Shrink The Audience

No, this missive isn't about losing audience. Rather, this is about GROWING audience by connecting with an audience of ONE.

As programmers and talent, the key to building a relationship with the listener is communicating to ONE person and NOT thousands.

You remember hearing your favorite personality growing up; he or she was talking to YOU -- not everyone else. Whether it was Cousin Brucie, John Records Landecker, The Real Don Steele or (insert your favorite here), they were doing their show for YOU and no one else.

Air talent (unlike stage actors) must break the "fourth wall," shrink the audience to ONE person and connect directly with that target. You have the unique opportunity to be one with the listener.

You can grab listeners to like you just by showing up. You get them to LOVE you by bonding in a one-on-one relationship. As they say, you get listeners "one at a time."

Accomplish this by telling stories and reducing the "bits" in your show. Also, eliminate those words that build the wall ("everybody," "out there," "where you are") and simply employ the word "you" with intimate regularity.

Deliver content as though the listener is sitting in the control room with you! Eradicate nonsensical language such as "radio" and "station." Your show should be an experience -- and not a box or building.

Doing so as part of your mantra will increase your "Listener Eye Contact," galvanize the relationship with your listener and GROW your brand by connecting with the audience of ONE!