The top 20 attributes of a great radio presenter - John Simons

John Simons talks about the top 20 attributes of a great radio presenter. Next Radio is the radio ideas conference, held every year in London. Visit next.radio to join our newsletter, see more videos and discover more.

[@dagwould]

So good that you mention talking one-to-one. When I started on-air our station manager talking to a bunch of newbies advised that when you talk, talk to a close friend who you've not seen for a few years: this makes you intimate and personal but not overly familiar.
This also requires a few language tricks. For example you don't say 'some listeners might have entered this competition". Instead, talking to only one person, you say: 'You might have entered the competition, if so, we'll be drawing it ....But...if you haven't ring us now on [phone number].
I find the same habit works in live presentations or public speaking. It really gives you a warmth that the anonymizing 'hello everyone' really destroys and makes you instantly remote from the audience...which is a collection of individuals.

[@keirwells4846]

Thanks so so much for this video and the fabulous attributes. At 61yo, I have just started in radio, hosting a three-hour sixties program. With no mentoring at all at our station, this is precisely the great advice I’m looking for. Rock on!

[@AtsitsaGoWest]

Me too. I am 68 and have just begun presenting my own show on local radio. It is my first time and I have zero experience. Now the learning begins.

[@SheridanVoysey]

Great. I’m amazed at how many presenters forget that idea of speaking to just one person. The bigger the station the bigger the temptation to forget, I think.

[@dagwould]

Talking heads on TV do the same thing, it reduces their professionalism instantly and they come across like sophomores on the College radio, more impressed with themselves than the viewer (or listener).

[@Beautiful2219]

Amazing 💚 and thank you 😊 💯

[@TheAshishDdaviddShow]

Wonderful. Loved it. Also it wasn’t too long. Thanks. You added value to my life.

[@millbrand]

Wise words

[@Findingwisdomtv]

Thank you

[@gbtownsend8624]

Good video thanks john

[@waynemckay100]

Fantastic

[@Stopdrinkingexpert]

Good video John

[@selamawitmuluneh3742]

thank u

[@Joyie7star]

Wow

[@AtsitsaGoWest]

Very usefil video. Personally I would put 'Being your authentic self' at number one. This was kind of alluded to in trait 19.