Lecture Five: Sound

I do listen to the radio, but not as often as I'd like, especially after I had listened to this lecture, or rather, these very informative conversations conducted between Carmel and Richard, and Carmel and Steve. Richard and Steven are both presenters at ABC Radio, and have been working in the industry for some time. For Richard it happened accidentally and for Steve it was the result of a lot of effort and hard work, but both seem to enjoy their experience in radio equally.

Radio is a completely unique medium. It's intimate and personal, unlike television or newspapers where it is plain to see it's for a mass market. Even though radio is delivered with the intention of reaching many people, it can still feel like it's almost people talking to you, but inside your head. There are no visual distractions, only sound. This personalised feel to radio is on purpose; a radio presenter is always mindful that they're speaking for the listener, not just spouting out what they want in the hope it will appeal to the audience. The audience must always be in the forefront of their mind and the cause of their actions.

Radio continues to be delivered successfully, even though it has been much the same for decades. It's because it is a valuable source of information and entertainment for the time poor, and it can be easily integrated with other media externally, like Twitter, text messages, forums or podcasts.

Despite its universal appeal, speaking on radio can be difficult to master. Enunciated is critical, and if for a moment you are fake on radio, it's obvious. There isn't body language or other visuals to distract the listener, there is only your voice. You also need to keep control of the conversation, without smothering the other person in the studio. Allowing them to speak is important, because you can make a really emotional and subconscious connection with that speaker, however you still need to be mindful to steer them back on topic if they get distracted.

After listening to the lecture, my interest in the field of radio has risen. After all, I do like to talk. I just need to be mindful that if I ever was to be in radio, I'd be talking for an audience, not for me.