Note: In order to be able to broadcast your radio on YouTube, you’ll need to verify your channel. YouTube will ask you to enter a phone number to identify you as the owner. The verification of your account takes 24 hours, so be sure to do it a few days before your live broadcast.

Setting up your live stream

Discover our step-by-step video tutorial here:

1. Download OBS

In order to broadcast your radio live on YouTube you will need to use the OBS software. If you remember, we already used this software to broadcast live on Periscope. It may seem complex at first, but OBS is a great ally when it comes to video transmission. The software is available on Mac, Windows and Linux.

Download OBS

Has your YouTube account been verified and have you downloaded OBS? Perfect, you are almost ready to broadcast your live show on YouTube.

2. Configure your radio stream with OBS

In order for YouTube to broadcast your live feed, you need to configure OBS with your listening link. To do so, open OBS and create a scene by clicking on + in the bottom left-hand corner.

In each scene you can add sources, this is where you can add video, images and of course your radio stream:

• Go to Sources and click on + > VLC Video Source
• Choose Create New
• In Playlist click + > Add Path/URL
• Paste the listening link of your station (found under the Share tab of your Radio Manager)

Once you have added your listening link, you can take care of what your listeners will see. If you want to activate your webcam choose Video Capture Device > Create New and in Device search for your webcam. You can also add images, text…let your imagination run wild!

3. What to do if VLC video source doesn’t appear?

If you are unable to add a VLC video source, it’s probably because you don’t have the correct version. To put it simply, if you have downloaded the 64-bit version of OBS, you will also need the 64-bit version of VLC. If you have downloaded the 32-bit version of OBS, you will also need the 32-bit version of VLC. You can download the version you need here:

• VLC 64-bit (Mac OS X)
• VLC 64-bit (Windows)
• VLC 32-bit (Windows)

Once you have downloaded the corresponding version of VLC, you’ll need to restart your computer. You should now be able to add a VLC video source to OBS.

4. Configure OBS

Now head over to YouTube to retrieve your live broadcast key and URL. Thanks to this information, you’ll be able to broadcast everything that comes from OBS directly onto YouTube. On your home page click on the camera and choose Go Live.

Once you’re on the live home page, click on Stream, give your show a name and click on New Stream (you can also choose a category for your show and even a cover image).

You’ll then have access to your Stream URL as well as a Stream Key (the part that we’ll need). Head back over to OBS and enter your stream key.

Click on Settings and go to the Stream tab. Under Service, select YouTube and enter your stream key.

You’re almost there, simply click on “ok” to save your information!

Are you ready? Click on Start Streaming on OBS then head back to YouTube. You’ll see a preview of your live broadcast. If you’re happy with what you see, then click on “Go Live“.

Your radio is now broadcasting live on YouTube. Would you like to speak live on air? It’s easy, simply open the live broadcasting software of your choice and do your show as usual.

CAREFUL: Bear in mind the live broadcasting delay that can be up to 1 minute for certain listeners.

You can share the link to your live broadcast by clicking on the arrow in the top right-hand corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cet article Broadcast your radio live on YouTube est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

1/ With a Mixing Desk (hardware setup)
2/ With Audio Hijack (Mac software setup)
3/ With Voicemeeter (Windows software setup)

Method 1: Taking Live Calls via a Mixing Desk

If you have a physical audio mixer, this method offers the most control and professional sound quality. Plus, it doesn’t require you to download any additional software, apart from your chosen live broadcasting solution.

What You Need:

• A mixing desk
• A smartphone
• A TRRS to dual 1/4″ cable, or RCA cable (depending on your mixer)
• An optional phone interface (like iRig 2, or smartphone adapters)
• Headphones
• Broadcasting software (BUTT, Mixxx, or any encoder)

Step-by-Step:

1. Connect Your Phone to the Mixer

• Use a 3.5mm TRRS to dual 1/4” cable to connect your phone’s headphone jack to an input channel on your mixer.
• If your phone doesn’t have a headphone jack (hello, modern smartphones), use a dongle adapter (e.g., Lightning to 3.5mm for iPhone or USB-C to 3.5mm for Android).
• Plug the ends into a stereo line-in channel on your mixer.

2. Set Up a Mix-Minus

This prevents the caller from hearing an echo of their own voice:

• Route your microphone and other audio to the caller (so they hear you).
• Do NOT send their own voice back to them!
  To do this: Use AUX Send or Bus Send on your mixer to create a mix that includes your mic but excludes the channel used for the phone call.
• Send this mix back to the phone using the return path or via an audio interface or direct box.

3. Connect the Mixer to Your Computer

• Plug the main output of your mixer into your computer using an audio interface (like Focusrite Scarlett 2i2).
• Set your broadcasting software to use the audio interface as the input source.

4. Monitor Everything with Headphones

• Always use headphones to prevent feedback.
• Check levels: Make sure both your voice and the caller’s voice are balanced and audible.

5. Go Live

You’re now ready to broadcast your call live on air: Call comes in → answer the call → fade up the phone channel on your mixer → speak into your mic → both voices go live on air.

Method 2: Taking Live Calls via Audio Hijack (MacOS)

If you’re on a Mac and prefer a software solution, Audio Hijack lets you route audio from apps like Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, or WhatsApp Desktop straight into your stream.

What You Need:

• Mac computer
• Audio Hijack (by Rogue Amoeba)
• Loopback (optional, for easier routing)
• A calling app (Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, etc.)
• Broadcasting software (BUTT, Mixxx, or any encoder)

Step-by-Step:

1. Create a New Session in Audio Hijack

• Open Audio Hijack and click New Session.
• Choose Blank Session so you can customize it.

2. Add Audio Sources

• Add a “Application” block and select the calling app (e.g., FaceTime or Skype).
• Add a “Input Device” block for your microphone (e.g., Blue Yeti, Shure MV7, etc.).

3. Combine the Audio

• If needed, add a “Mixer” block to combine both the caller’s voice and your mic into one audio stream.

4. Add an Output Device

• Add an “Output Device” block and set it to Loopback Audio, Soundflower, or any virtual audio driver.
• This is the combined audio you’ll send to your broadcasting software.

5. Set Your Broadcasting Software to Use That Output

• In your radio software (like BUTT), set the input device to Loopback Audio or your virtual driver.

6. Make a Test Call

• Call a friend or colleague, check levels, and make sure both of you can hear each other.
• Use headphones to avoid echoes or double audio.

7. Go Live

Once you confirm it all works, take a real call and broadcast it live!

Method 3: Taking Live Calls via Voicemeeter (Windows)

Voicemeeter is a virtual mixer for Windows. It allows you to route multiple audio sources into one virtual output, making it perfect for live calls.

What You Need:

• Windows PC
• Voicemeeter (or Voicemeeter Banana for more features)
• VB-Audio Cable (virtual audio cable)
• A calling app (e.g., WhatsApp Desktop, Skype, Zoom)
• Broadcasting software (BUTT, etc.)
• Headphones

Step-by-Step:

1. Install Voicemeeter + VB-Cable

• Download Voicemeeter and VB-Audio Cable from the VB-Audio website.
• Restart your computer after installation.

2. Configure Your Inputs

• Open Voicemeeter and set:
  • Hardware Input 1 = your microphone
  • Your calling app’s output device = VB-Audio Cable Input

This means the caller’s voice gets routed into Voicemeeter via the virtual cable.

3. Configure Your Outputs

• In Voicemeeter:
  • Set A1 Output to your headphones (so you can hear everything)
  • Set B1 or B2 Output to Voicemeeter Output, which your broadcasting software will use.

4. Route Audio to Broadcast Software

• Open your broadcasting software and select Voicemeeter Output as the audio input.
• This sends the mix of your voice and the caller’s voice to your radio stream.

5. Fine-Tune Your Mix

• Adjust volume sliders inside Voicemeeter for your mic and the caller.
• Use mute buttons, EQs, and gates to clean up the sound.

6. Make a Test Call

• Call someone and make sure both voices are audible.
• Ask the caller if they can hear you clearly.

7. Go Live

Everything working? Take your call live and enjoy real-time listener interaction!

Final Tips for All Methods

• Use headphones to avoid echoes and feedback.
• Do a full test run before your first live show.
• Communicate with your callers, let them know they’re live.
• Balance audio levels to avoid the caller being too loud or too quiet.
• Have a backup plan in case your setup fails mid-show.

Taking live listener calls is a great way to level up your radio show and build a stronger bond with your audience. Whether you’re using a professional mixer, Mac software, or a free Windows setup, you now have the tools and knowledge to bring those voices live on air.

Cet article How to Take Live Calls on Your Online Radio Station est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

What is SoundDesk?
Why use SoundDesk for your radio?
Configure SoundDesk for your online radio
How to use SoundDesk for your online radio

What is SoundDesk?

SoundDesk is a professional-grade virtual mixing console designed for MacOS. It allows users to manage and route multiple audio sources seamlessly, making it an essential tool for musicians, podcasters, broadcasters, and online radio station owners. With SoundDesk, you can mix, record, and broadcast audio with precision and ease, all from your Mac. The software provides a user-friendly interface while offering advanced features like multi-channel routing, real-time effects, and integration with third-party plugins.

SoundDesk is available for $30 (excluding local taxes), and you can try a 15-day free trial version.

Why Use SoundDesk for Your Online Radio Station?

Running an online radio station requires smooth audio management, and SoundDesk provides a reliable solution for mixing and broadcasting high-quality sound.

One of the key benefits of this online mixing desk is its ability to integrate multiple audio inputs, including microphones, music players, VoIP calls, and pre-recorded content. This allows radio hosts to seamlessly switch between different sources during live broadcasts. Additionally, SoundDesk offers real-time audio processing, enabling users to adjust equalization, apply compression, and add effects to enhance the overall audio quality.

Virtual audio routing is another major advantage of SoundDesk. It allows users to connect different applications and hardware devices without needing additional physical mixing consoles. This simplifies the broadcasting setup and provides greater flexibility in managing audio sources.

SoundDesk is also compatible with popular broadcasting software such as BUTT (Broadcast Using This Tool), Rocket Broadcaster, and OBS Studio.

How to Configure SoundDesk for Your Online Radio Station

Setting up SoundDesk for your online radio station requires a few essential steps.

1. Install SoundDesk and Virtual Audio Drivers

If you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to download and install SoundDesk. To route audio between applications, you will also need to install a virtual audio driver such as SoundDesk Virtual Cable. These drivers allow seamless audio routing, enabling you to send your mixed audio output to broadcasting software.

2. Configure Your Mac Audio Settings

Head over to your Mac’s audio settings by clicking on the Apple logo, then go to System Preferences > Sound. You’ll then need to select SoundDesk Audio Driver as the device for both input and output.

Don’t forget to keep the Audio Setup window open!

3. Configure Your SoundDesk Audio Settings

To configure your audio settings in SoundDesk, open the app and go to the Audio Tab. Then change the Input Interface and Output Interface to “All-In-One Device”.

4. Use Audio From Your Apps To SoundDesk

If you want to use the audio from apps on your Mac, you’ll need to assign them to SoundDesk’s inputs.

Under the Audio Tab > Virtual Driver, click on Matrix. You should see all of your open apps appear on the left hand side of the Audio Driver Matrix. If an app doesn’t appear in the list, make sure that it’s open and running on your Mac !

Note: The Audio Driver Matrix will open all of your app, even those that have nothing to do with audio. You can simply ignore them and focus on the apps that you want to use.

• Assign your apps to an input by checking a box in one of the columns. (We recommend that you only assign one app per input.)
• When you’ve finished assigning your apps, you can close the Matrix.
• Go to File > New Desk to assign your inputs to channels within the SoundDesk mixer by choosing the inputs from the Virtual Audio Driver options. 

For example: If you assigned your Music player to inputs 3-4, on the A input for a channel in the Virtual Audio Driver you’ll need to select “input 3”. On the B input for a channel, select “input 4”.

To help you easily know what each channel and fader of your online mixing desk is for, you can rename each channel with whatever app has been assigned to it!

5. Set Up Your Outputs

You now need to configure your outputs. For the PFL output:

• Left: external headphones output 1
• Right: external headphones output 2

Next, do the same thing to the Stereo output:

• Left: external headphones output 1
• Right: external headphones output 2

Lastly, change your master fader output (at the bottom) to SoundDesk Virtual Audio Cable (Stereo):

6. Configure BUTT

To configure your radio stream in BUTT, you can follow the steps in our tutorial.

Once your radio stream has been configured, head over to BUTT under Settings > Audio. Under Main Audio Settings, change your input device to SoundDesk Virtual Audio Cable.

Your SoundDesk audio should now come through to BUTT. All that’s left to do is press the play button in BUTT to start broadcasting live on your radio station. Your radio stream will be controlled by your online mixing desk!

How to Use SoundDesk for Your Online Radio Station

1. Managing Live Audio Sources

SoundDesk provides an intuitive mixer interface that allows you to control multiple audio sources in real-time. You can mute or unmute sources, adjust volume levels, and apply effects as needed to ensure a smooth broadcast.

2. Playing Music and Pre-Recorded Content

To incorporate music and pre-recorded content into your radio station, add a media player such as iTunes or VLC as an input source. In SoundDesk, adjust the channel levels and routing settings to blend pre-recorded content seamlessly with live audio sources.

3. Handling Live Calls and Interviews

If you plan to feature live calls or interviews on your station, you can integrate VoIP applications like Zoom or Skype as an audio source. SoundDesk’s routing features allow you to separate caller audio from the main mix, ensuring clear communication and professional-quality interviews.

4. Enhancing Audio with Effects and Plugins

SoundDesk supports real-time audio processing, enabling you to apply built-in effects or external plugins. You can use equalizers to balance frequencies, compressors to maintain consistent audio levels, and reverb or limiters to refine the overall sound output.

5. Monitoring and Adjusting Broadcast in Real-Time

It is essential to monitor your broadcast to maintain high-quality audio. Use headphones to listen to your output mix and make real-time adjustments as necessary. This ensures that your radio station delivers a professional and engaging listening experience.

SoundDesk is a powerful and versatile tool for managing an online radio station on MacOS. Its ability to mix multiple audio sources, apply real-time effects, and route audio seamlessly makes it an excellent choice for broadcasters. By setting up SoundDesk correctly and utilizing its features efficiently, you can elevate your online radio station’s production quality and deliver a professional listening experience to your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cet article SoundDesk: An Online Mixing Desk for MacOS est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

With the vast choice of audio equipment that is available today, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help you see a little clearer we’re going to look at 5 categories of radio station equipment that can be useful for improving your broadcasts.

1/ Why invest in radio station equipment?
2/ Computer
3/ Headphones
4/ Microphone
5/ Mixing desk
6/ Microphone stand
7/ Where to purchase your equipment?

Why invest in radio station equipment?

When it comes to running an internet radio station, you might want to invest in some additional equipment in order to broadcast live on air and ensure high quality audio.

Providing a great audio experience will give your broadcasts a more professional feel, as well as helping you attract new listeners and keep them coming back for more! Your audio quality can help differentiate your from competing stations. Rest assured, there’s no need to break the bank in order to broadcast high quality audio content! So let’s take a look at the different equipment you may need to start broadcasting.

Computer and Internet connection

As apposed to traditional FM (frequency modulation) radio that broadcast with an antenna, online radio stations broadcast through the power of the Internet. So, if there’s one thing you must have in order to start your online radio station, it’s a computer with Internet connection. There are no specific requirements when it comes to the operating system (MacOS, Windows or Linux), the choice mainly comes down to your own personal preference!

This equipment will allow you to:

• set up an online radio stream
• manage content
• create playlists and programs
• schedule your content to broadcast automatically
• go live on air (with a broadcasting software)

This is the basis for getting your radio station up and running. If you’re only planning on streaming automated audio content on your station, then you don’t necessarily need to invest in any more radio equipment. However, let’s take a look at what you’ll need if you’re planning on broadcasting live on air. 

Note: remember that in order to go live, you’ll need to use a broadcasting software! Many are available to download for free regardless of your preferred operating system (MacOs, Windows or Linux).

Headphones

Headphones are an essential piece of equipment in the world of audio, especially for radio broadcasters. Their main role is to help you hear what’s happening on your radio better than with speakers. Furthermore, the audio quality is better, which allows you to feel closer to the music. The sound you’ll get through your headphones will be “truer” than what you will hear from your computer’s built-in speakers for example. They also allow you to pre-listen to songs before broadcasting them to ensure a smooth transition between tracks.

When you’re live on air, listening to your broadcast through headphones avoids the effect of Larsen (when your microphone broadcasts what it hears from your speakers and causes a double broadcast on your radio).

There are 3 main qualities to look for:

• Comfort: they should be comfortable and high quality as you could be wearing them for long periods of time
• Neutral: you want to invest in headphones that provide a neutral sound, meaning that all frequency ranges are heard at the same level
• Closed: they should isolate you from background noise so that surrounding sounds don’t impact your focus

Microphone

If you’re planning on speaking live on air, then a mic is (obviously) an essential piece of radio equipment! Although you can broadcast from the built-in microphone on your computer if you have one, using an external microphone will provide better audio quality. With the vast choice of mics out there, it can be difficult to know which one to purchase, especially if you’re new to the world of broadcasting. We’re going to simplify it all by breaking it down into 2 categories: USB and XLR.

USB Mics

As the name indicates, USB microphones are plugged into a computer directly via USB cable. There’s no need to use mixing desk in order to connect your mic and begin your broadcast, simply connect it to your computer and you’re good to go! They are a great option if you’re looking to broadcast on a budget.

XLR Mics

In order to connect an XLR microphone to your computer, you’ll need a mixing desk or an audio interface. They are generally more expensive than USB microphones, but tend to provide better audio quality and last longer. As they are compatible with most standard audio equipment, they also leave room for you to easily change the other components of your studio set up. For example, if you start out with an audio interface and decide later on to switch to a mixing console, you won’t need to change your microphone in order for all of your material to work together.

Within this category, you can distinguish 2 sub-categories:

• Dynamic mics: tend to pick up mostly what’s in front of them and reduce background noise
• Condenser mics: are generally more sensitive and are known for providing a “warm” sound

When selecting your mic, make sure to take the directionality (polar pattern) into consideration too:

• Cardioid: captures sound mostly from the front, rejecting background noise. Best for solo broadcasting.
• Supercardioid / Hypercardioid: even tighter pickup pattern, great for isolating your voice in noisy environments.
• Omnidirectional: captures sound from all directions. Not ideal unless you’re doing group discussions.

Mixing Table

If you’re using an XLR mic, you’ll need a mixing table in order to connect it to your computer. Mixing desks (also called “mixers”), allow you to group multiple inputs to a single output and independently control the level of each input. You can connect other equipment such as microphones, headphones and a computer. The number of available inputs will depend on the size of your mixer.

Being able to connect several microphones allows you to broadcast live on your radio station with multiple people. It’s also a great way to involve your listeners by connecting a telephone and taking calls for example. You can also connect other devices such as: an additional laptop, a tablet, stereo players, and even instruments! They are also equipped with 48V (phantom power) which is used to power condenser mics.

It’s difficult to recommend a specific mixer, as your choice will depend on your expectations and the type of broadcasts you want to create. We invite you to check out the article below to discover a range of mixers with 2 – 6 inputs.

Note: if you are planning on broadcasting solo with just 1 mic, then you can also invest in a simple audio interface!

Microphone Stands

To complete your studio, you may also want to look into microphone stands. The main function of a mic stand is to hold your mic steady so that you avoid touching it during your broadcasts. Touching your mic can result in parasite noises for your listeners that can be irritating and distract from your content. They are generally a very affordable piece of equipment that can make life a lot easier for radio broadcasters! There are several different types that will work best depending on your studio set up:

• A boom arm: allows you to smoothly pivot your mic without impacting the sound quality. It’s generally attached directly to your table. You will also be able to adjust how high you want your mic, and move it to a position that works best for you!
• A boom stand: again, this stand allows you to pivot and adjust the position of your microphone. However, this time the equipment stands on its own feet instead of being attached to a table. It takes up a little more space than a boom arm.
• A table stand: (also known as a desktop stand) if you’re tight for space in your studio, a table stand will probably be the best option for you. They are slightly less flexible compared to boom arms or stands, but will keep your microphone in place and also have a bit of movement to them.

Where to purchase your online radio equipment?

There are various places where you can purchase equipment for your radio station online. However it’s always best to test it in person if possible, so try and find local stores where you can see the product in real life, and ask any questions you may have! Here’s a small non-exhaustive list for online websites:

• Thomann
• Woodbrass
• RadioActive
• Amazon

Frequently asked questions about radio station equipment

Need help setting up your radio studio? Follow our complete guide!

You now have all the elements you need to create a professional set up for your live broadcasts! Already have a well equipped radio studio? Share it with us on X or Instagram!

Cet article Radio Station Equipment: Full Guide est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

1. Warm up
2. Know your subject
3. Posture and breathing
4. Stay hydrated
5. Listen and learn
6. Find your rhythm
7. Be confident

1/ Warm up your radio voice

Why should you warm up your radio voice?

As a radio presenter, your voice is your most powerful tool, so you need to make sure you are taking care of it. Remember that your voice is a muscle. Like any other muscle, it needs to be warmed up properly before being used. This not only allows you to loosen your vocal muscles, but also reduces the risk of injury and voice loss.

But warming up your radio voice is only one part of the physical preparation. Your voice is not the only muscle that your use when speaking. Approximately 45 facial muscles in total are involved! It’s also important to warm up your face muscles, including your jaw, lips and tongue in order to help with speech and articulation. 

Warm up exercises

Regular warm-ups can keep your voice in top condition, ready for any broadcast. You should spend at least 10 minutes warming up your voice and face. Here are 2 simple exercises that you can do in order to prepare your radio voice before a live broadcast. 

Exercise 1: vocal warm up

Hum on one note for one breath out, feeling the resonance vibrate. Extend the hum to sliding up and down a scale without strain. Repeat multiple times.

Your voice should feel warm and smooth after this exercise.

Exercise 2: facial Warm Up

• Step 1: Place your palms on the sides of your face and slowly massage the jaw and cheek muscles with slow small circular motions
• Step 2: Continue to massage while lowering and raising your jaw
• Step 3: Add the sound – “mamamama” with a very light lip contact for the “m”
• Step 4: Change to “wawawawa” with very light lip round for a slightly distorted “w”

Your face should feel much more relaxed and flexible after this exercise. 

2/ Know your subject

It’s no secret, the key to successful oration is preparation! When you are comfortable with the subject at hand, you’ll find it easier to speak fluidly and naturally. This is why it’s essential to research the subject beforehand in order to properly prepare your radio show. The more you know about the topic of your show, the more comfortable you will be when it’s time to go live.

Avoid writing down your whole script and reading it, as your voice may come off as monotonous and listeners may find that your voice lacks spontaneity. Make notes of the key points you want to talk about in order to help you keep track of what to say.

Practice makes perfect

Take the time to practice discussing the subject freely by yourself, repeat the main points you want to bring up during your show so that you’re comfortable repeating them when you’re broadcasting live.

3/ Posture and Breathing

It seems pretty obvious, but don’t forget to breathe! We speak on exhalation, meaning, when we breathe out. The longer our inhalation (the breath we take in), the more words we can speak clearly as we breathe out. By breathing deeply, we can give more volume and force to project our voice. For a strong vocal performance, it’s recommended to use ventral diaphragmatic breathing. Take a look at the exercise below:

Breathing exercise:

Breathe in through your nose for 2 seconds and feel the air moving through your nostrils into your abdomen, making your stomach expand. During this type of breathing, make sure your stomach is moving outward while your chest remains relatively still. Press gently on your stomach and exhale slowly for around 2 seconds. Repeat this several times before starting your live broadcast!

Sit straight

Both posture and breathing are important. It’s physiological, sitting straight helps the air circulate. In order for your voice to reverberate, straighten your back and your abs all whilst avoiding pushing your chin forward.

4/ Stay hydrated

Remember to drink enough before your live broadcast, and keep a glass of water close by. That way, you can take regular sips to keep your mouth and throat from going dry. This will also allow you to take a small break and refocus yourself before speaking again. Make sure turn your head away from your mic when taking a sip to avoid any slurping noises on air! You should also avoid dehydrating beverages like coffee and alcohol before going on air. Herbal teas, especially those with honey, can also soothe your throat.

Top tip: If you’re broadcasting with a guest, make sure to offer them some water too!

5/ Listen and learn

Listen to yourself

It’s a known fact that hearing your own voice can make you cringe, however listening to yourself is the best way to know what you’re doing right, and what you may be doing wrong. You may notice certain things that could frustrate your audience, such as:

• Repeating the same word: for example, some people have a tendency to always start their sentences with “like”, or finishing their sentences with “you know”.
• Filling in the gaps: do you find yourself filling in gaps with “errrr”, “ummm” or “hmmmm”? Try and use transition words instead.
• Speaking too fast: if you have a hard time understanding yourself when listening back, how do you think your audience feels? Listening to your radio station shouldn’t be hard work!

Put yourself in your listeners shoes by recording a test run and listening to yourself so that you can correct these small things that could stop them from returning to your radio station. Most of the time, we don’t notice these things about ourself which is why it’s important to record and listen back! 

Listen to others

Another way to understand how to properly use your radio voice is to listen to other radio presenters! Tune in to hosts and DJs that you like to see how they express themselves, their rhythm, their speed and articulation, etc… Make a note of all the things that make this person enjoyable to listen to, and try to apply it to your own broadcasts. You should also listen to presenters that you don’t like as much, as you can also pick out the things that you want to avoid doing! It’s important to know what you want to give to your listeners, and what you want to avoid.

6/ Find your rhythm

Communicating with people that we cannot see can be difficult as 93% of our daily communication is non-verbal (through gestures and body language). It’s crucial that you speak slowly and clearly to make sure that your audience understands what you are saying.

Here are a few reminders:

• Intonation: In order to avoid a monotonous monologue and keep your radio show dynamic, your intonation is very important so make sure you emphasise certain words when speaking.
• Pauses: No one like radio silence, however you are still allowed to include short pauses in your show. This not only gives you a few seconds to catch your breath, but also gives your listeners a small break.
• Pitch control: Varying your pitch and tone keeps your voice interesting and engaging. 
• Emotion: Injecting emotion and expression into your voice makes your delivery more relatable and engaging.
• Speed: Don’t speak too fast to ensure you can be understood by all of your listeners.
• Overlapping: If you have a guest on your radio show, avoid speaking over them. Your audience will have a hard time understanding what’s going on if multiple people are speaking at the same time.

7/ Be confident

Push through any mistakes

No one is perfect, but we tend to be our own worst critics. It’s completely normal to fumble or make mistakes every now and again, but rest assured, most people won’t be able to tell. If you do happen to make a slight mistake, just push through it as though it never happened, chances are no one will even notice! However, if you spend time worrying about it or letting your audience know that you made a mistake, it will throw you off for the rest of the show.

Confidence is key, so trust yourself, and also trust that your audience will be forgiving if you do make a mistake here and there. You’re only human! Plus, showing that you’re not 100% perfect can also make you more relatable to your listeners.

Smile!

This may sound silly, but make sure to smile and have fun! A study from the University of Portsmouth in the U.K shows that a smile can be heard, even if you are speaking to someone on the phone for example. Your listeners won’t be able to see you, but don’t forget that they can hear it in your tone if you are smiling or frowning. This brings us back to the importance of warming up your face muscles too, as you will find it easier to smile for longer periods of time without tiring your cheek muscles.

So be sure to enjoy yourself during your show, as your audience will feel the energy in your voice. You know what they say: a smile is contagious!

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Those are our tips to help you master your radio voice! Don’t forget to take care of your voice, it’s your most precious tool as a radio host.

Cet article Tips to Master your Radio Voice est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

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