The “glue” between the songs can be your winning edge. The just-released Jacobs Tech Survey 2025 says air personalities continue to outscore music as a main reason for listening. Air personalities are unique. No one would enjoy hearing the same cookie-cutter talent on the air on every station. But there are some traits all the best personalities share. The most important are highlighted below:
1. Self Confidence. The best personalities know they are talented and believe they belong on the air. Without this healthy ego, on-air performance would suffer from self-doubt and hesitation. The best talents understand what they are doing, and they do it well.
2. Purpose. Though the top personalities are familiar with the station’s mission and strive to help achieve it, they also have their sense of purpose. It might be something simple like entertaining their listeners every day, or it could be as involved as becoming the personality with the most personal interaction in the local community.
3. Focus and Awareness. The best work hard and are aware of everything going on around them. Meticulous about being prepared for their show, they often think in their daily lives, “Could this be used on air?”
4. Sunny Side Up. No one wants to listen to negativity. The best personalities have a positive outlook. They are happy and approachable, and they truly care that others like them. This is essential in creating a lasting relationship with listeners who tune in daily to hear their show.
5. Sense of Humor. The ability to find what is amusing about almost everything, including oneself, is also an important trait. Being able to share the fun with listeners is essential. The best morning shows are fun and funny.
6. Curiosity. This is a necessary trait for being the best air personality possible. Ask questions, acquire more knowledge and information, and share with listeners daily. When is the new Trader Joe’s opening up in town?
7. Life Experience. The best talents don’t just sit behind the mic. They get out in public and gain experience that translates to knowledge about a broad range of topics to connect with many different listeners. The best also read, watch TV, surf the Internet, and submerse themselves in what’s going on in the world.
8. Succinct Communication. Getting the point across with as few words as possible is necessary for radio personalities. No one “hums” the DJ. What a disc jockey who strives to be better says in three sentences, a good talent says in two, and a great personality can speak with a single line!
9. Passion. If a talent doesn’t love what they do, the audience will feel it and never connect with them. The best personalities are emotional, demonstrative, and passionate individuals. Listeners love hearing their relatable, upbeat stories.
In summary, personality is paramount. Programmers should recruit and groom creative, passionate talents who sound interesting and relish sounding great. They should review their air performances often and provide help. They should establish a climate of improvement and provide the necessary tools to complete the job.
John Lund will speak at NAB Las Vegas on April 6. Don’t miss his presentation on “Talent Development & Managing Talent Across Platforms.” If you want to meet with John at the NAB, email [email protected].
