to let that overfed ego convince you that you are the star. Reality check, you are the frame, the music is the masterpiece. Just make sure that when you play a song, it’s a hit. Protect your show. The morning show is a place for your heavy rotations, Image Gold and Power recurrents. Don’t let a mediocre song drive your audience away.

Well, that’s enough for now. It’s past my bedtime and I’ve got to crank it all up again before the sunrise in the morning. Have a great show.