This week, we focus on morning show formatics and execution.

  

1. Plan the show the day/night before. Then add late-breaking content before airtime.

  

2. Research your content. Find interesting bits, news and topics via the internet, prep services, and your DVR… all before the show comes on the air.

  

3. Look for the big event that is the hot topic of the day. If you find one, weave it throughout the show and aim straight for your core target.

  

4. Plan every break ahead of time; this includes every element, the order of delivery, how to start, and how to get out. Having a planned exit will keep the bit shorter and on a more direct course.

  

5. Have at least one benchmark or bit every half hour. That’s also a key ingredient in setting listener appointments and building timing guideposts for your audience.

  

6. Do consistently great shows every day with identical benchmark features at the same times for regularity and reliability. Help listeners plan their day and their on-time arrival by keeping your show (and your audience) on schedule.

  

7. Practice brevity in stopsets; keep them short for flow; leave listeners wanting more (not less).

  

8. Talk up the music and exhibit passion for the format; occasionally provide music info into/out of songs beyond title and artist.

  

9. Sound local with relatable community info; talk to the target listener.

  

10. Be likeable and positive; stay away from politics, race, and religion.

  

11. Have listener phone calls and participation. This may be in benchmarks, games, and via phone or social media.

  

12. Talk about top-rated TV shows and their stars (American Idol, The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, etc.); focus on the ones your listeners watch. The same goes for the major movies. You’ll be helping listeners plan their spare time.

  

13. Produce a “best of” promo right after the show. Run it every other hour promoting the next day’s show.

  

14. It’s okay to be vulnerable. That’s how you get a true emotional reaction and attraction. Let the listener in on your life, assuming you have one!

  

15. Ditch the “I” myopia. Don’t talk about yourself too much; most bits shouldn’t start with a story about you.

  

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Every great morning show, whether music or talk, begins with a written plan that helps prep each show and maps the bits and benchmarks every hour. How do you create this roadmap? What’s the secret to producing a terrific show every day? Easy – just plan and execute. Use the Lund Morning Show Guide to “amp up” your mornings. Help improve the planning, presentation and sound of each show. This guide has all the tools your star talents need to grow and sound better. The Morning Show Daytimer, Top 50 Morning Show Benchmarks, Localism & Relatability Checklists, and Morning Show Essentials. To truly help the sound and execution of your morning show, click here.