This blog is hard to write tonight simply because we went over soooo much. I guess the main subject we covered during my afternoon at the station was how to create a show that you'd want to listen to- its content. Dice and I had a meeting to kick off the afternoon which went something like this-"content-avoid changing the tone of your voice-buzz-pop culture-some people bring a picture in to talk to-show prep-station breaks*-newsboys switched lead singers..." I didn't get scared until he told me to be aware of my verbal crutch without becoming so obsessed with avoiding it that I am unable to function on-air. Or in general.
?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Being completely new to radio, I don't have to tell you that I had absolutely no idea where to focus after our little chat about show content. Thank goodness for assignments. :) Dice gave me a spreadsheet and had me come up with two hours worth of breaks (that would be the time in between songs when DJ's chat it up) focusing on four-ish content areas: Buzz, News, Music, Life. I had ten slots to fill on my spreadsheet, although two were already set aside for the Buzz Cuts. At first, this was incredibly difficult. I sat there for a few minutes wondering what I could possibly have to talk about that would be worth listening to and whether or not I would sound like an idiot. Then I picked a person to talk to and it got a little easier after that (thanks, Emi!). I was feeling pretty good on top of it after Dice looked it over--and then he mentioned that during my weekend shows, I will do 80 breaks. Wow. When you put it into numbers like that, it's just...overwhelming. But exciting. I found myself watching my kids play tonight and laughing at their antics and thinking "Show Prep!" You're going to have to wait until my show to hear the hockey puck/bee story, though.
Knowing what to talk about before you actually say anything out loud is pretty important. My audience is you. As in one person. To me, that's the key. Talking to you as though we're sitting in the living room (or preferably on the front porch) talking about our lives. Dice warned me about getting caught up in creating a radio personality. Apparently, they chose me because they like the personality I already have. And yet somehow I think I may have to actually practice being myself. So strange. :)
After our meeting and my show prep exercise, I got to spend some time watching Josh do a little voice-tracking (recording). I also discovered an entire side of the builiding (literally. Like an entire hallway and rooms) I didn't know existed until today. He made the whole DJ thing look a lot easier, even if I was surrounded by a bunch of equipment I didn't understand. He makes that look pretty easy too.
The equipment is a little scary, but mostly it's just really...cool. I have no idea how to use it or what most of it even does, but I am really looking forward to understanding the technical side of radio.
I've come to the conclusion that this radio thing is going to be pretty easy when it comes to the talking. It'll take me a little while to get comfortable in front of a mic, but I talk a lot anyway. I usually have a harder time getting myself to let someone else get a word in than I do thinking of things to say.
This post is pretty long-winded, so despite the fact that I could continue for another thousand words or so, I'll close with our Radio Lingo of The Day (the little phrased asterisked in the second paragraph):
A station break refers to a break in which I will focus on Fuse-related information like skate nights, upcoming concerts, and other fun events. For example, next Saturday Clare is continuing their annual Irish Festival with theIrish Festival Parade. Look for me on the back of a convertible and come say hi! :)
Picture me saying that out loud, and you've got a station break. I think. The definition came from Dice himself, so I can only assume that he knows what he's talking about.
See you Friday!!!!
Haha, anytime Colette! :)
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