Trying too hard – whether it’s to be funny, to really “sell” something, or to ingratiate yourself to the listener – just doesn’t work out well in the long run.
Yes, we all do it when we first start out, but a developed talent realizes sooner or later that “trying” can be FELT on the other end of the radio – and it pushes the Listener away.
What you want is to sound just like you do in a normal, animated conversation with a friend. You’re not trying to impress them, or show them how smart you are. You’re just trying to share a thought. Or even just a mood.
When we “amp up” the performance, it’s just noise coming out of the radio.
Note: Some people do just naturally sound a little dead or monotone, and usually someone coaches them to have a little “sparkle” or “smile” when they open the mic. Unfortunately, this rarely works.
People who speak in a monotone don’t belong on the radio. They didn’t entertain their friends in the 4th grade, and they still can’t.
(Sorry to sound so harsh, but find the person everyone listens to in real life, then put THAT person on the radio.)
