Tips on Presenting a Radio Show
- marcellascraic
- Jan 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 5
1. Prep Your Breaks
Know your talking points before the mic goes live.
Outline intros, outros, and transitions—avoid rambling.
Always know how you’re getting out of a segment.
2. Mic Technique
Position the mic 6–10 inches from your mouth.
I started my radio career with a Rode Mic USB which was easy to use with a great sound.
Speak slightly off-axis to reduce pops and harsh sibilance.
Stay consistent—moving around changes your sound.
3. Voice & Delivery
Talk to one person, not a crowd—it sounds warmer.
Smile when appropriate; it comes through in your voice.
Vary pace and tone to avoid sounding flat.
Slow down—radio rewards clarity.
4. Levels & Awareness
Watch your levels if you can.
Avoid sudden laughs, coughs, or paper shuffling near the mic.
Assume the mic is always hot unless confirmed otherwise.
5. Clean Language
Use clear, conversational phrasing.
Avoid filler words (“um,” “you know,” “like”).
If you stumble, keep going—dead air is worse than a small mistake.
6. Timing Is Everything
Hit posts cleanly—know where vocals start.
Respect clocks, ad breaks, and hard outs.
Keep segments tight; leave listeners wanting more.
7. Transitions & Flow
Set up the next song or segment smoothly.
Tease what’s coming up to keep listeners engaged.
Avoid abrupt topic changes.
8. Interview Technique
Ask open-ended questions.
Let guests finish—don’t step on their answers.
Listen actively; the best follow-ups come from paying attention.
9. Handle Mistakes Gracefully
Minor errors? Ignore them and move on.
Bigger slip? Acknowledge it lightly and recover.
Stay calm—confidence sells recovery.
10. Professional On-Air Habits
Silence phones and notifications.
Keep water nearby (no ice).
Breathe between sentences—radio loves breath control.
11. End Strong
Clear sign-offs.
Tease the next hour or episode.
Thank listeners—make it feel personal.
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