Category: Careers in Radio

Psychology studies behavior and the self. Psychologists run many different tests, interpret a lot of data, and study tests subjects all for the sake of further understanding the way humans connect, and how they respond to stimuli.

Arts And Creative Expression In Psychology

In terms of therapy, one-way psychologists and psychiatrists use to understand better their patient is through creative expression. When words fail to explain experiences, traumatic or not, their patients can turn to artistic expression and freely express themselves. According to Marni Rosen, PsyD, “Finding the words to express trauma is a common challenge for trauma survivors. Creative arts therapies can bridge the shattered memory or painful emotion, and a cognitive-linguistic expression of the traumatic experience. It brings the absence of language into the present though art.”

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Creative expression comes in many types and forms. It is a broad artistic spectrum with various creative mediums. Some widely known methods of creative expression are dance, creative writing, theater, drama, acting, singing, music, and even through broadcasting and scriptwriting. Visual art forms like photography, drawing, graphic artistry, murals, creative vandal, and painting are also under creative expression.

Creative expression amplifies three significant components, both from the observer’s point of view and the artist:

• Sensation
• Emotion
• Knowledge

These three major components are tools to better understanding artworks, regardless of form.

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Additionally, creative expression becomes a tool for the self to feel fulfillment. In individuals who have lost their sense of self to their mental illness, creative expression can help them slowly regain that. According to Amber L. Cromwell, LMFT, “Art therapy supports the treatment for a wide range of mental health issues and may assist in the process of achieving personal insight in individual, group, couples, and family therapy.”

Creativity is known to decrease depression. Studies in the field of psychological research suggest that engaging in artistic activities significantly decreased negative emotions experienced at a given time, and ultimately reduced depressive episodes. According to Katrina Curry, LMFT, “Creativity offers a release for stress hormones, and for tangled up cognitive and emotional experience.”

The creative process is ultimately beneficial to the human psyche because making something is inherently a human trait. The drive for creation propelled most of the scientific discoveries and historical events in the past. The desire to create, to express, and to improve the quality of life all seem interconnected.

Outside Of Therapy

Artistic expression outside of its use in therapy varies widely. Patients indulge themselves in this expression to relieve themselves of past trauma. They use it to communicate themselves and their inner feelings, consciously and subconsciously. Artists engage in creative expression as an outlet to express themselves when they can’t do it outright.

Others engage in creative expression as a hobby, and because it makes them feel good about themselves. More often than not, it is a valuable skill that one can develop and explore endlessly.

Creative expression is right for your overall health and wellbeing. It becomes an outlet for stress, negative emotions, and pent up frustrations. Being able to express yourself freely without restriction dramatically improves your mental health. Not only that, but creative expression also allows you an escape from the harsh realities of life as you focus on your art.

In some cases, exploring your potential for creativity and similar creative pursuits might inspire you to be better. Creative expression inspires action and often comes with positive, feel-good results.

Additionally, for those prone to illnesses of the body as well, creativity improves your immune system. Participants who engaged in emotional writing had a noticeable increase in the production of lymphocytes in their body.

Creative Expression In Culture

The idea of creative or artistic expression being able to contribute to the self’s healing process is nothing new. A lot of different cultures worldwide know of the benefits of art, and its appearance brings to the soul. Throughout history, people have used dances, chants, pictures, and stories as a part of their healing rituals. Recently, further studies have been about exploring the therapeutic effects of the arts in spiritual, emotional, and mental healing.

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As a whole, creativity and the right to express yourself artistically is something beneficial and inherently a part of the human psyche. In psychology, where studies and research are continuously in the process of development with regards to creative expression, its positive impact on the body is undeniable.

Aside from that, engaging in artistic activities also offer fun but a cost-effective escape from the horrors of reality. Being deeply absorbed in your art de-stresses you from your toxic work environment, allowing you are breathing space to grow.

Creative expression promotes freedom of speech, creative space, better self-confidence, and in turn, a glimpse into the artist’s subconscious. Through the artistic expression of thoughts, feelings, emotions, and need, you can be better understood.…

Anxiety is indeed a mental health issue. Not only does it disturb a person’s emotional and psychological state, but it can also cause drastic changes that can affect lives. It is something that should not be taken for granted but instead must be addressed immediately. People should be aware of this and must learn how to cope if already suffering from it. Anxiety is not just an issue on the person who has it. It is also an issue to the people and loved ones around the affected person.

“It’s unrealistic to think that we don’t have anxieties and that we don’t need to defend against them.” says Julian P Humphreys, Ph.D.…

Introduction

Mental illnesses have existed as far back as the time of the ancient civilizations. Yet, it is only in recent years that the general population have become so aware and well-acquainted of these mental health disorders, thanks to the onset of the digital age. Mass media is a primary source of information about psychological disorders such as, but not limited to, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. It was author Jum C. Nunnally’s book, The Psychometric Theory, that launched the scientific study of mental health in the public eye. In it, Nunnally discussed and analyzed the differing perspectives of the mental health experts, the general public, and the mass media. Besides that, the misunderstandings caused by false representations and negative portrayals were also emphasized and criticized. It is quite clear that the media depicts mental issues in a terrible light, despite the growing scientific advances being made in studying and treating them (for example, therapy). It is this kind of misrepresentation that unfortunately creates a stigma around mental health.

Situating Mental Health Stigma Within Mass Media Interventions

Mental illnesses becoming a ‘stigma’ is a phenomenon that occurs around the world, affecting not only those who face them on but also their families and societies. Because of the general public’s unwillingness to understand the conditions of mental health, the stigma encourages ignorance, prejudice, and discrimination within a community. The repercussions from these kinds of behaviors could result in a lack of professional help, poverty, and unnecessary and stereotypical labeling. These orders go on to become untreated, simply because it is seen as a taboo.

In response to this, the idea of holding media interventions has been brought up. Mass media has a wide, prolific audience through channels of communication. Rather than a conventional intervention where face-to-face contact occurs, mass media interventions reach out to a large number of people at once. They vary in several aspects, such as their target audience, their resources, and their specific area. These kinds of interventions are utilized because it allows for an introduction that does not overwhelm its audience. Mass media campaigns have been proven to be more effective when they are conducted thoroughly and last for a longer amount of time.

Healthcare professionals and individuals or families who have experienced the stigma associated with mental health are usually advocates for mass media interventions. Some research studies have found that anti-stigma mass media interventions on mental health have managed to reduce discrimination, as well as increase the utilization of mental health services. This study is also found in an article in www.whattoexpect.com. However, despite these results, this type of approach is still highly intricate and should be dealt with delicately.

 

Situating Mental Health Stigma Within The Community

In the case of communities in Uganda, mental illnesses are prevalent but poorly understood. They base the cause and manifestations for mental health issues on their belief systems, which vary from social, religious, and cultural. Often a dilemma is posed in regards to choosing between traditional or medical treatments. Because of this, patients are often misdiagnosed, wrongly treated, and lack adequate and appropriate professional care. Therefore, efforts are being made to ensure that mass media interventions educate rather than confuse, most especially when it comes to developing countries.

Methods – Live Radio Talk Shows

 

Take for instance, in Uganda. The Community Psychiatric Support Organization is a listed not-for-profit group in Uganda that was founded in 2009. Their goal is to encourage mental health well-being by enabling the public and encouraging concern for those with mental health issues. They directed sixty-six live radio mental health education talks on five different radio stations (Radio Simba FM, Impact FM, Family Radio FM, Beat FM and Top Radio), and participated on twenty-six live television talk shows in three local stations (Uganda Broadcasting Corporation TV, Star TV and Top TV) in Uganda sometime from January 2013 and September 2015.

During these segments, members of the public such as spiritual pastors and traditional healers joined them. The outline for their programs consisted of informing the audience what mental illness is, what causes them, what signs and symptoms to watch out for, and what treatments are possible. The public was encouraged to call in or send in text messages for any comments or inquires after the programs.

Implications For Practice And Research Mental health practitioners and researchers working in developing countries face major challenges when working with mental health clients, as well as with convincing the public to respect mental health and to bring these issues to light. The public desperately needs to receive information about mental issues that are accurate, appropriate, and accessible. Mass media interventions have proven their ability to reduce discrimination about mental health, albeit at a limited level. Everyone involved must work hand-in-hand towards reducing misperceptions and misinformation in a culturally appropriate and socially acceptable manner.…

Being in a radio show for the first time as either a guest or a host is undeniably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people. The radio broadcasting industry, after all, is more popular now than ever. The stations don’t let anyone go in the booth unless you are an exceptional human being with a voice that can pull in more listeners. It is the kind of privilege that you should be proud of, therefore.

Nonetheless, it isn’t surprising for your nerves to go haywire on the days leading to your first radio show. It may already be nerve-wracking to think of how you’ll do even if you’ll only be on for a few minutes. If you have to talk during the entire duration of the program, you may feel anxiety creeping in your system. You can’t sleep; you have no appetite. Your mind often flies somewhere, unreachable for the people around you. Worse, you might play morbid scenes in your head nonstop, which involve you receiving hate messages from the unsatisfied audience.

Considering you want to go to your first radio show anxiety-free, you can try these tips:

1. Map Things Out

Like any soldier about to head to the battlefield, you should devise a strategic plan on what you’ll do. Think of everything, from how you will greet the listeners to how the close remarks should be. In case you won’t bee alone in the booth, you need to find a way to interact with the other person(s) without sounding forced.

2. Get A Feel Of Your Tools

Before the actual show, it is smart to go to the booth that you will use. Look at all the equipment there; ask about the things that are unfamiliar to you. You can also test them out and learn about their functions at least a day before your program starts. That can stop you from messing up due to nervousness.

3. Know Who Listens To You

Another vital task you should never take for granted is the analysis of your target audience. Regardless of whether you are hosting or visiting the radio show, you must speak with the age group of your listeners in mind. This way, you will be able to use words that won’t cause the regulatory boards to flag the program.

4. Prepare Your Voice

It is also essential to prepare your vocal cords for the continuous speaking that you will do, especially if you happen to be the host. Avoid drinking iced beverages often; sleep for long hours on the night before the program airs as well. That will allow you to modulate your voice during the D-day and not annoy the listeners. Besides, your nerves may calm down when you hear that you sound amazing through the speakers.

5. Be Comfortable

The best thing about being on a radio show is that you need not dress up for the occasion. You don’t have to wear makeup; you may even strut in the room in your sweatpants or the most worn-out shirt you own. You are also free to be in sandals or cross your legs together on the chair. The audience can’t see you; that’s why you can get as comfortable as you have to be.

 

As daunting as it may seem, doing a radio show for the first time is a genuinely enjoyable experience. Know your role, be mindful of the things you see – and don’t see – and have a blast. Good luck!…

In his influential book Mastery, Robert Green examines how people learning a new skill or starting a new job go through three distinct phases. In the first, they’re on the outside looking in. Training such a person costs more than they can possibly contribute without some experience, and even if they already have some basic technical skills, their main role is to keep out of the way while observing everything they can.…

The digital age has transformed the society – most especially the means of communication and relaying information. Because of these, the society’s demand for jobs and employment have also changed. More and more professionals pursue careers with companies related to technology development and innovation.…

 

In the marketing world, the secret to creating a great radio ad is well known. It involves the mix of a good voice-over talent, a simple but attention-grabbing message, and the call-to-action spiels, to name a few. Here are some brilliant radio ads executed and reasons why they live up to this day.

 

It is already proven that radio advertising is one of the largest revenue sources in the U.S. That is amazing, and it will take an even astounding turn as it is forecasted that the total revenues will increase from $1.4 billion to $2 billion in 2021.

 

In a study referenced by American Music Concepts, 60% of adults 18 years old and up listen to the radio in their cars on a typical weekday. These adults also listen to the radio at home, work, or when they’re shopping. The numbers go on.

 

Sixty two percent of shoppers listen to the radio just 13 minutes before making a purchase, while 90% of consumers are in their cars less than 6 minutes before shopping. That’s what makes it a great marketing medium—  it captures your market when they’re just about to splurge on something.

 

Definitely a huge advantage for your business, right? Here are some of the most brilliant radio advertisements (truly well done) that you might want to take notes from:…

There are two worlds of radio in this day and age – the old and the new. The old world of radio, that we will be discussing here, is what everyone knows as the “traditional radio”. This site has a wonderful article that talks about the new age of radio, but how do you know enough about the old? Are there radio companies hiring even at this digital time? I just got my public relations degree, how do I use it here? Well, sit back as I will attempt to answer all of these questions while at the same time teaching you the key fundamentals to staying on the radio – even if listening to iTunes or Spotify is more convenient.

Connections, Connections, Connections

Let’s just say that you are still in college, then, one of the first things that you want to do is find people in your field. There is no guarantee that you are going to get a job straight out of college and someone that you know with a bit of experience can get you far – this is connection. This can be anyone from a professor to the person who runs the radio station at your school. Does that mean all your connections should be from college?

Anybody can be your connection and that doesn’t constrict you with college mates. If being in the radio is your dream, then, family members are not out of the option. The last thing that you want to do is twirl your fingers around as you wait for someone to hand you everything that you want in life. Don’t you ever wait for the opportunities instead, run after them! This is the actual value of internships as well as being a last ditch effort when you need a job. This applies to all jobs, but especially those involving the radio field.

Have Something To Say

This will be your fuel once you finally get into the field. The thing that most people are attracted to is passion, and you need to have this dripping from your ears. What matters to you? How can you take that passion and wrap it around multiple subjects? For most on the radio, this is something political or news and you will never run out of conversational points.

Another thing to keep in mind is how to tailor your message throughout everything. For example, many talk show hosts wants to discuss something that seems easily attainable and relatable to the masses such as removal of health care policies or simpler taxation laws. Having a niche is almost as important as having a voice, but if you land correctly with what the general populace wants to hear, then, you hit it.

Have A Great Idea That Needs To Be Heard

One of the worst things that could happen is for you to come on air and a huge drop of listeners happen. One way to keep listeners on is with new information. Your commentary should infuse with what you are trying to talk about in a way that is smooth and appealing. A great idea needs to be heard – so, talk about it.

These are just some of the things that you should keep in mind to survive the radio world. Good luck in chasing your dream and try to keep the radio alive for as long as possible.…

How come there are people who connect so well with their audience over the radio? I spent years wondering about this myself, and I think I was able to break down their success into three essential parts: the DJ’s voice, his views on the matters discussed and the message behind it are three things that help them connect well with their audience. The mind consists of a variety of stuff such as their opinions, thoughts ad etc that makes them appealing to their listeners. Their voice and the message are two things that are relatively self-explanatory, but read on as we break these components down into detail.

The Mind

This is what helps every host connect with their audience on an emotional scale. As much as we hate to admit it, we tend to listen to people that we think have the same opinions as us. The better that they are at expressing this, the more likely that you will attract more fans of the same mindset. There are both benefits and disadvantages to this.

There is no true way for you to connect with an audience besides being yourself. This is why people will say that it is better for you to be yourself than to play a character on radio. Now, if you have a valid persona in mind, then, it is best to let it be known to your fans that you are just playing a character. In that way, they’ll understand that it’s not your personal thoughts. Trust me, misleading your fans will only come to bite you in the rear long term.

The Voice

This is the handshake in the world of radios. It is a good chance that fifty percent of your fan base only gave you a shot because of your voice. People with accents tend to be favored than those without unless you are great with delivering the content. Most likely, you would not have gotten past the front door if your voice sounds like crap.

While you cannot control how your voice sounds like, you can modulate. Aside from that, you can eliminate filler words such as “like” or “um” that people unconsciously say. These “sounds” tend to grate on the listener’s ears which only equate to lower ratings. Extending your vocabulary is a huge plus too because you never want it to get to the point where your listeners can guess what you are going to say next. Last, but not least, try to have a quotable moment every time that you get on the radio as this will help your viewers spread your sense of self and humor around on the internet.

The Message

The message is the crucial thing. It is the glue in your entire production. You are going to need to find a way to put your personality, voice, and mind in the message. This is what the listeners are tuning in for, and there should always be something new that you can offer on the topic. Find out about your message from different sources.

Once you can achieve a way to entwine all three of these things, you will rise in the ranks further than most could ever dream of Good luck and try to put a bit of passion in everything that you do.…