Attention Span Blueprint
Let’s face it: your audience is in a big hurry. They’ve got short attention spans and a million options. If you’re not interesting, they’re gone.
Think of attention as currency. Your job is to grab it—and keep it.
One key to remember: attention resets when something changes. Build those moments into every segment.
How to Win the Attention Game
Start strong. Don’t waste the first 10 seconds.
Listeners decide fast. Open with something that makes them want to stay:
- A bold question
- A strong statement
- A teaser: “Can you imagine getting a call that changed your life?”
Involve listeners right away.
Move quickly to content. Go straight to a caller after your hook, before texts and posts. New voices and emotion = instant engagement.
Use audio to your advantage.
Sound bites, clips, effects—all help break up the sound and grab attention. Use music beds or sound effects between stories and topics.
Keep the pace moving.
Don’t let energy and attention wane. Shift tone or topic every:
- 2–3 minutes on music shows
- 5 minutes on talk shows
Change it up:
- Fast → slow
- Story → call → audio → comment
- Funny → real → uplifting
- Add well-timed pauses
Tell great stories.
- Start with a hook
- Use vivid, sensory details
- Let dialogue shine
- Cut the filler—don’t ramble or repeat
Be human. Be a little unpredictable.
Today’s listeners love authenticity. Share:
- Real feelings
- Honest reactions
- Vulnerable, relatable moments
Always end with a tease.
Leave them wanting more:
“Coming up in 5: The one moment that made Taylor Swift lose it backstage.”
Attention-Getter Checklist:
Did you hook ‘em in 5-10 seconds? Was there an entertaining story? Did you bring in a caller or guest fast? Were you vocally dynamic? Did you shift tone or topic every few minutes? Did you trim the fat? Did you end with a must-listen tease?
