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Tommy Kramer has spent over 35 years in radio as an on-air talent, Programmer, and Talent Coach, and has worked with over 100 stations in all formats, specializing in coaching morning team shows. He was elected to the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2003. Contact
Tommy Kramer Coaching Tips
The oddest thing seems to be
happening both on TV and in radio these days. The phony, insincere,
pukey deejay delivery is rearing its ugly head ...
(read more - Tip #1) |
"See" It, Then Hear It" Tommy Kramer Coaching Tip #2 (listen to the MP3 audio version of #2 by clicking here) A lot of Program Directors, in trying to coach an Air Talent, jump too quickly to the second phase of coaching -- getting an aircheck, playing samples of "things done wrong," and making the process an uneasy one for the Talent right off the bat. No "foreplay." I think the first step in Coaching is to just talk with the Talent about the aspect that needs the most work first, citing useful examples and soliciting input (through questions) and giving (if needed) examples of steps that could improve the performance--without playing tape. Then, after reaching some "common ground" on what the issue is--and this could actually take days or weeks--move on to actually hearing tape to illustrate improvement, or lack of it. Sometimes it's easier for the Talent to "agree in principle" on something without the "in your face" challenge of the PD playing and critiquing a tape right off the bat (and in some cases, rewinding it and playing parts of it again and again--in effect, rubbing the Talent's face in it). This gives him some ownership and partnership in the process, so through discussion, he can come to consider himself a partial "authority" on whatever might need some polishing. Then, he can "warm up" to the idea of hearing some tape....maybe even point out himself--before the PD does--that he still needs to work on something. You'd be surprised how many times you'll hear, "Yep, there I'm doing it again....." from the Talent. Look, coaching and critiquing are two different things. Anyone with a decent radio background can critique a tape. But coaching is about helping the talent become truly interesting and entertaining, not just polished and professional, and about motivating the talent to be willing to try some different things. © 2006 Tommy Kramer
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