Radio resolution #3: Editing

One of the cardinal rules of radio presentation is that nothing you say can't be made better by using fewer words. So how do we do that? Here are a few ideas....

• Listen back to your breaks. Write out every word you say. Then edit the break. You'll start to actually SEE and HEAR where you can use words and phrases more powerfully and effectively.
• Stop using the words "I" and "ME". Start using the words "you", "we" and "us". Talk to the audience, in the language of the audience, about the audience. Not about yourself.
• Cut to the chase by avoiding long set ups. Just do it.
  
• Once you have made your point, leave it alone. Move on.
• Understand the art of the "Mulligan". "Mulligan" is a golf word which means "do over". In our voice track shows we have every opportunity to "take a Mulligan". We don't do it nearly often enough. I would suggest that before you upload a break you listen back to it, and if you know you can do it better........do it better!! Take a "Mulligan".
  
• Put yourself on the clock. Watch the actual length of your break. How many seconds did it take you to make your point?

When it comes to editing there are lots of tricks you can use. As you start to work at this, you'll discover some of your own. Let me know as you do.