Hey there,

Are you wondering how smart speakers work? Or how to make your radio station available to smart speaker users?

Grab a seat or an aguas frescas because…

This article has all the facts you’ve been looking for!

But first, the intro:



Here are some interesting stats:

In 2018, 26.2% of the adult population in the US (that’s 66.4 million) owned a smart speaker –based on research by Voicebot and Vocify.

Amazon Echo devices hold a 61% share in the [US smart speaker market in 2019](https://voicebot.ai/2019/03/07/u-s-smart-speaker-ownership-rises-40-in-2018-to-66-4-million-and-amazon-echo-maintains-market-share-lead-says-new-report-from-voicebot/).  Google Home clinches the second spot at 23.9%. And other smart speaker brands like Apple HomePod, SonosOne, and Harman Kardon Invoke have a collective share of 15%.

This begs the lead question:

**Why are smart speakers so popular?** – (considering that they have been in existence for less than 5 years)

Easy:

I bet you’d also love a speaker that you can ask random questions; like what’s the capital city of São Tomé and Prínciple (which happens to be São Tomé).

Streaming music straight to a speaker from services such as Spotify, or listening to thousands of free internet radio streams, are also great incentives.

Would you like a dedicated personal assistant that provides weather updates, sets timers, dims lights & orders pizza?

Did I hear a resounding yes?

That’s what I thought, and these smart devices can do a plethora of other tasks:

## **What are smart speakers?**

They are compact, wireless & internet-enabled speakers that can carry out voice commands, and are usually activated by saying a wake word also called a “Hot word.” For instance, “Hey Alexa. Hey Google. Hey Siri. Hey Cortana” 

### What are their main components?

Here are features common to smart speakers:

- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Bluetooth connectivity – allowing them to play audio from your mobile device or laptop, or stream music from the speaker to another Bluetooth speaker
- Companion app that you first install on smartphones or computer to control the speaker
- Voice service, for example, Amazon Echo speakers connect to the Alexa Voice Service, which processes the commands given by the user. Yes, the smart speaker’s brain is on a remote server and not on the device itself.
- Compact and portable so you can move them from room to room
- Line-out 3.5mm cable
- In-built speakers & subs
- Can control other smart devices
- And some have chargeable batteries

### How do they work?

A smart speaker is always on, listening to the background chatter or noise as it awaits its wake word. Once it hears, “Hey Alexa or Okay Google,” it records what you tell it.

Your voice is saved as a recording sent to a remote server for analysis and interpretation. A response is sent back, and the smart speaker fulfills the command.

### What are voice assistants? 

It’s a virtual voice-controlled assistant that interprets speech queries and responds in its synthesized voice.

They are also called smart assistants or AI assistants. Besides smart speakers, you’ll find these smart AIs on smartphones, TVs, cars, computers, laptops, etc.  

## **Adding your radio station to Smart Speakers:**

### **Via TuneIn**

TuneIn has grown to be the most known radio and podcast directory in the world. They have over 100,000 radio stations.

They also have a paid service, TuneIn Live not to be confused with their free service TuneIn Radio.

Is your radio on TuneIn Radio? If so, your station is on pretty much all the smart speaker platforms.

**If not, unfortunately, they stopped adding stations to their directory via their online form as from May 31, 2018. But it can’t hurt to inquire and prove your case on why they should add your station. Check this** [**link for more details**](https://help.tunein.com/where-is-the-add-station-form--r19jJ_ajz?isbroadcaster=true)**.** 

And where can you find [TuneIn Radio](https://help.tunein.com/categories/home-devices-BkOMkMaDz):

- Sonos – the TuneIn app comes pre-installed
- Amazon Alexa – Listeners can access your station without configuring anything. They just say, “Alexa, play [station’s name].”
- Google Assistant
- Microsoft’s Cortana smart speakers, for instance, Harman Kardon Invoke
- Roku wireless speakers

Before we move on, here is a great video by Craig Tech Talk that that shows how to access TuneIn radio stations on Amazon Echo.

[![YOUTUBE VIDEO](https://yt-embed.herokuapp.com/embed?v=OXC__z_H-C8)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXC__z_H-C8 "Amazon Echo")

And if you like this video, see more Amazon echo videos on [Craig's awesome tech echo playlist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2w9pRtcos0&list=PLuT2DqGFoFPTp7Pjb7ph5SKb37gENateo).

Great! Let’s move along:

## **Adding your station to different smart speaker models**

I’ll first give a little intro on each brand. Then tell how to get your station on it:

## **Amazon**

Amazon’s reign in the smart speaker market started in 2014 when it availed the 1st generation Amazon Echo to Prime subscribers.

It was then launched officially on June 23, 2015, in the US. The Echo had been in development since 2011.

Since then, Amazon has sold over 100 million Alexa devices. eMarketer reported [that 66.6 percent of all](https://www.emarketer.com/content/amazon-echo-share-will-drop-below-two-thirds-in-2019) smart speakers sold in the US (year 2018) were Amazon devices.

#### **Is Amazon Echo the company’s only smart speaker model?**

Currently, in its 2nd Generation, the Echo has numerous siblings including the Echo Dot,  Echo Plus, Echo Show (featuring a screen), Echo Auto – for vehicle dashboards), Echo Look (a virtual stylish assistant with a camera that sees what you’re wearing and offers an opinion), and the Echo Wall Clock.

What do we see here? The fast proliferation of smart speakers.

AI robots taking over the world!

#### **A closer look at how Alexa works:**

Out of the box, the smart assistant is capable of setting alarms & timers, having a chat, controlling the speaker’s volume, etc.

To extend its capabilities, users have to enable "skills." It’s kind of the same process as installing a bunch of apps from an app store.

Skills are developed by third-party vendors. And you can also develop your own skills – though it requires coding. But you can avoid coding by using templates, which we’ll talk about later.

To install new skills on Amazon smart speakers, users typically use the companion app available on the Apple App Store & Google Play.

In fact, install the Alexa app right now on your phone and start using it.

“Yeah, I am waiting for you to install it so that we move on… (that is if you don’t have it installed)”

Right after you install it, search for skills from different vendors and install them. As an exercise search and get the myTuner Radio skill.

### How to add your station to Amazon Alexa?

#### **Option 1: Through TuneIn**

We’ve talked about this option. To find a station, all a listener has to say is, “Alexa, play [station name] on TuneIn.”

But if your radio is not on TuneIn, and since they are not accepting any new stations, fear not, there is another alternative:

[![YOUTUBE VIDEO](https://yt-embed.herokuapp.com/embed?v=84B9KPnHZJg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84B9KPnHZJg "How to Get Your Favorite Radio Station on Alexa")

#### **Option 2: myTuner Radio App**

You’re in luck. The myTuner skill is the second-best way to add your station to Alexa devices. And if your radio is not yet on myTuner, you can submit it [through this link](https://mytuner-radio.com/broadcasters/new-broadcaster/).

Prompt your users to install the myTuner skill. To access your radio, all they have to is say “Alexa, ask myTuner Radio to play [your station's name].”

New exercise:

Don’t take my word for it, since you have the myTuner skill installed ask for radio. Seeing is believing!

#### **Option 3: Develop your own Alexa skill**

Several radio stations have built their own skills, which allow the user to listen to their stream and perform more functions unique to that skill – like receiving hourly news flash. Like other skills, the listener has to enable it first.

It’s essential to note that skills have to be hosted online as web services, just like websites.

Amazon allows you to build and host your skill using third party vendors. Or host your skill using the AWS Lambda service, Amazon’s paid service where users pay for the computing time they use.

Note that initially deploying skills using [AWS Lambda service](https://aws.amazon.com/lambda/pricing/) is free for up to a million requests.

Next, let’s tackle the pressing challenge: **How do you build a skill?**

You do so from Amazon’s [developer center](https://developer.amazon.com/alexa-skills-kit/design). Now, this requires you to know how to write programming code.

But I don’t know how to code you may say:

Well, no worries.

Here are excellent resources that will teach you how to create an Alexa Skill: 

**Tutorial 1:** [Create an Alexa skill in 5 minutes with standard library](https://hackernoon.com/create-an-alexa-radio-skill-in-5-minutes-with-standard-library-and-nodejs-93dc32b08c42)

**Tutorial 2:** The best resource I found was from Dabble Lab. The company builds custom skills for their clients but are generous with their knowledge.

They offer video tutorials along with code templates explaining what’s going on, and how to customize things:

[View all templates:](https://skilltemplates.com/templates/)

Video to get started:

[![YOUTUBE VIDEO](https://yt-embed.herokuapp.com/embed?v=-2Q0s9o_Hd0)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2Q0s9o_Hd0 "Build an Alexa Audio Streaming Skill")

## **Sonos**

Getting started with a Sonos speaker was designed to be as quick & simple as possible. 

The user downloads the Sonos Controller app on their computer or smartphone device and links it to their speaker through their home wireless network. And adding more speakers is effortless.

The great thing about Sonos is its compatibility with several smart assistants for voice control. Some of their speakers ship with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

#### **So how do you add your station to Sonos?**

Well, TuneIn comes pre-installed on Sonos speakers.

Listeners can find stations to listen to, directly from the Sonos companion app. But what if your radio is not on TuneIn?

#### **Option 1: Adding a custom stream**

Users can add custom radio station streams using the Sonos desktop controller for PC or Mac.

The steps include:

1. Find the station’s public stream URL – it has to be an ACC, WMA or MP3 format
2. On the desktop companion app select “Manage”
3. Enter the station’s URL and name
4. The new custom radio stream is listed under Radio by TuneIn > My stations

You may include these steps on your website to show listeners how to add your station to their custom stations list.

At this rate your website could use a new page – call it “**Devices**” and describe how listeners can find you on different smart speaker platforms.

#### **Option 2: Through Radio.net**

What is Radio.net? It’s an internet radio directory with over 30,000 radio stations. Sono users can add Radio.net as a music service.

If your radio is not yet on TuneIn, learn how you can submit it to Radio.net through [this page](https://corporate.radio.net/broadcasters/). 

## **Final words**

Stay tuned for a future update of this post as we discover more ways to add your radio station to other smart speakers.



And if your radio needs a great platform to call home, choose CloudRadio. 



We built a solid platform for serious radio broadcasters. And we have been in business for over 10 years.



If you’re a new age broadcaster and need a complete online platform to run your radio station, try our solution.

**Till next time,
Happy broadcasting!**

Most users buy smart speakers to listen to music, talk shows, news etc. There are crusical for online radio streams. Learm how to add your radio station to smart speakers.

How to add radio station on smart speakers

Hi there –

Are you looking for a new audio mixer for your radio station/podcast/home studio?

Good job on working towards a more professional audio setup!

Buying should be fun. But it’s often not all fun & games with so many models to choose from, so many things to consider, pitfalls right and left, negative reviews…can you relate? 



These reasons inspired today’s post.

We’ll look at 7 things that you should consider before you say, “this is the radio station mixer I want in my life!”

It’s a labor of love. And we want you to have the best audio broadcast mixer, and have a grand time making grand radio content!

Just 7 minutes of your time and you’ll be a pro at this:

## Radio Broadcast Mixer: What is it:

![Analogue-mixer.jpg](https://strapi.hnux.com/uploads/Analogue_mixer_b76469d2e3.jpg)

A board with many knobs, faders, and confusing inputs to hook up stuff, is what it appears to be when you first set your eyes upon it.

Then all of a sudden you realize that you have to learn all about the numerous controls. Say hello to anxiety.

Relax…

Figuring out how a mixer works is easy as eating lemon pie.

A mixer does one basic function. It mixes things.

Well not things. It combines and processes multiple audio input signals. Its many knobs and faders are used to change the dynamics e.g. its loudness, EQ, and other properties of the sound

A mixer also allows you to route a signal i.e. redirect signals to other equipment.

Do you really need an audio broadcast mixer?

Just a second, some peeps confuse a mixer with an audio interface. The latter is the machine for you if you need a simple set up, may be two mics, and you don’t need features such as EQ, faders, advanced routing or mixing…

Example of an audio interface:

![Audio-interface.jpg](https://strapi.hnux.com/uploads/Audio_interface_7416e4f8fb.jpg)

## Digital broadcast mixers vs. Analogue broadcast consoles

You’re probably thinking that the digital way is the best way to go when choosing a broadcast mixer.

But when it comes to audio mixers, analogue mixers sit at the king’s table ruling over the broadcasting sphere, and they have been since the early 20th century.

Digital mixers, on the other hand are newbies, invented in the 1990s.

Something to keep in mind is that both digital and analogue mixers are capable of transmitting high-quality sound.

### **So what’s the real difference between them?** 

Well, analogue mixers use analog circuitry, and have their functions hard-wired to specific hardware components. For instance, each input is matched to one channel (a group of buttons, knobs, faders, inputs arranged in one strip)

Just by looking at the mixing console you can see and access all your settings.

Using analogue mixers tends to be easy. All it takes is to master one analog console.

Routing is easy and there are cheaper to purchase. So there is a lot going on for them.  

Digital mixers rely on digital processing chips, which turn them into some sort of computers. The BEHRINGER 32 A- A-B Box X32PRODUCER – digital mixer.

![Digital-mixer.jpg](https://strapi.hnux.com/uploads/Digital_mixer_0f2b17cbcc.jpg)

Their main selling point is that controls, inputs, outputs, faders and other components, are programmable, which ensures flexibility.

They are also more compact than analog mixers because they can have more inputs than channels physically present on the board.

So the size of the board can be smaller than for the same number of channel you can get in an analog mixer.

You can save your settings and recall them. They also have built in effects, while for most analogue mixers, you’d need separate effect processors.

The way you control them is also varied. You could use the physical controls on the board.
Some have touch screens, Ethernet interface, Wi-Fi connectivity, motorized faders, DAW control, remote control via an iPad/iPhone, etc.

But one reason why they are not so common has to do with price. An entry option goes for $500, of which the options are few, while most go for over $1000.

A digital studio mixer could go for as much as $4,000.

Moving along, what should you consider when buying an audio broadcast mixer.

Consider these tips: 

## 1. How many Inputs/outputs do you need? 

Easy:



First ask:



“How many mics do I plan to buy?” It will depend on the number of guests or co-hosts on your shows.



There are two mic options: USB and XLR mics.



Shaking your head. Don’t! They are quite easy to understand. A USB mic has a USB output. You can connect it to your computer directly.



[XLR professional mics](https://www.cloudrad.io/best-radio-microphones/) have connectors as shown here.

![XLR_and_Mini_XLR.jpg](https://strapi.hnux.com/uploads/XLR_and_Mini_XLR_ec1b706c23.jpg)



[Condenser XLR mics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphone) have to be powered. And this power is supplied by the mixer in most cases.



So the audio radio station mixer you buy has to have the right number of XLR inputs and phantom power +48v if you use condenser mics.



Similarly, mics require pre-amps (pre amplifiers) to boost up their low output signal to line level, or clean it up so that it sounds better.  



This is where you have to be careful.



Check what kind of mic you have, whether it needs phantom power or not, and to what level must its signal be pre-amplified.



Some mixers have built in pre-amps. Alternatively, you can get an inline pre-amp device or an audio interface to boost your signals to line level.



For broadcasting needs, you’ll definitely need a mixer with a USB port to send your audio straight to your PC.



To recap:

- Does the mic require a pre-amp?
- Does the mic require phantom power?
- Does the mixer have a pre-amp?
- How many mic inputs does it have?
- How many with phantom power?
- How many line level inputs are available?
- Does it have a 3.5mm jack for connecting your phone or music player?



## 2. Price – though, go first class when you can

How much are you willing to spend on a brand new broadcast mixer.



Well, don’t just think of spending the least amount of money possible.


If you can go first class, get something that down the road you’d be proud of.


See, a broadcast mixer is something you’ll have for several years. Some use their mixers for decades on end.



And yeah, quality fetches higher prices on average.



So save up…



Get the best mixer for your price range e.g. from 0-$100, $100 to $200, $200 - $500, $500 -$1000, $1000 to $4000, $4000+



## 3. Appearance – you should love your purchase

Aim to get an audio mixer with a clean and simple layout. One with nicely labelled knobs etc.


Also check the volume display meters. Are they LED, VU meters…



Will you post your new mixing console all over social media? Are you going to fall in love with how it looks?



It seems like something besides the main points, but why should you fork out loads of money on something that doesn’t look as great as you!

## 4. Reviews – what are people saying?

Now, here is where the numerous audio equipment review videos on YouTube can save your skin.



Once you find a mixer you like, probably on Amazon or any site, paste its name on YouTube, and check if it has some reviews there.



Also check the product information listed on the vendor’s site, then go further and confirm its details on the manufacturer’s website.



What are the existing users saying about the product? Are the reviews positive? What is the worst review you could find? Is it really reasonable?



Does the company go out of its way to make up for any deficiencies in their product and answer customer queries?



I have to say it but no product is truly perfect that’s why you get updates on your phone. And new models build on the successes and failures of the last release.



Now a story to drive the point home….



A couple of months ago, I was looking to switch my internet provider. The company I was willing to take business to had terrible reviews.



People were saying awful things about them on Facebook.



But they were in the process of upgrading their network.



So I took the plunge. First month, there were three incidents. The internet was out. I was furious. Very angry and feeling dread.



Second month no incident, third no incident, fourth no incident. And half a year later, I am laughing while enjoying terrific speeds at a bearable price.

## 5. Size – If it’s too small, it might be hard to use

You’ll be riding the fader, turning the knobs, and pressing the buttons on your radio station mixer.



Well, that’s what is called ‘driving the desk.’



And you need a nice broadcasting mixer that’s not too small so it’s a pain to use. Nor should it be too large, which can happen with analogue mixers.



The mixer must fit on your broadcasting desk.

## 6. Radio station mixer broadcast features

First off:



Can you use the audio mixer to take calls effortlessly? Some mixers include a telephone hybrid for making and recording calls.



Does it have a cue system, which would allow you to pre-listen to the audio signal before it’s mixed?



Can you trigger sound effects and jingles directly from the mixer? Some digital mixers allow you to do this.



If you’re aiming for the radio sound, you’ll need a compressor and correct EQ settings. 



And it doesn’t have to be a digital mixer; some analogue mixers have on-board compressors and effects, for instance, the Yamaha MG series

### Such an important purchase, deserves your time

Yeah, as you ready yourself to kill this tab, and swoosh off to some other task, consider getting the best radio station mixer for your needs.

You might find yourself outgrowing it quickly if it’s too small or ditching it for some shiny new device, and selling your old mixer for $5 on eBay.

Without further do, I want to invite you to come host your radio on CloudRadio.

We need your business, and we’ll keep your radio going great with up to 320 Kbps streaming on all plans, and loads of other features!

We’re been wowing broadcasters with excellent service for over 10 years.

Are you shopping for a new radio station mixer for your station? Here are our tips on how to get the right one.

Radio station mixer: How to choose one

Radio interviews are great because they birth new & original content.

Getting famous & interesting people through your doors builds up your image and authority.

And don't you love stimulating conversations?

Information is still power – the last time I checked.

So your quest to pull off perfect radio interviews is a truer as a quest can get!

![Radio-podcast-interview.jpg](https://strapi.hnux.com/uploads/Radio_podcast_interview_211291b06d.jpg)

Image by [Michal Dziekonski](https://pixabay.com/users/michasekdzi-16296060/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=5138085)

Before you start reading this post, please tone down any negative mind chatter.

Your little voice or inner speech may be saying:

“Gosh, you’re terribly shy! You’ll never pull this off. You’re easily intimidated, so don’t pursue celebrities! Guests won’t love you. What if you mispronounce words.”

So none of that as we proceed...Nada!

Let positivity be a way of life. “Yes, I’m a **great radio interviewer**. I’m the best.

I can interview the president or any famous cultural icon without breaking a sweat."

Kind powerful words and good vibes…

Okay, you might still be apprehensive about interviewing people on your podcast or radio show...

But there is nothing to be scared about. In fact, there is little that can go wrong during an interview. 

<iframe data-code="yiq2YaKLQvk" data-provider="youtube" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yiq2YaKLQvk?rel=0&amp;modestbranding=0&amp;controls=1&amp;showinfo=1&amp;fs=1&amp;wmode=transparent" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" style="box-sizing: inherit; position: absolute; top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 706.896px; height: 397.625px;"></iframe>

### Few things that can go wrong during an interview

1. The guest might catch a bad case of [Phronemophobia](https://phobia.wikia.org/wiki/Phronemophobia) (fear of thinking) on the interview day. And dodge every question you shoot their way. Or regurgitate that same canned response driving you mad.
2. Equipment failure and mishaps. It is not bad luck when the power goes off for the first time in years, then the backup generator fails. Such things happen.
3. Landing a challenging guest. One who is tough headed. Pushes your buttons. Makes you want to tear the hair roots from your skull. And leaves your mouth gaping like an empty swimming pool.
4. The guest walking out. It is an occupational hazard. You say something unpalatable or go places where you ought not to venture.

The most terrible tragedy would be not delivering a grand informative interview to your listeners. So let’s get to the radio interview tips:   

## **10 Radio Interview Tips**

### **1. Questions – are not your only assets**

Witty questions aren’t everything. Questions are verbal communication, and words alone are not 100% effective.

There is an easy way to think about this. Picture yourself as a miner.

Your miner’s toolbox includes a rock pick, shovel, bucket, gloves, etc.

As an interviewer, you have a plethora of tools including your eye contact, posture, gestures, facial expressions, voice tone & intensity, delivery technique, and etiquette.

Now:

Think of how you can use the sum total of all these to extract valuable information from your guest.

 Did you know that 90% of all communication is nonverbal? 

Click to Tweet

You’re mining for information here! A shovel alone won’t get you far.

### **2. Book your guest early**

As soon as you can is the best time, not a second, minute, or a day later. It's especially true for viral guests who will be sought after immediately as the news breaks.

But in most cases, you’ll have time to select your guests carefully.

I can agree with the statement, “Free time is time wasted.” So book guests as early as possible.

That's because some people have a limited number of interview slots. Once they are fully booked, it’ll be your loss.

Booking early also means more time to mitigate any contingencies. In case a particular guest can't make it, you can move up another interviewee to that slot.

Which also reminds me…

Leading up to the interview day, contact them in scheduled intervals. Leave reasonable gaps, say 7 days, 4 days, 1 day.

You don’t have to pester on and on with the same boring question: “Are you coming?”

Ask how their day is going or the topic of the interview. The weather could slip up, and end by wishing them a good day. 

Just get them thinking of you and the interview. 

### **3. Go for people who truly fascinate you**

For one, it’ll make interviewing them a joy!

If they fascinate you, chances are they will[ thrill your listeners](https://www.cloudrad.io/listener-engagement/). And if you need complete certainty, it helps to find out about your listeners’ interests.

But have an open mind when booking guests. Take a chance on people who are truly beyond you.

Maybe as your popularity grows, they will call and say, “Hi, I'm sorry for snubbing you a couple of months ago. Is the interview slot still up for grabs?” 

Also, have a mix of guests. Frequenters are good, but no one likes to eat the same meal day in day out!

### **4. Make your guest comfortable**

Here is a fact: People talk more when they are comfortable. When they feel safe, they can let out more than they hoped to divulge. And take more risks.

So how do you make someone comfortable around you?

Smile cheerfully to convey that you’re a friend, and looking forward to heartful conversation.

Deliver genuine compliments with a smile. It will boost your likability 100%.

Your guest is bound to have dressed sharply for this moment. So you have no excuse not to say something nice!

And if they are tense or shy, show them that a[ radio studio](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-studio/) is a friendly space.

To top it off, keep your body language positive. Maintain eye contact, and if they don’t like it, be considerate. Be like them by mirroring their expressions, manner of speech, gestures, etc.

### **5. Come prepared**

Are you planning to just wing it?

I have news for you…that’s not a brilliant nor an intelligent plan. But there are a few dos and don’ts to consider before you pour hours into your research.

First, don’t prepare fully worded questions that you plan to recite word for word. You may sound like a rhyming robot. And the interview could take another direction very quickly.

Do plan your talking points. Focus on the main issue of the interview, its goal and ultimate direction. So if the interview goes south, you can steer it back to true north.

Carry out research into your guests with the aim of finding out:

- What are they currently working on?
- Do they have a website or blog?
- How many awards have they won?

Watch or listen to past interviews they have given. And remember to probe a little into their social media accounts.

Researching will make you confident. But it is hard work and you might be tempted to brush it off! Well…

DON’T.

### **6. Ask these quirky original questions – Have some risky fun**

Guests walk off due to inappropriate questions, or should we say, inappropriately asked questions and perceived rudeness from the host!

Well, as the host, you should master the art of tiptoeing on the edge of a boiling cauldron.

So...

Ask fresh questions that guests have not been asked before! Get into the teasing game, it’s jolly fun.

You may be working with pre-approved questions, I know. But still, you can inject a surprise question here and there.

Milk that interesting info that the guest is stubbornly trying to keep! But remember, you always serve your listeners, and shouldn’t be asking questions for your own selfish reasons.

What are listeners are dying to know right now?

### **7. Can they write a book on it?**

Ask radio interview questions that force more than a mere ‘yes’, ‘no’ or an ‘ummm.’

Your questions, if the situation allowed, should have a guest write an essay, chapter or an entire book just to answer it.

Wait…I don’t mean they should talk, talk and talk.

This is radio! We need short snappy replies. 2-3 minutes’ answers - good, 5 minutes or more…someone cut him off, please!

Your radio interview questions should prompt the guest to tell a quick short story. There is this famous short story attributed to Ernest Hemingway, “For Sale,

Baby Shoes, Never Worn.”

Need examples? Great, try these questions:

- What are some of your defining moments in life?
- In 30 seconds or less, tell us what kind of kid you were in high school
- What do you think about this and this issue? 

### **8.Listen first, then talk**

Picture this:

You’ve finally made it and become a celebrity. You’re getting interviewed on how you made it.

But the host seems to have their attention divided, cos as you talk with passion & vigor in your voice, they are:

- Looking down on their smartphones monitoring their Twitter Feed
- Staring out the window – if the studio has one.
- Fidgeting with a fat stack of papers – it bears the questions they plan to pound you with.
- Looking at you, but really, they are looking past you. You can literally see the gears turning in their head. They are probably lining up the next question. Or their mind is not in the same room at all!
- Maybe they cut you off often to talk about their life story or inject some tasteless joke.

Can we agree that such actions are annoying and unprofessional?

So be the ideal host who gives your guests undivided attention. Nod, maintain eye contact, smile and be present.

Interrupt only when it’s appropriate such as when seeking clarity and more understanding.

### **9. Have a title & goal for the interview**

Have a goal, aim or desired outcome for your interview. Some goals could be:

- Educating your listeners by interviewing a medical doctor, lawyer, or nutritionist.
- Inspiring them to believe they can accomplish big dreams by bringing on someone who has overcome great adversity.
- Shocking your listeners to their core.
- Making them laugh.
- Championing a cause such as free speech.
- Getting them excited about sports, politics, etc.

See, don’t invite guests for the sake of having someone to warm that extra seat in your radio or podcast studio. 

It will be much easier if you have a list of objectives you want to accomplish. Then finding the right people that will help you meet these expectations.

Here is what I mean.

Objective: “I want to teach my audience about championing for a cause.” So I'll invite an activist for the free speech movement, animal rights movement, etc.

See…it’s really that easy.

### **10. Let the audience see you**

Have a photo session with your guest. Snap a few pictures for your [radio website](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-websites/) or social media pages. Better yet, record the interview and upload it to your YouTube channel.

Your listeners won’t mind the chance to see you in action. In fact, it builds credibility as people will actually see you right there with the guest.

If it is a Skype call, also figure out how you can obtain your guest’s image. Not to forget, by publishing your interview on multiple platforms you expand your [content’s reach](https://www.cloudrad.io/promote-your-internet-radio-station/).

The audience who listen to the interview, the folks who watch it and those who read it are totally different. In fact, I tune in to these live debates with a couple of live listeners.

But when the show is on [YouTube](https://www.cloudrad.io/broadcast-radio-live-youtube/), after a while, it has garnered tens of thousands of views.

## Learn from greats

Watch how some of the best interviewers pull of great interviews. Most of their techniques are invisible to the naked eye. It’ll require careful observation on your part to uncover their secrets!

1. [Amanpour](https://edition.cnn.com/shows/amanpour)
2. Larry King
3. Oprah
4. Guy Raz
5. Stephen J. Dubner
6. Guy Raz 

Feel free to recommend interviewers that you adore so we can expand this list!

And broadcast the smartest way! 

Looking for new orginial content for your podcast or radio? Have a radio interview. And today we have some great radio interview tips for you!

Radio Interview: Conduct A++ Radio/Podcast Interviews

Figuring out **how to start a radio show**? Relax, because it is so simple!

Why do I sound so confident? Well, thousands of people have done it. And thousands more will do it, including **YOU**.

Plus, we have some great tips in today’s blog post. But first, you must be ready to:

- Put in the work.
- Give it your 100%.
- Never quit so easily, because you’re a fighter!

And with that pep talk, let’s start:



## **What is a radio show?**

It’s an audio program that's broadcasted to live listeners. The listeners tune in to the station via its FM or AM channels, satellite[, online stream player,](https://www.cloudrad.io/autoplay-radio-station/) mobile app, etc.

You can create a radio show that spans one series, particularly if it's associated with an event such as an upcoming Olympics. 

Alternatively, the radio show can have recurring series and go on for many years.

### Can you create a radio show without having a radio station?

There are thousands of online radio stations. Creating a station is easy and quick, and if that is what you’re aiming for, learn [how to create a web radio station](https://www.cloudrad.io/create-internet-radio-station/).

If you plan to create a single radio show that’s anywhere from 5 minutes to 4 hours long, you might have a challenge figuring out where to get it played.

Well, don't worry. We'll also talk about ways you can [distribute your show](https://www.cloudrad.io/upload-radio-podcast-directories/). 

One easy method is turning it into a podcast or even giving it away for free to internet radio stations that are always on the lookout for new content to entertain their listeners & fill up the broadcast day. 

### Am I qualified to create a radio show?

Yes, you are!

**“What if I have a terrible voice!”**

It doesn’t matter. You only need to have a[ clear voice ](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-voice/)and be well understood by listeners. The content of your show and its entertainment value comes first.

**"What if I don't have any technical experience?"**

Producing a radio show has certainly become easier thanks to modern technology. You don't need a dedicated radio studio with microphones, mixers, monitoring speakers, etc.

You can record your show using a cheaply obtained [USB microphone](https://www.cloudrad.io/best-radio-microphones/) or even your smartphone's microphone. But better equipment will make your show more professional. 

With the internet and all the information at your fingertips, it's easy to play the role of the researcher, fact-checker, and writer.

People need to be entertained and informed. You can also change lives with your radio show. Inspire future generations, teach a valuable skill, and empower. 

### Who is my target audience?

In your mind, you should picture your ideal listener. Let's assume that our radio show will be a series titled: *“**Avocado the Royal Magical Fruit**.”*

For the Avocado series, the ideal listener maybe someone passionate about improving their health. They might be trying to exercise more, frequent the gym, or reduce their meat consumption. 

It's vital to form an image of your ideal listener.

Before creating your show, take a moment, and research with the aim of finding out more about your target audience. 

**Also:**

Find out what your target listeners know about your topic? Is it next to nothing or a lot?

Examine the information and shows about your topic. Stay updated by offering your listeners the most recent information. 

Know which shows they are likely listening to. Regardless if you're creating a radio show or podcast, it's important to prioritize the listener.

## 9 Steps to Start a Radio Show



### **1. Choose a format & structure for your show**

Radio shows notoriously adhere to set schedules. Or often focus on a particular type of content. For instance, here is how a morning drive show could be segmented:

- 07.50 AM Music
- 08.00 AM Traffic news
- 08.05 AM Ad break
- 08.10 AM Introduce morning guests
- 08.15 AM Music
- 08.25 Interview

Get familiar with broadcast schedules and know how to prepare a [broadcast clock](https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-broadcast-clock/) for your radio show. 

[![Broadcast Clock](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8f/Broadcast_Clock.png/512px-Broadcast_Clock.png)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Broadcast_Clock.png)

There are many established formats you can delve into including:

Talk, adult contemporary, classic hits, rock, oldies, gospel, comedy, Christian radio, radio dramas, sports talk, weather, education, free-form, conservative, progressive, documentary, [among others.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_format)



### 2. **Find a home for your radio show**

Everything needs a home. Ants have nests. Bears have caves. Radio shows have studios.

There are two ways to go about this:

- Find a studio equipped with all you need
- Build your own small studio

You could find a friend or relative who owns a studio or has the audio gear. Renting out the equipment another choice at your disposal. 

**Here is a tip to find studios near your area…**

Visit your favorite search engine, for instance, Google or DuckDuckGo, and search “Professional sound studios near me.”

In case interesting matches don’t pop up, refine your search phrase.

Just ensure that the studio has all you need and that you’re not booking a photo studio!

**“I want to have my own equipment.”**

Great. Building your own small studio is a fun quest. And with many people such as podcasters & YouTubers finding themselves in need of audio equipment, there are many entry-level microphones, audio mixers, headphones, boom arms, and other parts for your choosing.

Visit Amazon, your local music shop, or other websites online to find what you need.

Your goal is to record the[ highest quality](https://www.cloudrad.io/audio-quality/) sound you can. Sound that is free from background noise, passing cars, wailing babies, etc.

For more tips, also check out our blog on [radio station equipment.](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-station-equipment/)





### 3. **Build a team**

You can go it alone. And at first, it might be your only choice. But as you advance, build a great team.

But I don’t have money? Well, ask people to volunteer their time. [Community ](https://www.cloudrad.io/community-radio/)and college stations are run by volunteers and there is great content there. 

And here is a great explainer that talks about how radio stations [find volunteers](https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/structure/volunteers/involving/main).

Seek people that are:

- Honest – they promise to get the job done & then do it.
- Hand’s on – they know different stuff because they have experience with it.
- Filled with ideas.
- Some of your recruits should be keen on current trends such as social media.





### 4. **Find your topic and come up with episode ideas**

Every radio show starts with an idea. For instance, we have the clever idea of creating a radio series on avocados. So why would we create a radio series on this topic?

Maybe we like avocados. Also, millions love avocadoes, but very few have the right facts on this royal fruit.

Next, we need to generate a list of topics or episode ideas:

**Title: Avocados: Everything You Need To Know**

Episode 1: The curious origins of the humble avocado

Episode 2: From the farm to your table: The avocado trade

Episode 3: Amazing avocado recipes

Episode 4: Avocados vs other superfoods

Episode 5: National Avocado Day: The holiday you never knew about

Episode 6: Conversations with real avocado enthusiasts

These are just quick examples. You can make your radio show about any topic in the world.

Just aim to spread credible & factual information to your listeners. That’s your mission, after all.





### 5. **Book your guests and use these interview tips**

Every person is a gold mine of knowledge and information.

Setting up interviews and asking the right questions helps you bring these ideas, facts & experiences to your listeners.

Quick tips that will help you host killer interviews include: 

- Go for guests that you find interesting
- Book your guests early
- Prepare for your show and don’t wing it
- Be willing to listen intently to your guest. Give them your full concentration and seek to understand what they are saying
- You can find more [interview tips here.](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-interview/)





### 6. **Prepare your first radio show script**

When you’re trying to figure out how to start a radio show, it's paramount to write scripts for your shows.

“But should I script my shows? That’s cheating!”

Well, no. Most shows on TV or Radio are scripted to some degree because it's what professionals do.

Now, I’m not saying that every word that gets out is first written down.

You can prepare for your radio show by writing down talking points, outlining ideas, or noting down interesting facts.

Soon, you'll find out that coming up with super original things to say spontaneously is difficult. The best comedians in the world also have routines.

Becoming more creative is a process. Your thoughts need time to form, mutate, and solidify.

Learn more about preparing [radio scripts.](https://www.cloudrad.io/8-tips-on-how-to-write-a-radio-script/)



### 7. **Presenting your show: On-air tips**

Do you want to start a radio show that people can engage with?

Well, when you present your show talk directly to your listener. Shine with your personality because listeners want to connect to you directly.

Don’t go as far as becoming a talking caricature, but be authentic.

Have high energy during your presentation. Let it infuse your colleagues, guests, and your fans.

If you’re dully and boring, how do you expect to rouse emotions?

**Also:**

Enunciate every word clearly. If you can find ways to incorporate listeners to your shows, go for it!

People are always curious about what fellow fans think about the show. Social proof is a big part of how we live our lives. 

So: 

Host [phone-in sessions](https://www.cloudrad.io/live-calls-internet-radio/) or have people send voice notes. Encourage listeners to also engage with you on social medial.

Discover more ways to become a [great radio host.](https://www.cloudrad.io/become-radio-host/)





### 8. **Post production of your radio program – the technical side of things**

Producing a radio show may require additional post-production if it's pre-recorded. 

You'll need to perform audio editing, add sound effects, music bed, speech, jingles, promos, etc.

“How can I become good at audio production?”

You just have to do it to become good at it:

First, try working with different audio recording & editing software like Audacity.

Know where to find sound effects, music beds, [royalty-free music, ](https://www.cloudrad.io/royalty-free-music/)or paid music sources.

And each time you start the show…make sure you’re recording it. You will be a lot safer if you can record and save more than one copy in an external hard disk or flash disk.

You don’t want any blue screen error pages taking your effort away. And you might accidentally delete your original recording.

In addition…

Know how to operate the broadcasting desk even if you’re the host/interviewer.

There is a lot that goes into creating a perfect sounding radio show:

Instead of hopping from one tutorial to another, we suggest that you find a course that can teach you all the steps of audio recording & editing from A to Z.





### **9. Distributing your radio show**

Syndication is a popular way to distribute your show to existing radio stations.

What is the first step of syndication?

First, you need to produce a marketable demo. You can send this demo to program directors – who are in charge of the content that gets played on air.

Secondly, you can find websites online dedicated to connecting radio show producers to radio stations. For instance, On Air, Key Networks, etc.

Also, remember that you can offer your show for free to a radio station.

Some syndicated content is offered on a bartered agreement where instead of cash, the show’s producer may ask for time to run ads.

You may also distribute your radio show as a podcast series. Many radios including the BBC create podcasts.

Also, try:

- [Creating a website](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-websites/) for your radio show
- Creating social media pages e.g. [on YouTube,](https://www.cloudrad.io/broadcast-radio-live-youtube/) and then upload footage from your show.



### **More resources & final send off**

Check out:

- [BBC Academy](https://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/)

And remember you need to work hard to pull this off!

Happy broadcasting. 

Figuiring out how start a radio show, but not certain what you need or steps to follow? Get access to these excellent tips

How to Start a Radio Show: 9 Quick Tips

How are you trying to write a radio ad? "Clap! Clap!" Those two claps were for you. And more great information is inside this article ready for your picking

Write Great Radio Ads: The Ultimate Guide

Today, you’re going to learn exactly how to choose a radio station name.

And not just any name: A really good one!

Some topics covered include:

- What is in a name
- Where do names come from?
- Mistakes never to make with your radio name
- Name choosing techniques. 

It’s a very actionable guide. So if you’re looking for a really great radio name, join me:



**Contents**

**Chapter 1: What is in a name**

**Chapter 2: Mistakes to avoid in your radio name**

**Chapter 3: Choosing your radio name(techniques)**

**Conclusion**
---
## CHAPTER 1 - What is in a name

Your name is a set of words by which your known, addressed, or referred to.

Just a set of words. 

So if your name is “Smith Jackson…”

You can change it to “Hot Potatoes,” if you wish.

When several people call you “Mr. or Mrs Hot Potatoes,” and you reply.

These funny words could become your naam.

**But get this:**

Names carry enormous implications. Further, from identifying you, names convey:

- Meaning
- Emotions
- Energy
- Feeling
- Personality
- Quality
- Etc.

Here is a good example:

You might never meet someone called “Brute Canine or Poison Demon” in the real world.

Maybe on some creepy dating site or a first-person shooter chat room, but never on the street or at your workplace.

Names carry implications, so people prefer nice names like:

“Daisy, Honey, Angel, Aaryan, Victor, Rose, Longhorn, Letterman, Milo, etc”

Remember this as we proceed: 

- There are good names and bad names, just as there are good words & bad words.
- Names perform different roles.
- Radio names can convey personality, character, energy, emotion, etc.
- A good name can build you up! A bad name can pull you down!

So respect the power of a good radio name; it’s profound, it resonates, and it’s uplifting.

### **Where do names come from?**

Names are so ancient that no one knows when people began using them.

They are always at the beginning of any new venture, life, business, or discovery...

**And** **where do radio stations get their names?**

It’s people who assign names to radio stations just as parents name their young.

I see two ways radio stations can get new names:

**Using existing words & phrases**: You can give your radio station an existing word. For instance, the word banana gives us “Banana Radio.”

**Inventing a new name/word:** Using your creativity, you can coin many new names and terms. Shakespeare alone invented over 1700 words, some still in use today.For instance: bandit, critic, dauntless, etc.

**Can I hire someone to come up with a name for me?**

You can hire a name consultant or a freelancer namer.

Did you know that baby name consultants help parents name their babies?

Click to Tweet

### **People will use your radio name**

Why should you keep your radio name simple, appropriate, and memorable?

Because…

It’s your fans who interact with it the most.

For instance:

**People will say** **your radio name****:**

- To [voice assistants ](https://www.cloudrad.io/add-radio-station-smart-speakers/)like Amazon Alexa & Google Home.
- To friends & family.
- As part of their inner monologue (because the mind is never silent. There is always an inner conversation going on).

**They’ll also type** **your radio name on****:**

- [Social medi](https://www.cloudrad.io/social-media-radio-stations/)a posts
- Search engine boxes
- Web browser address boxes
- Private messages, forums, blogs, etc

**They’ll see** **your radio name:**

- On websites
- In ads
- On your branded merchandise
- On your social media accounts

You’ll also be mentioning your radio name a lot. So choose something easy to work with! 

### **Examples of good radio names**

Some radio stations just nail it with user-friendly names. For instance: 

• BBC Radio 1
• Capital FM
• Today’s Hits
• Boom 97.3
• Energy Radio
• MyFM
• Whistle FM
• Funny Comedy Radio
• Joy Radio
• Fusion Radio
• Heart Radio
• Smooth UK
• Caribbean Hot FM
• Kiss FM
• Impact FM
• Skyrock
• Tonic Radio
• 20th Century Radio
---

## CHAPTER 2 -  Mistakes to avoid in your radio ad

There are some grim mistakes people make when naming companies.

So later, following a name change:

- Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering becomes Sony.
- Jerry's Guide to the World Wide Web is dropped in favor of Yahoo.
- Computing Tabulating Recording Corporation is rechristened IBM.
- Brad's Drink morphs into Pepsi-cola.

Renaming is sometimes necessary and can bring more opportunities & success.

But why go through the hassle, when you can settle into a nice name from the start:

So let’s dive into:

### **#1. Devising a radio name that’s hard to remember, pronounce & write**

Would you name your station Exhilaration Radio?

Sure, the word has a nice ring to it, but it’s hard to spell.

Or name it Loogootee FM simply because you were born in the City of Loogootee, Indiana.

Exhibiting some hometown pride is lovely.

But even in Loogootee,the station there goes by the name, “94.5FM The Razor.”

Also…

Let’s ditch the name —Exhilaration Radio —and opt for simpler words like “Joy, Delight, Elation, Zest, or Cheers Radio.”

The shorter names are memorable and pronounceable.

Plus, we still convey the intended message which might be: “Our radio spreads joy.”

### **#2. Not being memorable/catchy**

Some names ain’t memorable nor catchy.

They lack that special “X-factor.”

Perhaps…

They have been around for too long and hence overused!

OR

They are unique but don’t convey any meaning or emotion.

So what do I mean when I state that the name should convey some abstract feeling?

For instance, when I tune in to a station called “Energy Radio,” I want my spirits lifted.

What about “Easy FM”?

Maybe, it’s been a long day, and I’m looking for calm and relaxation. Slow jams, mostly.

But rule out Energy or Easy FM as potential radio names. They are overused.



### **#3. The trap of being rational/logical**

While I’ve advocated for catchy simple names you can find in the dictionary…

Don’t stifle your creativity.

Don’t be too logical.

Or afraid to take risks with your name!

Here is an anecdote to drive the point home:

Did you know that Google was first called “BackRub”?

When the founders realized how terrible the name was, they sought to change it.

During a brainstorming session, Sean Anderson, a fellow Graduate suggested “Googolplex.”

It’s a number equivalent to 10 raised to the power of a googol.

And a googol is the number 1 followed by 100 zeros.

Larry Page settled on the shorter word Googol. But as Sean searched to see if the domain was available, he misspelled it as google.com. And the domain was available.

**The rational choice:**

It would be logical for the founders to favor Googol since their search engine would go on to index millions upon millions of web pages.

But Larry Page liked how Google.com sounded. Twenty years later, when you’re checking for info on the internet, do you say?

“Let me google it.”

**Lesson here:**

Every anecdote has a lesson. This one tells us:

“Not to be too rational, logical & rigid when naming stuff.”

Otherwise, we’d be stuck pronouncing the word —googol.

### **#4. A name that’s not brandable**

Find a unique name that can be easily identified as belonging to you.

So what do I mean by this?

Let’s suppose, you name your station **“Sunshine Radio.”** 

As you’re probably guessing, there are several Sunshine Radios across the world.

“But if the shoe fits, shouldn’t I wear it?”

Hold my beer.

Say, you settle on the name “Jamaica Sunshine Radio.” All is well except, you’ll have a hard time landing a unique domain name.

Two, it’s highly likely these similarly named stations are using variations of the username Sunshine Radio on social media.

So will it be easy to stand out with the name Jamaica Sunshine Radio?

**Lesson here:**
Choose a name that you can easily build a solid brand on!

Once you find it:

A) Google it!

B) Check if the domain name is available. (Aim for a ‘.com’ domain extension)

C) Check all the social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook or Twitter) to see if your preferred username has been claimed.



### **#5. Pleasant sounding – but difficult to write. (Easy to spell – but impossible to pronounce)**

Some names might look good on paper.

But try pronouncing them, and you’ll get tongue-tied.

For instance: “Buttigieg”

Pronounced: Boot-edge-edge

The vice-versa scenario also applies.

In that, some names just roll off the tongue, but it’s pure trouble when you attempt to write them.

For instance:

Albuquerque

Pronounced: ‎AL-bu-kur-key

So the point is:

Your radio name should look good on paper, and sound nice when said aloud.

### **#6. Trademark infringement**

Be original…

There is no need to violate the exclusive right attached to a trademark.

You’ll attract trouble along with a “Trademark Cease and Desist Letter.”

It’s easy to commit an honest mistake, so that’s why you should carry out due diligence to establish that your preferred radio name is indeed unique and not already being used by some entity.

Once you land an original name for your station, register a domain. And nowadays, you can get a “.radio” domain extension. https://www.nic.radio/

Resource:

Visit [uspto.gov](https://www.uspto.gov/) and learn about registering & searching for trademarks. Best to also consider getting some legal help as you choose your radio name.


## CHAPTER 3 - Six name choosing techniques**

Congrats on making it to the last section of this post.

We’ll cover six radio station naming techniques.

So without further ado…
...let’s get down to business:

### **#1. Name it after yourself**

Some famous company names were inspired by their founder’s names:

For instance:

- Adidas – The company was founded by Adolf Dassler. His nickname was “Adi.” So, combining the word Adi+Das, you get Adidas.
- Ford Motor Company – named after Henry Ford.
- Bell Labs – took Alexander Graham Bell’s name.

Closer to the broadcasting world, I know of[ Mazur Radio](https://mazurradio.com/) –owned by Dave Mazur.

And it shouldn’t be always about you:

You can name your station after someone else. Let their name rack up all the glory.

Some stations are even named after saints.

**But shouldn’t I be famous before I stick my name on stuff?**

To that I say:

“Bull!”

Becoming famous is something you can work on!

But if your name isn’t short & sweet. Well, let’s move on…

Resource:

Learn what your [name means at Names Org](https://www.names.org/)



### **#2. Brainstorm**

Brainstorming is a way of generating ideas. This technique was the brainchild of Alex Faickney Osborn – an advertising executive.

Have you ever tried brainstorming before? Worry not, if it’s foreign to you. Just follow this quick foolproof guide:

#### **i. Follow the rules**

Brainstorming focuses on quantity over quality. Generating many ideas quickly without worrying if they are good enough.

Often, we strive for perfection. Ina group, we might withhold some ideas fearing they ain’t good enough.

This doesn’t apply when brainstorming. The rules are very liberating:

- Generate many ideas fast
- Build on half-baked ideas
- Don’t criticize or judge
- Encourage grandiose and wacky ideas.

So, if anyone has suggested a crazy radio name idea to you – take a minute to thank them and see how you can improve on it.

#### **ii. You can do it alone**

[Some studies](https://hbr.org/2015/03/why-group-brainstorming-is-a-waste-of-time) have shown that brainstorming solo is also effective!

**Why so?** 

We often picture brainstorming exclusively as a group activity. That’s what Alex Osborn had in mind.

But imagine yourself sitting around a conference table with your boss, the boss of your boss, and the bosses of your boss’s boss.

Would you let your creativity run free and put forward unrefined ideas?

Maybe, not.

And there are more challenges:

1)Some members of the group might dominate the conversation.

2) As you await your turn to speak, you may end up forgetting what you intended to say.

But when you’re by yourself, you don’t fear criticism. You can’t be the quiet member of the group. Your ideas will be wild, but it’s only you who will judge them.

These are enough reasons for brainstorming alone.

#### **iii. Brainstorming techniques**

Try the following brainstorming methods:

#### **a) Mind mapping**

Create a diagram representing your radio name concepts. Learn[ more about mind mapping:](https://www.mindmapping.com/)

#### **b) Gap analysis**

You compare your actual state with your desired goal. And then identify the actions you can take to bridge the gap and reach that goal.

**So how can you apply this method when brainstorming radio names?**

Take the following steps:

**Identify your end goal**

For instance, “My end goal is to come up with a radio name that’s 4 letters long, easy to pronounce, catchy and unique like Spire FM.”

**Identify your current ideas**

What names are squirming in your mind right now?

“Fooo, Kooo, Dooo, Dii, Iidi, etc. 

**How can you get to your end goal?**

- Use a thesaurus.
- Invent new words.
- Combine different words.
- Find names from other languages.
- Talk to mom about it. Etc. Etc.

#### **c) SWOT Analysis**

Evaluate your radio name idea with a quick SWOT analysis.

For instance:

Here is my radio name idea: “Potus Radio”

**Strengths**

Rolls off the tongue.

Easy to remember.

**Weaknesses**

Since “POTUS” stands for President of the United States of America, my station might get confused for a government outlet.

**Opportunities**

Many people are familiar with the name Potus, and it’s a popular search term.

**Threats**

The USPTO might stop me.

I hope this example helped you understand how you can apply SWOT analysis as you name your station. Learn more about this technique, – it’s very useful.

#### **d)** **The 5 Whys Technique**

Ask ‘Why’ five times about your radio name idea.

Let’s see how it works.

“Potus Radio”

**Why**

Easy to say.

**Why**

Looks good on paper.

**Why**

It’s brandable. And the “Potus.radio” domain is available.

**Why**

Several people have agreed it’s a great name. 

**Why**

It’s a popular search term.

### **#3. Find terms and phrases used in your niche**

Every group has its lingo:

For instance, if you’re in the Gothic subculture, some Gothic terms include Abani, Beacon, Becoming, Blood and Roses, Coven, etc.

If your station targets goths, you can choose a name aligned with the subculture for instance, “Blood and Roses Radio.”

Similarly…

If you’re launching a talk radio station, go for a name related to what you do for instance, “The Bulletin Radio.”

### **#4. The thesaurus is your best friend**

Truth be told, there are many stations called, “HitsFM.”

You might also want to name your station Hits Radio because it’s simple and popular.

But you can’t stand this unoriginal name. So what do you do?

Use a thesaurus.

For instance, I found the following synonyms:

- Blockbuster
- MegaHits
- Smashes
- Successes
- Supernovae
- Winners


Other words related to hits

- Blue Chips
- Corkers
- Crackerjacks

Okay, I’d never name my radio station, “Blue Chips.” But by using the thesaurus, I uncovered new radio name ideas!

**Resources:**

[https://www.merriam-webster.com](https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hits)/

https://www.visualthesaurus.com/

### **#5. Name generation tools**

Tired of this whole naming business?

You can use[ domain nam](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-domain-name/)e generation tools!

And how do they work?

You’ll get a search bar to type in your keyword for instance, “Radio.” 

The tool will append popular words at the start or end of the keyword. Doing so, it generates lots of potential radio names.

![Annotation-2019-07-19-130318.jpg](https://strapi.hnux.com/uploads/Annotation_2019_07_19_130318_4af0ecf2c9.jpg)

Domain search example using LeanDomainSearch. *Click to enlarge.*

**Website link:**

https://leandomainsearch.com/



### **#6. Pair the word “Radio, station or FM” with your idea**

Suppose you have a shortlist with the following radio name ideas:

- The Energy
- The Power
- The Gist

Do you see a problem here?

Okay, take this scenario:

My best buddy tells me that “The Energy,” is the new craze in town. I’ll wonder if it’s a radio, podcast, or TV station.

That’s why you should have the word, “Radio, Web Radio, Station or FM” as part of your radio name.

Seems like common advice, but you’d be surprised how it’s not always applied when naming radio stations.

**Can I use the word “FM” if I’m just an internet radio?**

Well, a couple of internet radio stations used the term despite never broadcasting on the FM band. 

### **All the Success in Choosing Your Radio Name**

It would be great if we could sit down and go over all your crazy radio name ideas.

But this is where I sign off…

Leaving all the hard work to you.

And once you have your name all set. Come [host your radio ](https://www.cloudrad.io/setting-radio-station-online/)on CloudRadio for as little as $2 on our base plan.

Short & sweet is the name of the game!

Landing a great radio station name is key. It can make or break your radio station. So as you create a new station, learn how to choose a strong radio name

Radio Station Name: 6 Easy Naming Techniques

What’s the deal with radio station formats? Are they still useful or worth considering?

In today’s post, you’ll see:

- What are radio formats?
- A short history of radio formats.
- Types of radio formats, target audience, music charts, and examples.

It’s an actionable guide. A super easy read. And if you’re launching any new radio station, or attempting a radio station format change — let’s dive right in.


## CHAPTER 1 - What are radio formats?

The station’s format describes the type of content it mainly broadcasts.

For instance:

Is 75% of its content talk and news?

Probably, it defines itself as a news/talk show radio.

Is it a hip-hop radio station?

You’re bound to hear lots of hip-hop tracks oppose to a jazz radio station.

In summary:

The format outlines the overall content on the station.

Radio formats are selected to appeal to particular demographics and niches, such as a particular age group or ethnicity. 

**But where did all start?** 

Formats have not always existed. So, let's find out how they arose:

### **History of Radio Formats**


Let’s rewind the radio clock a few decades…

We’re in the golden era of radio. A period spanning from the 1930s to the 1940s.

Most families own radio sets. In the evenings, they gather around their wireless for their radio dramas, talent shows, soap operas, comedies, panel discussions, weather reports, quiz shows, orchestras, and other variety shows.

Radio is the number one medium.

Time flies, and we’re now in the 1950s. TV sets have become cheaper & accessible. Color TV is also making a debut. And cable television becomes widespread in the US. The visual medium is dethroning radio as American’s favorite past time.

The radio industry faces a huge disruption: Adapt or die.

Todd Storz comes up with the first radio format. In a bar, he notes that patrons like requesting the same songs from the jukebox.

So he plays popular songs over and over. In 1960, this new format becomes known as "The Top 40." You can read more about its origins here.

And that's the short story of how radio transition from a mass media into niche media.

### **What drives a radio station change?**

Radio stations undergo multiple radio station format changes over its life course.

Re-branding occurs due to several reasons: 

- Demographic changes
- Consistent low ratings and persistent underperformance in the target market
- New trends and marketplaces
- Changing tastes of the audience





## CHAPTER 2 - Types of Radio Formats

Here are ten of the most popular radio formats based 2018 rankings by [Nielsen.](https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2018/tops-of-2018-radio/)

### 10 of the most popular radio formats


1. News and talk
2. Adult Contemporary
3. Country
4. Pop CHR
5. Classic Hits
6. Hot AC
7. Classic Rock
8. Urban AC
9. All Sports
10. Urban Contemporary


Let's go all the way, and exhaustively look at all the radio formats.

### **1) Pop/Adult Contemporary Radio Category**

#### **a) Contemporary hit radio (CHR)**

CHR –you’ll also encounter its synonyms: Top 40, CHR-pop, or Hots Hits.
Hot hits stations play current music from diverse genres including Rock, R&B, Pop, Dance, etc.

The mood is upbeat; so if you’re Hot Hits presenter, you must be dynamic, fun, exude crazy high energy; and even ads and promotions should be upbeat.

Top 40 stations also run contests and are particularly known for free-money giveaways.

##### Target Audience:

Men and women (18 – 34 years)

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



KHKS (106.1 FM, 106.1 KISS-FM)

https://1061kissfm.iheart.com/

##### Music Charts



Top 100 Song - The Billboard Hot 100 Chart

[https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100](https://1061kissfm.iheart.com/)

#### **b) Adult contemporary music (AC)**

As one of the top formats, AC has ranked as the number one format and sometimes comes second after News/Talk radio.

Stations play mainstream soft-rock, soft-pop, light-rock, but no hip-hop, dance, teen pop, or hard-rock music.    

It's also a very competitive format to tackle.

#### Target Audience:

Adults (18-34) comprise the most AC listeners.

#### Examples (Listen Live) 

101.5 FM Today Radio

[https://c player.cloudradionetwork.com/mikefm/](https://player.cloudradionetwork.com/mikefm/)

##### Music Charts

Adult Contemporary Music Chart Billboard

[https://www.billboard.com/charts/adult-contemporary](https://player.cloudradionetwork.com/mikefm/)

#### **Adult/variety hits**

So, how will you tell you’re listening to a variety hits station?

Easy, the station plays pop hits from bygone eras such as the ’90s, ’80s, and ’70s, along with current hits.

Stations operating this radio format have “Male First Names” for instance, Jack FM, Mike FM, Bob FM, although it’s been dubbed a dying format.


##### Target Audience:

35 to 44 year-olds

##### Examples (Listen Live) 

Mike FM

https://player.cloudradionetwork.com/mikefm/

#### **c) Classic hits**

On a Classic Hits station expect songs that topped the 40 Music Charts from the ’60s, '70s, '80s through to the ’90s.

Some Classic Hits stations also play holiday music from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Others will play limited current tracks their listeners might have heard and liked



##### Target Audience:


The millennial generation has caught up with Classic Hits, but most listenership comes from adults 35+.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 

945bayfm

https://www.945bayfm.com/shows/

##### Music Charts

Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Singles : Billboard

[https://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-hot-100-singles](https://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-hot-100-singles/)

#### **d) Hot adult contemporary (Hot AC)**

HOT AC stations play hits for their adult audience minus rap or hard rock tracks.

So what’s played?

Recent hits in pop, indie, rock, alternative rock, pop-rock, are kept in rotation.
You'll hear tracks from Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Adele, etc.



##### Target Audience:

Adults mostly,18-54 year-olds.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 


 CHUM FM Canadian radio station

[http://www.radio-canada-online.com/chum-fm](http://www.radio-canada-online.com/chum-fm/)

##### Music Charts

Hot AC Charts - AT40

[https://www.at40.com/charts/hot-ac-243/latest/](https://www.at40.com/charts/hot-ac-243/latest/)

### **2) Rock/Alternative/Indie**

#### **a) Album rock / album-oriented rock (AAA or Triple-A)**

Born in the 1990s, the “Triple A” radio format is a spin-off of the older Album-oriented rock format. AAA stations playlist is more varied than that of mainstream rock or pop stations.

You'll hear alternative rock, jazz, world music, blues, alternative country, pop-rock, folk and indie rock. but you not bound to hear rap music or hard rock tracks.

Stations also promote independent & local stations. So they accept submissions.


##### Target Audience:

Anyone tired of hit commercial stations that require a different taste. Generally, adults 35+

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



92.3 WTTS

[http://wttsfm.com/](http://wttsfm.com/)

##### Music Charts

Triple A Radio Song Chart

[http://www.thetop22.com/category/charts/22-commercial-song/](http://www.thetop22.com/category/charts/22-commercial-song/)

#### **b) Alternative rock**

In the 1980s, the underground rock scene blossomed giving rise to alternative rock stations. Music included single releases and album cuts.

Alternative rock is now popular, and you can tell an alternative track because it will sound different from the mainstream stuff.



##### Target Audience:

Broad demographic: from students as young as 14 years to adults in their late 50's.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



Alt 923

[https://alt923.radio.com/](https://alt923.radio.com/)

##### Music Charts



Alternative Songs: Top Alternative Songs Chart | Billboard

[https://www.billboard.com/charts/alternative-songs](https://player.cloudradionetwork.com/mikefm/)

#### **c) Classic rock**

Rock songs released in the ’60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and early 2000s feature heavily on classic rock stations.

There is a crossover of music between classic rock, oldies, and classic hits stations. The station's playlist will also have recent releases with care taken not to pollute the general style.



##### Target Audience:

Anyone who grew up listening to rock and might want the nostalgia of the ‘good times.' So 30 to 64 year-olds. 

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



Philadelphia's Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK

[https://wmgk.com/about/streaming-registration/](https://wmgk.com/about/streaming-registration/)

##### Music Charts



Top 100 Classic Rock Songs - Ultimate Classic Rock

[https://ultimateclassicrock.com/top-100-classic-rock-songs/](https://player.cloudradionetwork.com/mikefm/)

#### **d) Soft rock**

Soft rock music have you singing with the easy lyrics or humming to the melody. It’s not the case with hard rock.

Some artists whose songs are on soft rock stations include Elton John, Cod Play, Fall Out Boy, Linkin Park, etc.



##### Target Audience:

Women outnumber men on lite rock stations. The prime demographic is 30-40 year-olds.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



Lite 100.5 WRCH

[https://wrch.radio.com/](https://wrch.radio.com/)

##### Music Charts



Top Rock Songs Chart | Billboard

[https://www.billboard.com/charts/rock-songs](https://www.billboard.com/charts/rock-songs/)

### **3) Country**

#### **a) Bluegrass**

Bluegrass music has its origin in American roots music. You’ll bound to hear plenty of acoustic stringed instruments such as the guitar, string bass, fiddle, and five-string banjo. Bluegrass musicians sing gospel songs.



##### Target Audience:

The target listeners are between the ages of 25-54, and may also be fans of contemporary Christian stations. 

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



WNRV The Ridge AM 990/FM 97.3

[http://www.wnrvbluegrassradio.com/](http://www.wnrvbluegrassradio.com/)

##### Music Charts



Bluegrass Music: Top Bluegrass Albums Chart | Billboard

[https://www.billboard.com/charts/bluegrass-albums](https://www.billboard.com/charts/bluegrass-albums/)

#### **c) Americana**

Stations target adults than teens. Also, some country fans have heard the term "Americana" and may seek out Americana stations.



##### Target Audience:

The target listeners are between the ages of 25-54, and may also be fans of contemporary Christian stations. 

##### Examples (Listen Live) 


KNBT Radio station

[https://radionb.com/knbt](https://radionb.com/knbt/)

##### Music Charts



Official Americana Albums Chart Top 40

[https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/americana-albums-chart/](https://player.cloudradionetwork.com/mikefm/)

#### **d) Classic country**

Classic country radios play country songs released from the 1950s to the 1990s. The tracks are mainstream and western hits. Artists include Hank Williams, Shania Twain, Time McGraw to Johnny Cash.



##### Target Audience:

Primarily, listeners are 35-64 year-olds. The largest share of who are middle-aged men. 

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



Classic Country 98.1 WBRF

[https://www.classiccountry98.com](https://www.classiccountry98.com/)

##### Music Charts



Classic Country Top 500 Songs of All Time

[http://www.radioveronica.us/classiccountry500.htm](http://www.radioveronica.us/classiccountry500.htm)

#### **e) Country**

Country music has its roots in the 1920s and is the top music format in American. Some Country stations might focus more on Hot Country songs with contemporary styles, while others might lean more on songs with traditional styles.


##### Target Audience:

It’s the number one format for 18-54 year-olds. There are more interesting stats: Among 18-54 year-olds, about 40% are country fans. And 60% of country music fans fall within the age demographic of 18-49. Plus most radio stations in the US are country radio stations.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



Go Country 105

[http://www.gocountry105.com/](https://www.945bayfm.com/shows/)

##### Music Charts



 Country Music: Top Country Songs Chart | Billboard

[https://www.billboard.com/charts/country-songs](https://www.billboard.com/charts/country-songs/)

### **4) Rhythmic**

#### **a) Rhythmic adult contemporary**

The radio format is also called Rhythmic contemporary, Rhythmic Top 40, Rhythmic CHR, Rhythmic contemporary hit radio, or Rhythmic crossover. Music played include EDM, R&B hits, hip hop, and rhythmic pop. Rhythmic AC stations, though, might not play rap music.



##### Target Audience:

Those drawn to Rhythmic stations are 24-54 year-olds.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



Power 106 | KPWR-FM

[https://www.power106.com/listenlive/](https://www.power106.com/listenlive/)

##### Music Charts


RHYTHMIC SONGS | Billboard

[https://www.billboard.com/charts/rhythmic-40](https://www.billboard.com/charts/rhythmic-40/)

#### **b) Classic hip-hop**

Classic hip-hop radio stations draw their music from the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. Fans of classic hip-hop station hold lots of respect for the early pioneers and still recognize the genre as a way of people growing up in ghettos going through life challenges to express themselves.



##### Target Audience:

25-50 year-olds.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



93.5 KDAY | KDAY-FM

[https://www.935kday.com/](https://www.935kday.com/)

##### Music Charts



The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time

[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/the-50-greatest-hip-hop-songs-of-all-time-150547/](https://player.cloudradionetwork.com/mikefm/)

#### **c) Rhythmic oldies**

Stations on this format feature Rhythmic, Old School, Urban, Dance, and Disco hits from the 1970s to the 1990s. In the US, the stations target African-Americans and Hispanics.



##### Target Audience:

25-50 year-olds.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 


Mega 97.49

[http://www.mega979.com/on-air/](http://www.mega979.com/on-air/)

##### Music Charts



 Oldies Songs List 1970

[https://www.mylistpad.com/music-lists/46-pop/70-billboard-top-hits-of-the-70s-list-1970/](https://www.mylistpad.com/music-lists/46-pop/70-billboard-top-hits-of-the-70s-list-1970/)

#### **d) Soul**

Soul music contains elements of rhythm, blues, and gospel music. It was popularized by African-Americans in the US from the 1950s to the early 1960s. And its emphasis is on vocals featuring acts such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye.



##### Target Audience:

25-50 year-olds.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



Magic Soul

[http://www.radio-uk.co.uk/magic-soul](http://www.radio-uk.co.uk/magic-soul/)

##### Music Charts



Soul Tracks 70s Songs

[https://www.soultracks.com/70s-songs](https://www.soultracks.com/70s-songs/)

### **5) Urban**

#### **a) Urban contemporary**

The Urban adult radio format is also known as urban pop. You’ll encounter playlists loaded with R&B, pop, drum & bass, reggae, dancehall, reggaeton, UK garage, urban Euro-pop, Urban alternative, and grime tracks.



##### Target Audience:

The demographic of 18-34 years old including Millennials.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



HOT 97 | #1 For Hip Hop

[http://player.listenlive.co/44011/en/songhistory](http://player.listenlive.co/44011/en/songhistory/)

##### Music Charts



Adult R&B Songs & Music Chart | Billboard

[https://www.soultracks.com/70s-songs](https://www.soultracks.com/70s-songs/)

#### **b) Urban adult contemporary**

Radio stations in this format also play classic R&B hits, smooth Jazz, music from soul artists, and contemporary R&B. As a genre, Urban AC has been around since the 1980s.



##### Target Audience:

Older adults may also want to hear songs from past decades such as the ‘70s and '80s.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 


Mega 104.3

[http://www.mega1043.com/](http://www.mega1043.com/)

##### Music Charts


#### Urban/UAC All Access Music Group

[https://www.allaccess.com/urban](https://www.allaccess.com/urban)

#### **c) Urban oldies**

Primarily, Urban oldies stations play R&B music tracks from the 1950s to the early 1990s.



##### Target Audience:

Adults 35+

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



Classic R&B 107.3FM and AM 1400

##### Music Charts



Greatest of All Time Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs

[https://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-r-b-hip-hop-songs](https://player.cloudradionetwork.com/mikefm/)

### **6) Dance/Electronic**

#### **a) Dance (dance top-40)**

Dance music was once regarded as an underground genre of music. But in the past decade, it has been popularized in clubs, raves, and music festivals.

Pop artists and rock artists have also had collaborations with dubstep artists. Electronic dance music (EDM) distinguishing feature is repetitive beats, sound samples, and synthesized tracks.

##### Target Audience:

16-24 year-olds.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



C89.5, KNHC 89.5 FM, Seattle-Tacoma

[https://tunein.com/radio/C895-s34296/](https://tunein.com/radio/C895-s34296/)

##### Music Charts



Dance Club Songs

[https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs](https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs/)

#### **b) Space music**

Space music is ideal for Yoga or Meditation. Space ambient music, a subgenre of new age music, has been dubbed, “hypnotic, relaxing, peaceful, spiritual and tranquil."

You can journey, float, and get lost in space by listening to Space ambient.



##### Target Audience:

Not targeted towards a specific demographic.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



Soma FM

[https://somafm.com/deepspaceone/songhistory.html](https://somafm.com/deepspaceone/songhistory.html/)

##### Music Charts



Space Ambient Music LIVE 24/7

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNkZsRW7h2c](https://somafm.com/deepspaceone/songhistory.html)

### **7) Jazz/Blues/Standard**

#### **a) Blues**

Blues are moving and emotional. And they have been around since the 1870s, with roots rooted in African musical traditions. Blues have distinct lyrics and instrumentation, as renowned as Country music. Fans are loyal for life!



##### Target Audience:

The market for Blues is not racially inclined. Target listeners are up to 60 years-old.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



Aardvark Blues FM

[https://www.aardvarkbluesfm.com/](https://www.aardvarkbluesfm.com/)

##### Music Charts



Blue Albums Billboard

[https://www.billboard.com/charts/blues-albums](https://www.billboard.com/charts/blues-albums/)

#### **b) Jazz**

Jazz music relies on improvisation. Its distinct elements include melody, response vocals, harmony, swing & blue notes, and rhythm. Listening to jazz music creates a relaxed, calm, and easy-going atmosphere.

##### Target Audience:

The market for Blues is not racially inclined. Target listeners are up to 60 years-old.

##### Examples (Listen Live) 



Jazz FM

[https://www.jazzfm.com/player/]https://www.jazzfm.com/player/)

##### Music Charts



The 100 Best Jazz Songs According To Our Listeners

[http://www.jazz24.org/jazz-100/](http://www.jazz24.org/jazz-100/)

Radio Station Formats

In today’s guide on radio website widgets, you’ll learn:

- The role widgets play
- Widgets every radio station website needs
- Where to find free & paid widgets
- How to add widgets to your website
- And more!

Join me if you need a cool website that will foster more user engagement and satisfaction:



**Contents**

Chapter 1: Radio website widget basics

Chapter 2: How to get started with radio website widgets

Chapter 3: How to add widgets to your website

Conclusion**

## CHAPTER 1 - Radio Website Widget Basics

Are you a web designer tasked with creating a killer radio website for your client?

Or a non-tech website owner?

Let’s start by defining website widgets and why they are important.

### **What is a website widget?**

It’s a small web component that’s part of the visible web page. You’ll find it on sidebars. For instance, our Recent Posts widget is to your right (on a desktop or laptop — scroll down the page for mobile devices).

For a more techie definition:

“It’s a standalone application or web page embedded onto a third-party website.”

It’s independent of the page where it’s embedded. Adding or removing widgets doesn’t affect the rest of the page.

### **Why are radio website widgets important?**

Radio widgets are those you find on radio websites. They are rather unique. For instance:

- Radio stream player widget – It allows web visitors to play and pause your online stream.
- Current song/on-air widget
- Recent played tracks widget
- And so on…

Still, radio websites may share widgets with other sites. Chat rooms widgets, for instance, are common on radio and gaming websites.



### **Why are radio website widget important?**

- **Offers accessibility and convenience:** For instance, on our site, each blog page has a social media widget. This simple sidebar makes it easy for you to share our stuff. And since it’s on every page, you need not waste your time looking for it.
- **Expanded functionality:** I’ll also give another example here. Web visitors visit your site to perform different functions. Reading your posts. Tuning in via the radio player widget. Adding more widgets expands your site’s functionality. For instance, you can embed an RSS feeds widget, weather widget, calendar widget, image galley widget, etc.

Some moderation is required: Don’t just bloat your site with widgets your web visitors won’t use.



## CHAPTER 2 - How to Get Started with Radio Website Widgets

In this chapter, we dive headfirst into the must-have widgets for your radio website.

Some users have security concerns when adding widgets. Yeah, no widget is 100% safe.

Beware of widgets from untrustworthy sites. If you use WordPress for instance, try using widgets in their library. Same case for Joomla, Wix, or any other CMS.

#### **Widgets vs. Plugins**

Is there any difference between plugins and widgets? Plug-ins are software added to websites to increase their functionality. For instance, a live chat plugin.

Widgets are types of plugins visible on the website’s front-end. So users can directly interact with widgets.

Most websites have analytic plugins. They collect, organize, and display user data on the site’s back-end accessed only by admins.



## **The must-have radio station widgets**

### **#1. Facebook widget**

Facebook’s social plugins allow you to embed on your website Facebook comments, posts, videos, like buttons, and share buttons.

Most radio stations have at least one social media account. And it’s likely a Facebook page or group, right? We do too, and here is our Facebook page widget plugin.

<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/page.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fscloudradio%2F&amp;tabs=timeline&amp;width=340&amp;height=500&amp;small_header=false&amp;adapt_container_width=true&amp;hide_cover=false&amp;show_facepile=true&amp;appId" width="340" height="500" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: none; overflow: hidden;"></iframe>

Click on the Like button. Test if it works!

#### **Why is it important?** 

Radio stations need more followers or group members. But your site’s visitors may not necessarily look you up on Facebook.

And if you ask them to, it’s a hassle right. Embedding this widget means they can like, comment, or share your posts right from your website. How cool is that?



#### **Where can I get it?**

Visit the Facebook for developers page.

https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/group-plugin


### **#2. Twitter widget**

If you’re not active on Facebook, then you’re likely on Twitter. Adding Twitter’s content and functionality is also simple.

The Twitter for Websites suite includes embedded tweets, timelines, tweet buttons, and follow buttons.

![Twitter embedding options.png](https://strapi.hnux.com/uploads/Twitter_embedding_options_f7dc5175a1.png)

#### **Why is it important?** 

The chance to expand your follower base and generate shares for your content. Visitors can also view your latest tweet and scroll through your timeline easily.



#### **Where can I get it?**

Get the instructions from Twitter’s Help Center.

https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/embed-twitter-feed



### **#3. Last played songs**

It’s a super useful widget for listing played tracks in descending order newest to oldest. Place this widget below your radio stream player or next to the Listen Live button.





#### **Why is it important?** 

Think of it as showcasing the type of songs you play. If the web visitor likes your selection, they might tune in.

It’s a great chance to show listeners what they missed. They might keep on listening waiting for the repeat.



#### **Where can I get it?**

Your radio hosting provider should provide this widget as it pulls the info from your Shoutcast or Icecast server.

If not, our radio management console has an expansive widget section. Create a free radio player account; start using our last played songs widget.

(Image of our management console)



### **#4. Weather Widget**

The people need the weather updates now, and if not now, this very instant. Radiopresentersgive on-air weather announcements.

Similarly, on your homepage, you can present weather updates & forecasts visually. Use a  free weather widget like the one here: It’ll sit comfortably at the sidebar.

![weather widget.png](https://strapi.hnux.com/uploads/weather_widget_fb87fbf3ba.png)
WeatherWidget.io



#### **Why is it important?** 

Weather is news. For instance:

If the weather forecasts indicate heavy downpours tomorrow, I’ll carry an umbrella and post-pone my afternoon beach trip



#### **Where can I get it?**

You have many options at your disposal.

- [Weather plugins on WordPress](https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/weather/)
- [Weather Widget](https://weatherwidget.io/)

### **#5. Event Calendar Widget**

The event calendar widget may list upcoming events with each listing bearing the event’s title, date, and starting time & ending time. Some calendar widgets have a mini-grid calendar and events listed below it.

Events countdown widgets are also in this category and count down the days, hours, or minutes to a particular event. 



#### **Why is it important?** 

For your radio website, this widget offers an easy way to promote concerts, interviews, etc. You’ll get more attendees this way.



#### **Where can I get it?**

Did you know you can even add a [Google Calendar](https://support.google.com/calendar/answer/41207?hl=en) to your website?

If your site runs on WordPress, check out this page:

- [Calendar WordPress Search Results](https://wordpress.org/plugins/search/calendar/)
- [Tockify](https://tockify.com/)

### **#6. On-air Now/Now Playing Widget**

The On Air radio widget tells the viewer what show is currently on air. For instance, in the image below you can see a screenshot of BBC Radio 3 On Air widget. It contains the following elements:

- The host’s picture
- Listen live and pop out player button
- Show’s duration (9:00-11:00)
- Its name and description
- And the Now Playing section



![BBC-radio-3-on-air-screenshot.png](https://strapi.hnux.com/uploads/BBC_radio_3_on_air_screenshot_6c5ba641f7.png)

Source: BBC Radio 3: https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3



#### **Why is it important?** 

It presents enough information to the web visitor. They can then decided if they want to tune in.



#### **Where can I get it?**

Well, the ready-made options are few, so you might need to custom build your widget:

- Create a custom WordPress Widget ([Learn how to do it her](https://developer.wordpress.org/plugins/)e). 
- Hire a freelance developer

If you have a WordPress site, check out the [Jock on air now plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/joan/). 

CloudRadio also offers the Now Playing widget that will display the current song on your ON Air Widget.

### **#7. Radio Player Widget**

The radio player widget allows listeners to start & pause your webstream. It should be well placed on your website for maximum visibility.

Quite a few radio websites display a prominent listen button that opens the radio player as a popup.





![player-1.png](https://strapi.hnux.com/uploads/player_1_7e901763df.png)

#### **Why is it important?** 

You instantly convert web visitors into listeners.



#### **Where can I get it?**

Sure, you’ll find radio stream widget generators online, but since your here —ditch the hassle and try CloudRadio’s[ radio player widget.](https://www.cloudrad.io/radio-player/) 

It supports automatic album art, which it generates from the song’s metadata. Customize it as you wish and embedded it in 3 ways (pop up included).



### **#9. Clock Widget**

You can indulge your listeners with a nice analog or digital clock.





#### **Why is it important?** 

Time being an infinite resource means we have to spend it wisely. And clocks help us measure and tell how much time has elapsed.



#### **Where can I get it?**

- [HTML Analog Clock Widget](https://24timezones.com/clock-widget/analog)
- [Booked.net Clock Widgets](https://www.booked.net/widgets/clock)

### **#10. Donation Widget**

Strapped for cash? Most non-profit radio stations are and contributions from their loyal fans can keep them going.

But first, you need a simple way to collect contributions, and on websites, you just embed a donation widget that allows listeners to send you contributions.





#### **Why is it important?** 

To raise money for day to day costs like hosting. It’s also critical if you’re running a fundraiser for some charitable cause.



#### **Where can I get it?**

Both free and paid options are at your disposal.  If you have a PayPal account, you can [create your PayPal donation](https://www.paypal.com/donate/buttons) button and people can pay you from their credit cards or PayPal account balances.

Looking for a more tailored solution then [try Donorbox](https://donorbox.org/features). It’s free if you collect less than $1000 per month.  

[Mightcause](https://www.mightycause.com/) also provides donation widgets.



### **#11. Chat Room Widget**

Instant messaging chat rooms have been around since the 1990s. People still use them to date. They offer virtual spaces where web users can join rooms and discuss the topic on hand.

Though they don’t cause a buzz like they used to, chat rooms still linger on online dating sites, gaming & streaming sites, live trading websites, and even on radio station sites.

If you’ve been craving a chat room for your website, the hardest bit will be copying and pasting a few lines of code!



#### **Why is it important?** 

Fostering interactions with your fans, building a sense of community, etc. 



#### **Where can I get it?**

- [Chatwee](https://chatwee.com/). The widget has a free plan with some limits such as 5 simultaneous users, 1 chat room, no moderators, etc.
- [Minit](https://minnit.chat/) The free plan supports up to 100 simultaneous users.
- [WordPress Chat Room ](http://plugins:https//wordpress.org/plugins/search/chat+room/)

## CHAPTER 3 - How to add widgets to your website

Okay:

You don’t need any advanced programming skills to add widgets to your site.

Most of the people behind most websites are non-techies.

Besides, it’s just copying and pasting pieces of code.

Visual editors allow you to drag and drop widgets on the page.

### **Where do I get more widgets?**

The first place to check out is your CMS help section. It might have a library listing all the supported add-ons. For instance, WordPress boasts of over 55,136 plugins.

Option two is to visit new radio websites; discover which other plugins your peers are using.

You can also try the old fashioned way of searching for plugins on Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, etc.

Though, ensure you use plugins from trusted sources. Yeah, no plugin is 100% safe. That’s why I recommend sourcing widgets from WordPress, Wix App Market, Joomla, etc.



### **How to add widgets to your site**

Widgets are mostly several lines of code that you copy and paste on your website. The question you might have is where?

Well with the rest of your site’s code, but you need back-end access. On WordPress, you just install plugins and add them from your visual editor.

Here are tutorials you can use:

- [WordPress Widgets Tutorials](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxeQBPgftRE)
- [Adding widgets to Wix](https://help.wixanswers.com/en/article/adding-a-widget-to-your-wix-site)

In summary:

Radio website widgets are great for adding more functionality. They encourage more user engagement, and all these are fine reasons to add them to your site.

“Don’t have a bare-bone site. Add some widgets!”

### **We need you on CloudRadio**

CloudRadio has offered stable and reliable hosting for over six years. Our platform is evolving to meet the needs of broadcasters worldwide.

Since you’re leaving, click any of the links below and see where it takes you.

Radio Website Widgets: With 11 Must-have Widgets

To kick off this blog with a bang, let’s articulate what a good presenter’s voice sounds like. 

- Natural yet relaxed. 
- Crisp, clear & engaging.
- Intonates ⁠—rises and falls.
- Not always deep, and announcer like. 
- But dead easy to listen to and understand.
- Attractive and an attention magnet.

Stay tuned to find out about the number 1 way to improve your radio voice, and it's something you can start doing now at zero cost. Let's get started:

## CHAPTER 1 - How to get a better radio voice

Becoming a better presenter sets you up for more opportunities in the future.

While you can’t replicate or steal someone’s else voice, you can make yours just as good or even better.

So gear up to learn a lot from this chapter, and the first piece of advice is to be a better version of yourself every day.

Now for the tip...you have been waiting for: 

### **#1. Improve your radio voice through practice**

Reading guides and watching YouTube videos on voice improvement is commendable, but only you truly know your radio voice.

And frankly a lot of content you come across might end up not helping you at all.

**The secret is PRACTICE:**

And not just any kind of 'practice' you have to undertake, “Deliberate practice.”

Normal practice is often a mindless activity. For instance, you use your radio voice every day but that doesn't constitute experience & practice.

#### You Need Deliberate Voice Practice

I will not burden you with extraneous information. Let's get started right away. Now, here are the requirements:

- Normal speaking voice
- Normal hearing ability
- A smartphone

Find and launch the voice recording app on your smartphone. On Android, it’s probably, “**Recorder or Sound Recorder.”** On your iPhone, the default voice recording app is the “**Voice Memos.**”

Alternatively, you can carry out practice sessions on your computer.

Later, try other voice recording apps. For now, what you have is enough.

##### **Step 1: You can stand on your feet or remain seated**

Are you on your feet? Great, stand tall, and straight projecting confidence.

Still seated? No problem.

Don’t slump back with your stomach forward. You’ll be less alert and make yourself distant.

Lean forward a bit, keeping your back straight, and chest forward.

##### **Step 2: Find a script or practice material**

If you're doing this exercise at this instant, find material that you can use in your exercise. Even an instruction manual will suffice!

Need more inspirational material?

On your computer, laptop, or tablet, open any of these speeches/poems:


- [I Have A Dream](https://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/ricetalk.John%20F.%20Kennedy%20Moon%20Speech%20-%20Rice%20Stadium)
- [John F. Kennedy Moon Speech—Rice Stadium](https://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/ricetalk.John%20F.%20Kennedy%20Moon%20Speech%20-%20Rice%20Stadium)
- [Do not go gentle into that good night](https://poets.org/poem/do-not-go-gentle-good-night)

We can boost your improvisation skills as we work on your radio voice. 

Choose a topic to speak on, for instance, your dream car, or what you had for breakfast.

##### **Step 3: Start recording**

As soon as you start speaking, hit the record button and speak for only 30 or 60 seconds max.

Or you can extend this time if you wish to 2 minutes. But the objective is to find something to evaluate.

##### **Step 4: Analyze your voice**

We're going to analyze our voice recording and write down some things. 

So, grab a pen and notebook. If you don’t have any stationery around, create a word file and name it “Speech Improvement.”

Next, play your recording back. Listen intently, and resist the urge to hit the stop button regardless of how horrible you sound.

Make notes or score marks under the following topics: 

**1. What did I do well?**

E.g. My voice projection was great. I stressed words correctly.

**2. What did I not do so well?**

For instance, I spoke too fast and mumbled some words. My tone was flat and passionless.

Give yourself just 5-10 minutes from recording to analysis.

#### Make rapid improvements to your radio voice

You can now rapidly improve your radio voice after you discover your weaknesses. 

Trust that you have everything you need to carry out this improvement exercise. You also know how a great voice should sound after listening to voice-over artists and presenters. 

##### Seek more help

If you're struggling with any aspect of your voice, remember that you can also seek outside help.

You can find more resources on the web. By working consistently, you should soon have a new, great-sounding voice.

##### Set aside time for it

You’ll break my heart if, at the end of this month, you’re still googling ways to improve your voice.

The best way to stick to this course of improvement is to block out time on your calendar for your solo voice practice sessions.

For instance, you can set a recurring event every day from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Just 30 minutes will do wonders.







### **#2. Relax & speak to your friend**

Studio environments can be intimidating, especially with a stern producer watching you through thick glass, guests seated across you, and listeners on the other end.

The pressure is real, but it’s vital to keep your cool and relax.

Tension is not great for your voice. Your muscles tense up.

Think of how deep your voice gets in the morning when your blissful, rested, and relaxed.

So how can you relax? The best time we are relaxed is when talking to friends we like.

If you’ve not made your co-host a friend and there is no one around the studio you particularly like, find something else to speak to.

Like your microphone…

Yeah, focus on explaining the traffic situation to your mic. Or picture your ideal listener back home, and try speaking to them as you would any friend:

- With energy
- With sincerity
- Showing them love
- Helping them understand
- Making them laugh

### **#3. Enunciate your words – Get your diction right**

Slurring words, mumbling, and not pronouncing your syllables properly – are all pitfalls you should eliminate in your speech.

You frustrate the listeners because they can’t hear you correctly.

See words in their constituent consonants, syllables, and vowels. For instance, you don't speak. Instead, you spēk. So it's probably a good idea to look up some pronunciations in the dictionary.

The only way of getting your diction right is through good-old practice.

Practicing with tongue twisters is a good way to start. When you say words correctly often your lips, mouth, tongue, jaw, and even your facial expression change.

You should try these exercises in front of a mirror to observe these movements.

Popular tongue twisters:

“She sells seashells down by the seashore.”

“Success sings success songs.”

“If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers where's the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?

The goal is to make each word distinct when you emphasize each syllable and consonant. And record each attempt so you can play it back and improve on it. 





### **#4. Rhythm and pitch**

**Play your voice like a musical instrument.**

You only need to add pitch and rhythm to the way you talk.

For instance, when you’re asking a question, your pitch rises. Where are you goING TO? What are you doING?

When you make statements, you generally want to avoid a rising inflection at the end, and use a downward inflection instead. For instance, I AM A Man. Not, I am a mAN, which comes off as if you're asking a question.

For statements or commands that end with a downward inflection, you sound more authoritative.

It’s also good to play with the tempo of your voice. For instance, slow: “My name is Winston.” Fast: “What is yours?”

Fast: “I love ice cream.” Slow: “But I....hate....funerals.” Implement some pauses also called strategic silence.

Similarly, reduce the pitch of your voice. Deeper voices are more pleasant, for instance, Morgan Freeman's voice.

Speaking of Morgan Freeman, his advice towards a deeper voice," is quite simple.

"Yawn a lot," he says, "it relaxes your vocal cords. And as soon as they relax, your tone drops."

## CHAPTER 2  - Radio voice basics

Radio presenters are performers. Artistic talkers, touché.

But without the benefits of stage props, musical accompaniments, facial expressions, etc...

They can only dazzle the listener by the power of their voice.

Their obligation is to express thoughts and ideas clearly.

Paint fine art with their voice. Take listeners on joyous adventures of pleasurable listening. Do justice to words when the call for sadness, passion, urgency, happiness, graveness, ugliness, bliss…

When they speak, you listen. You're drawn into their circle. Their words linger about your ears, not for one day —for perpetuity!

### **Recommended video**

[INCREDIBLE Singing Transformation Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTX9LxZ9YUQ)

### **Why you should improve your voice?**

*“A workman is only as good as his tools. And a poor workman blames his tools.”*

When it comes to radio presenting, well voice is the main tool.

Listeners can’t see you. They can't tell if you’re tall, short, a bit heavy, or light as a kite. None of that matters to them as much as your voice. 

It’s like standing on the edge of a river, and you can see the listener on the other side. Your voice is the bridge that connects you to them.

All the wonderful gifts that you have to share; jokes, thoughts, casual observations, pieces of advice, knowledge, facts, etc; have to pass through the bridge to reach them.

Would you want a crappy little bridge constructed out of sticks and ropes? Some of your gifts will fall off into oblivion never arriving on the other side. 

Instead, you’d want a nice stone bridge that’s wide and strong as the link between you and them.



### **The mechanics of the Human Voice Explained**

Mechanics fix vehicles because they understand how the engine works. Similarly, your body has a unique, complex system that produces sound. 

Do you remember the human anatomy from your earlier schooling? Here is a handy chart to refresh your memory: 

![img](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/Illu_conducting_passages.svg)

### **How you produce sound**

The human voice originates from the vocal tract. Three major organs found in the track play an important role in sound production:

**Lungs**

When you breathe in, your lungs fill up with air. As you speak, air from the lungs is pumped out, past your vocal cords causing them to vibrate and produce sound.

**Vocal folds:**

You can also call them vocal cords, and you find them in the larynx. As an exercise, reach out and touch your larynx, placing your hand on your throat. There is a cartridge that protects your vocal cords, which for men, forms protrudes to form the Adam's apple.

The vocal cords resemble two folds of skin that vibrate as air from the lungs moves past them. Muscles control the movement of vocal cords and the distance between them. The size of your vocal cords and tension influences the pitch of your voice.

**Articulators**

Any organ above your larynx that manipulates sound is an articulator, for instance, the tongue, teeth, lips, hard palate, soft palate, alveolar ridge, pharynx.

While sound originates from the vocal cords, the articulators convert it into clear and distinct sounds. They affect the clarity of what’s been said.

Among the organs in the voice track, the articulators are easy to see in action.

For instance:

- Say “K” and “G”. They are produced in velum.

- Say “Ooo”. And notice the position of your tongue and lips.

-Pronounce, “P” and “B”. Did you press your lips together and then popped them out?

<iframe width="835" height="470" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GDzcLZDdxqs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

### **Why your voice is unique**

Why does every human being have a unique voice?

It’s simply because we are all distinct beings. Have you met someone with the same body size and shape as you? Even if it’s your twin, you'll sound like two different people, because you are.

What about impressionists? They just have the special ability to imitate the speech patterns and manner of speaking of other people.

Plus they can’t do it 24/7 because, while they can modify their voice tracts to produce the desired sound, that’s not their natural orientation. 

The differences in how we speak are also brought about by the shape and size of the chest, the thickness of the neck, how the tongue moves, bone structure, etc.

The point is:

You can’t exactly sound like your idol. I for a fact know that I can’t sound like Morgan Freeman. But I can take advantage of the full potential of my vocal cord: 

Enunciate words and put stresses on all the right consonants. Stop speaking like I’m in a 100m dash.

Get rid of pauses and stutters the “uumh” to become a smooth talker. Find ways to make my voice a little deeper, and more!

### **Breathing Techniques**

**How to breath****e** **effectively**

Air is the fuel that powers your voice. So more of it means your voice will be more powerful.

Effective speakers fill up by taking deeper and longer breaths. Ineffective speakers, take quick and shallow breaths.

There is a technique you can learn to enhance your speaking voice, and it’s called **“**Diaphragmatic breathing.”

Your lungs are just spongy sacks with networks of bronchioles. Pumping air into the lungs is left to the diaphragm, which is a dome-shaped muscle.

When you breathe in, it moves down and flattens. When it moves up, your lungs empty.

So here are quick tips to improve your diaphragmatic breathing:

- Your chest should not move as you breathe. Shoulders must remain very still and at the same level.
- Relax your upper body as much as possible. Tension affects your vocals and breathing.
- Place your left hand on your chest, and your right hand beneath your rib cage. Take a deep breathe in and ensure that your left-hand doesn’t move.
- That, in short, is how you breathe effectively. 

### **Posture Techniques**

Proper posture is key if you want better voice projection. Always maintain a power pose. 

For instance, if you’re standing, keep your back straight, eyes on a straight plane, jaw forward, and feet firmly planted on the ground.

In a seated position, resist the urge to slouch or slump back on your chair.

Lean forward conveying that you’re alert and attentive. Have a neat desk when interviewing someone else. Don't fidget with any item as you talk. Maintain eye contact with your guest or co-host.

If you’re using gestures, extend your hands beyond your shoulders.

Good posture improves your breathing. It gives you more power, diminishes fear, and it even leads to a surge of more testosterone, no joke.



### **You can damage your vocal cords**

Okay, this topic is not meant to put the fear of voice improvement into you–but it’s great to have the facts.

You can damage your vocal cords if you abuse them by:

Too much yelling or talking too loudly – Obviously, shouting is not good for your vocal cords.

Smoking—It increases the risk of throat cancer.

Over straining your voice – Particularly, if you have a sore throat. Similarly, trying to imitate how someone’s sings or talks puts your voice safety at risk.

Vocal cords experience different injuries, including:

Voice fold hemorrhage – Bleeding in the vocal cords caused by too much physical stress such as speaking over loud music in parties, cheering in a sports event, etc. 

If this happens to you, you’ll not feel any physical pain but your voice will be hoarse. Voice rest will help you deal with this problem.

Vocal cord lesions – It’s a condition, in which, non-cancerous growths such as cysts and nodules develop on the vocal cords. This condition develops as a result of overuse& misuse of the vocal folds or through direct trauma.

Symptoms include loss of voice, hoarseness, inability to hit certain tones, voice fatigue, etc. Some cysts are so large that it requires surgery to remove them.

Strive to get the maximum out of your voice. But it’s important to know that moderation is required.



### **Understanding Voice Lessons & Coaching**

Someone probably floated the idea that you can improve your radio presenter’s voice by taking voice lessons, or did they say voice coaching, or was it speech training.

Let’s understand what each course entails.

### **Voice Coaching**

It entails preparing singers for performances and auditions. The voice coach might be a singer, professional-trained voice technician, pianist, etc.

Several skills are developed including stage presence, acting, good microphone technique (distance & direction), choice of music, accompaniment, etc.

### **Voice Lessons**

Voice lessons are geared at improving the technical and artistic aspects of your voice. Singers first start with voice lessons.

A good voice teacher in the first session, will identify weaknesses in the student’s voice, and plot a course of action. 

So what’s improved?

- Vocal range
- Voice projection – The strength of speaking where the speaker seeks to be heard clearly and command attention.
- Blending of the chest voice and head voice for singers. 

### **Speech Coaching**

There are different kinds of speech coaches.

First, a content coach who specializes in the drafting of the speech. You’ll be instructed on how to structure the speech, research, and create compelling content.

Second, a delivery coach instructs the speaker on effective presentation. They will teach the correct use of gestures, vocal technique, etc.

The third kind of coach may specialize in helping their clients market the speech, so the student can get paid when they perform it. 

### Keep improving your radio voice!

And stay sharp with more [blogs from CloudRadio. ](http://cloudrad.io/blog)

And if you’re looking for a great place for your web radio to call home, we have been in this industry for over 10 years now, and as CloudRadio since 2012.

Are you looking for ways to improve your radio voice? This guide will teach you about the mechanics of your radio voice and give you tips to improve it.

Welcome to the Blog

Keep up with the latest news and updates