It’s probably only natural to not want to be coached.  But the air talents I’ve encountered who feel that way (at first) are usually the ones who just don’t see past trying to be funny, or think that “trending” in social media is a goal.  (It’s not.  Connecting with the Listener is.)  And those things will come as a byproduct of your skills improving.

I’ve always seen coaching – at least the way I do it – as being like an acting coach working with actors, and most of the things I teach come from an acting or writing background, in addition to decades of radio experience.  We start with the radio stuff – how to do the “basics” (giving the station’s name, artist info, time, etc.), then, when that’s really solid and varied, it’s all about the Art.

So here’s a lesson: Proximity is the decider of delivery.

Think about it.  Where you “see” the listener being determines how you say something.  If you see me just a couple of feet away from you in my car, that’s one thing.  If you picture me as 10 feet away in an office full of noise, that’s different.  Or maybe you picture me driving in traffic with my head on a swivel, trying not to get killed by some clod with his ear buds in, yakking on the phone while he eats a breakfast burrito.  (You may need to talk louder.)

If you don’t know, make it up.  Give yourself a proximity “setting” that fits what you’re going to talk about.  All of a sudden, you’re not just another “voice saying words” in the background.  You’re talking to me.  Every great talent – and every great station – has this ingredient.