Here’s the show prep a true radio personality should bring into the studio before going on the air. A handy checklist for radio DJs and hosts from air talent/morning show consultant Dan O’ you’re a radio host, here’s an incomplete list of what you should bring and what you should NOT bring into the studio prior to your live, personality-oriented radio INTO THE STUDIO- Your own true personality. Not all facets of your personality; you choose which “real” parts of yourself you share with your listeners. But it should be you talking into that microphone, not just some disembodied The sense of excitement you felt the very first time you realized you were about to crack a mic and speak to thousands (or a scores) of Amazement that you get paid for doing this. Not necessarily highly paid, but paid More show prep than you’ll possibly have time At least one thing that you can’t wait to share with your Fear. Not overwhelming fear. If you’re an “old pro,” the fear is buried deep inside you. This is live, and if you’re a true radio personality then you’re going to be taking some chances during the next three or four fear of looking foolish should take a distant back seat to your desire to delight your audience. But it still should be there, BEHIND- The conflict you’re experiencing with your program director, that one salesperson who really drives you Your cell phone. Yeah, I know, there are Important Messages that you just can’t afford to miss. But if during your show you have time to check your phone, there’s a problem with your Your embarrassment over that bit that flopped yesterday. No one in your audience is thinking about it. Why should you?- Your growing doubts about the comedy bit you produced a few days ago and are going to play for the first time today. If it was funny when you recorded (or wrote) it, it’s still funny Your worries about what other people in the building will think about your performance today. Unless they have ratings diaries or PPMs, those people are That gnawing worry about what you’re going to do when you grow up. Trust me; it’ll still be there after your radio disc jockey show is over.