There’s a common misconception that all radio presenters love the sound of their own voice.
While there are many presenters that have a lot to say, those that are criticised as loving their own voice probably don’t hear it that often, because when you’re actually speaking into a microphone you’re not listening to what you are saying as such, it’s all in your head.
And too many presenters avoid listening back to their shows, sometimes due to an arrogant belief that they don’t need to, but often because they don’t really like the sound of their own voice at all.
Those two excuses are among the most compelling reasons why they should make an effort to listen back to their shows. They are the one listener that they should not ignore!
When I started out on hospital radio as a teenager, I had a Kent accent, but I didn’t realise that until I listened back to my own shows. I didn’t like it.
With perseverance I lost my accent and developed a standard southern sound, which would work well when I got my first professional gig – in Newcastle!
More importantly, in those early days and throughout my career I heard myself doing things that I found irritating- that would also potentially irritate listeners. I was able to lose those bad habits.
Throughout most of my 30 years in professional radio I also faced the scrutiny of bosses, who would listen through my shows with me and (the good bosses) would give constructive criticism.
These ‘snoop’ sessions as they are called were often not the highlight of the job, but they were one of the most important. They drove me to work harder and be better.
I was lucky, as my bosses have included the likes of Russ Williams, Mark Goodier, and Giles Squire but simply the process of critiquing your own performance or having someone guide you through that is great for personal development.
The process of being ‘snooped’ shouldn’t be painful, it should be about mentorship, guidance, and having an impartial opinion on your improvement.
If you rely on family and friends (or even your colleagues) they are unlikely to be your best critic, and you won’t improve.
For full disclosure, I offer a snoop service where I listen to your show – either with you or without – and give you feedback on how to make it better. Contact me through the site for more information.
