…and Transform Every Performance
How do you turn great talent into superstars across every media platform? At the recent NAB Convention, media strategist John Lund delivered a dynamic session packed with real-world strategies that help talented professionals level up every show, podcast, and broadcast.
Practical Show Improvements
John revealed five powerhouse moves you can put into action immediately to take your show to the next level:
1. Prep Like a Pro – Every Single Show
Preparation is the #1 game-changer. Customize your prep style, but never skip it. Top talents use their daily prep planner to map out every show. Focus on the Top 3 stories that will impact your audience the most. What’s happening in your market today that your listeners can’t stop talking about? Know it, own it, and weave it through your show. Your prep is the blueprint for building unforgettable content.
2. Be Brilliant — and Brief
In today’s fast-paced world, less is more. According to Nielsen, the average listener sticks around for just 10 minutes at a time. That’s your window — make it count! Deliver your strongest, sharpest content without the filler. Focus on impact, not length.
3. Leave Them Hungry for More
Always close your segments on a high note. Give your audience a reason to come back. Whether it’s a teaser, a cliffhanger, or an irresistible sense of “what’s next,” leaving listeners wanting more keeps them connected and loyal.
4. Promote What’s Coming — Before the Break
Before you hit the stopset, prime your audience for what’s next. A quick tease of upcoming content keeps your flow tight and your audience curious. Building anticipation is a master skill — and it’s how you hold their attention through commercial breaks.
5. Grab Attention — Fast!
You’ve got eight seconds — that’s it. You need to sizzle right out of the gate.
National icons like Sean Hannity and Dave Ramsey do it brilliantly — and you can too. Start every show and every break with energy, passion, and a hook that listeners can’t ignore.
The key to show preparation is to “know the room” (the target audience). Know their age, gender, educational background, where they live and work, what they watch on TV, and what social media they use.
Preparation requires knowing your station’s brand, what it is known for, why listeners come to it, and their expectations. On-air hosts must understand both the target audience and the station’s brand.
For prep, relevancy is essential. A funny story from Florida or overseas is irrelevant to someone living in your coverage area. For familiarity, local stories resonate with our listeners because they also experience them daily. Filter your show prep through the lens, “What does this content mean to our listeners?” It’s common for “grab and read” talent show prep that says the story’s origin. Instead, apply the “local” filter.
Bottom line: The key to success is being stimulating, from start to finish. Prep smart. Be concise. Create curiosity. Promote ahead. Spark attention immediately. Turn every broadcast into a performance your audience can’t wait to hear again.
Great talents engage their listeners from the first few words and give them a reason to keep paying attention. Attention spans are getting shorter.
