Fine-tuning the three components of every talk segment

Management likes to complain that breaks are too long. I prefer to think of breaks in terms of momentum. If the segment has momentum, a long break can feel too short. But if the segment drags, even a short break can feel interminable. 

One easy way to analyze a segment is to study its three building blocks. The building blocks of any segment are 1) the setup, or hook, 2) the body of the break, and 3) the payoff. Setups and payoffs are sometimes compared to flight takeoffs and landings, the most risky and dangerous elements of the flight. 

The setup, or takeoff, is the hook that listeners use to determine whether they will stay for the break. After a quick station ID and “handshake,” engage the audience. What is in it for them?  This is the deliberation zone, when listeners decide whether or not they are going to give you their attention for the next few minutes. 

Resets, when bringing back the same topic from the previous talk break, can be much tighter than the original. Get to texts and caller reaction as soon as possible for maximum momentum.

The payoff, or landing, does not have to be a punchline, but there should be some kind of closure, or “why” to the segment. Avoid repeating yourself here, “circling the drain” of the topic. If you're going out on a laugh, listen for the first big laugh and take that exit. Build momentum toward the next segment, whether you tease new content or a continuation of the current discussion. 

The body of the segment often takes care of itself, if you set it up well. Storytelling basics – like bullet-pointing rather than scripting, careful editing, and avoiding tangents and derails – can help keep this middle segment moving forward. 

Listening back to audio is a powerful tool for both management and hosts themselves. Next time you feel like a break “went too long,” listen back. Did it take too long to get going without a clear listener incentive? Did it get bogged down in the middle, trying to do too much in one break? Or did it take too long to end once the break felt like it was done? This evaluation structure can help you pinpoint what went wrong.

Keep showing up! 

~ Angela