The whole concept of subtlety seems to have died out in the back yard, because no one heard it scratching against the door.
Go to “Catch and Release”, like in fishing. You catch a Moment, then you let it go. Trying to reach a second Moment is too far a “reach” for most air talents. We’re not stand-up comedians, who work tirelessly on “constructs” where each step leads to another one.
Louis C. K. talks often about George Carlin’s process of writing for a special, then tossing that material out, which shocked Louis. He felt like “I’ve worked for 14 years to get this one hour of good stuff. How do you just throw that away?!”
Over time (and mustering up all his courage), he learned that you have to clear the slate to open up the mental space to create more.
Radio’s not really the medium for that “Construct” formula anyway. Quick hits, then movement, define great radio.
I hear so many shows that sound like the people in the studio are having a good time, but like kids at recess, they don’t want to come back into the classroom and settle down.
Catch, then Release. Stop hanging onto a falling satellite. Your listeners will really appreciate it.
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Tommy Kramer
Talent Coach
214-632-3090 (iPhone)
e-mail: coachtommykramer@gmail.com
Member, Texas Radio Hall of Fame
© 2016 by Tommy Kramer. All rights reserved.