In the last tip, I mentioned one of my earliest mentors, Howard Clark. Howard was part of the original air staff of the legendary KFRC in San Francisco, and later in life returned to his (and my) hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. And believe me, just listening to Howard was a lesson in how there are endless opportunities to do real Content.
Monthly Archives: September 2024
Frost Advisory #732 – Let’s Make Good Programming Decisions, What Do You Say?
I’m often quizzed about the most common challenge in making good programming decisions. My response? Understanding the difference between CORRELATION and CAUSATION. Particularly as it relates to reacting to ratings.
We added a new jingle package and our ratings went up!
We ran that new promotion and our ratings went down.
Continue readingTommy Kramer Coaching Tip #587: Short Breaks MATTER
In a session recently with an air talent on a station my partner John Frost and I both work with, we discussed something “under the radar” for most people on the air. As Frosty put it, “Most air talents think only the longer breaks matter because ‘I get to prepare those.’”
John and I were fortunate in that early in our careers, we had a wonderful mentor named Howard Clark, who showed us what could be done in a short break. Because short breaks matter too. (This became a real strength for each of us, and a staple of what we teach.) Howard could do a killer, genuinely funny line in seven seconds or less. You listened more closely, because you never knew when Howard would say something that would crack you up – or at least, make you pay attention.
Since you probably never heard of Howard Clark, here’s the lesson:
(1) A clever line doesn’t always need a lengthy setup.
(2) Just your tone of voice can connect with the listener. It’s the mindless “read” that simply passes by unnoticed.
My thought? Until you master the art of having short breaks be an opportunity to inform or entertain, you’re not a complete air talent.
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Tommy Kramer
Talent Coach
214-632-3090 (mobile)
e-mail: coachtommykramer@gmail.com
Member, Texas Radio Hall of Fame
© 2024 by Tommy Kramer. All rights reserved.
Frost Advisory #731 – A Better Version Of Ourselves
The turning of the calendar to September welcomes new seasons in our lives.
It could be college football season. Or pumpkin spice latte season. Or back to school season.
And, of course, there is the political season. One that can seemingly bring out the worst in us. Even with our friends.
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