Radio Presenter Training - Testimonials

Saturday July 31

What do people think about us?

TEL: 01282 452 451 EMAIL: info@theradiosurgery.co.uk

Some comments from just a small sample of the many people visiting us each year, for our radio presenter training courses. Just scroll down to see more testimonials.

Simon Bower - Sheffield

2010 The course was great... so much to learn. Getting my hands on a 'real' studio made things so much clearer and easier to understand. As did working with radio station 'sweepers' etc. The nine hours went by so quickly and listening to the radio on the journey home, I could appreciate how shows are constructed and critically analyse the presenter's style and links. I have already practiced my own links and I can see they have improved already. I look forward to returning and making a demo in a few weeks.

Note: Simon has a lot of experience in appearing on radio and TV, when called to discuss his specialist subject. However, he had no experience of actually presenting his own radio show. He has a great voice and has already been offered a trial show on a BBC local radio station.

Kate White - Chorley

2010

The Radio Demo Day was great. David let me practice beforehand, to get used to the Myriad system again. I was made to feel welcome and really enjoyed myself. The final product, edited and mixed by Steve Joy, is very professional and I received it within only a couple of days! A great experience and I would definitely recommend The Radio Surgery's services.

Note: It was a return visit for Kate, following her one-to-one training with us last year. After getting some community radio broadcasting experience under her belt, she came back to record a demo and sounded excellent!

Kevin Healey - Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society

2010

A very interesting and informative day! It opened my eyes to what goes on behind the scenes. I shall take the skills learnt on the day and transfer them to benefit both the charity and the service users. I would most certainly recommend this course.

Note: Kevin is chairman of SAAS. The charity is hoping to launch its own Internet radio station later this year. Kevin came along to learn the skills that make a great broadcaster and in turn a great radio station! We wish the society well with their funding bid. Check them out at www.saas.uk.com

Stephen Rochefort - Leek

2010

A very good day! I got out of it, everything that I wanted to. Ideal for anyone who wants to improve their radio broadcasting skills and a great starting point for those people who have little, or no, radio experience. The voice training and general presentation tips were great.

Note: Stephen broadcasts on Moorlands Radio, under his 'stage' name. He was particularly interested in knowing more about the Myriad system, as the station will be adopting the playout system later in the year.

Anne Parker - Poulton-le-Fylde

2010

I found the radio training course to be fascinating. There seems to be nothing that David doesn't know about local commercial radio and his passion for best practice in the industry is clear to see. The day was very well structured and packed with information. David is keen to give you as much as you want to know and can absorb. He runs the sessions with great professionalism and enthusiasm. I would heartily recommend this experience to anyone, there is much to be learned!

Note: Anne runs her own training business, specialising in management and customer service skills. With no radio experience, Anne certainly found the day interesting and is now looking to use her radio skills for podcasting on her website www.anneparker.co.uk

Steve Burnett - Midlothian

2010

Thoroughly enjoyed it! I took away a lot of learning points from the course, which will hopefully make me a better radio presenter. Link content and speed of delivery were key points for me. It was also very interesting to see an alternative playout system, to the one that I currently use.

Note: Steve has worked at Black Diamond FM for three years, having been introduced to the world of radio by a friend. He's now keen to use the new skills within his shows on the radio station. Later, he hopes to use our Radio Show Appraisal service.

Keith Gunson - Liverpool

2010

I found it extremely useful. The most fun I've had in years! I've always wanted to do this since aged 14, but lost my way a bit. Having been advised to take some training, for the band's pirate radio show, it's proved invaluable. If you want to get your foot on the ladder, get into hospital, or community radio. Just do it! I would definitely recommend it!

Note: Keith is a member of the Liverpool based band Caroline 199. The band, along with Radio London, present a multi-media show, which traces the history of 1960s pirate radio. The band themselves have appeared over 80 times at the world famous Cavern Club! Check out their website at www.caroline199.co.uk

Muhammad Naveed Iqbal - Sheffield

2009

The one-to-one radio presenter course was a great experience! All my questions were answered. Usually, before I asked them! A very well structured course and being one-to-one, it was geared to my own ability. I sent the sample links to my brother and he didn't realise that it was me! Definitely, the credit goes to you, David, for that! In addition, the training has enabled me to broadcast a show on BCR 103.1 FM!

Note: Muhammad has just completed a Masters in Banking and Finance. He is now looking to work full-time within banking or commerce. But, like many of us, radio is in his blood and he wishes to pursue some part-time, or voluntary, radio work. With this mind, he has been actively looking at hospital and community radio stations in his immediate and surrounding area... with success!

David and Graham Collins - Ellesmere Port

2009

(From Graham) Many thanks for your patience and time. The day was fantastic. Having done some hospital radio work, I wanted to look at the computer playout system and hear about the latest thoughts and policies of the radio industry. Plus, at the same time, get my son, David, trained up with the skills of being a good radio presenter. He's already involved with Internet radio, but wants to progress further. The day got us both much more focused and in control.

Note: The 'one-to-one' radio training course can be delivered to a maximum of two clients at a time. Whilst it is technically no longer one-to-one, we do incorporate individual coaching, recordings and appraisals. The day is, of course, longer. We offer this two person option at a special price of just �300 (no VAT). Just �150 per client.

Kate White - Chorley

2009

I really enjoyed the course and have learnt a lot from it. David was great and answered all my questions, before I asked them! Working on show content was very useful and the Myriad playout system was so easy to use. I would recommend the training course to anyone who wants to get work in radio, or brush up their current skills. Great lunch by the way! I can't wait to do my demo!

Note: As part of a local radio station's 'Street Team', Kate has got the radio bug! She's now practicing the skills and will be back to record her demo!

Rhiannon Dawson - Perth

2009

I found the course really useful and particularly enjoyed practicing the weather and travel scripts. The training was conducted in a professional manner and it was very interesting to use the Myriad playout system and learn some of its abilities.

Note: Aged 15, Rhiannon landed a programme on Ross FM - a temporary radio project, run by MFR. More recently, she has been given help and advice by Heartland FM and is keen to get back behind the microphone, with current radio industry skills.

Nigel Cotton - Alderley Edge

2009

A very informative course and good fun! The time really flew. As someone with no radio experience, this training course provided me with my first great steps into the world of radio!

Note: An accountant by trade, Nigel also has a thriving DJ business. He is now looking to practice the skills he learnt from the course and get on the air. Be it voluntary, or paid. Down the line, Nigel will be taking up one of our two radio demo options.

Isabelle Lawrence - London

2009

I learnt so much more than I imagined. The guidance is priceless. Even if you have some radio experience, The Radio Surgery course helps you with vital key skills and allows you to work on your own ideas for show content. But, they will also advise you if they think your ideas are not quite right. I am really pleased with the demo mix and also the comments that Steve made. Thanks very much. I will definitely stay in touch!

Note: Isabelle spent two days with us. The first being our one-to-one radio presenter course and the following day recording her radio demo. Isabelle needed a demo quickly and sounded great. We wish her well!

Oliver Kester - London

2009

A good overall technical tour of what you need to know as a radio presenter. Also, how to present a radio show, using current radio industry skills. A very useful day!

Note: Oliver's background is film and television, but he is soon to work in far-east radio. Whilst in Britain, he braved 'The Day of The Great Snow' and travelled from London and back, in one day, to come on the one-to-one radio presenter course. Leaving Euston at 05:47, he had over eight hours of training and was back in London by midnight.

Tony Catanzaro ('The Jazz Tourist') - Diverse FM Luton

2009

David (tutor) has a wealth of knowledge, which is clearly demonstrated in the professional manner in which he easily communicates his vast knowledge & experience of the radio & broadcasting industry. The day enabled me to ask questions on the many facets of radio, from the use of the broadcasting management control system (Myriad), through to keeping listeners interested in one�s programme. Having been involved in radio for some time the opportunity to improve on one�s skills is unlimited. The Radio Surgery significantly added to my knowledge in both theoretical and practical terms, with many hints and tips. The whole day was very rewarding, culminating with much advice on possible progression routes. I would like to thank The Radio Surgery for a great learning experience.

Liam Hincks - Wirral

2009 My experience at The Radio Surgery has not only opened my eyes to the world of radio, but also taught me a great deal out how I can progress, and the work needed to do so. With the friendly service and tutoring, I would recommend this course to anyone who is keen to progress in radio.

Note: At 18, Liam is soon to leave college and gearing up for university. Although he isn't looking to pursue a full-time career in radio (at this stage!), he is wanting to get his foot on the ladder. He was advised to contact The Radio Surgery by a member of Juice FM. So, a big thanks to them!

Adam Lewis - 103.6 FM Tameside Radio

2009

Very impressed! David (my tutor) provided me with the confidence and expertise to go on and construct my own radio show; links, voice control (e.g. script reading), interviewing etc, in a professional and structured manner. I would definitely recommend The Radio Surgery to anyone with an interest in getting into radio, but who has no previous experience. Likewise, those people with industry experience, but looking to improve their skill sets and delivery.

Note: Adam is studying to become a doctor and also runs his own DJ business. He's now a part of the 103.6 FM Tameside Radio team and in line for some on-air work. Many people hold down a full-time career and work in radio on a paid part-time, or voluntary, basis. Certainly, a CV that says you are a radio presenter, tells potential employees that you have good communication skills and personality. It could well make your CV stand out from the rest and land you that all important first interview!

Bill Clark - Barrow-in-Furness

I would just like to thank you very much for your radio training course. Not only did I find it very informative and useful, but I found you also to be a very friendly tutor who went out of his way to help me as much as possible. If at any time someone approaches me and wants to learn about radio presentation, then I will certainly recommend you.

Antony Payne - Bournemouth

Hi! I don't suppose you remember me all that well? I attended The Radio Surgery course last year. Just to let you know that I have just been given my first full time gig, presenting on Fire 107.6. Thanks for all your help during the course.

Shahzad Tabassum - 2BR

A very worthwhile course. It far exceeded my expectations! I soon moved onto presenting with RSLs and then full-time commercial radio.

	Maritza Duncan - Glasgow
	The Radio Surgery one day presentation course gave me practical experience and additional skills in radio presentation. This course is a great introduction for anyone considering a career in radio presentation. Note: Maritza is now a regular presenter on Sunny Govan Radio and has interviewed a host of well known names!

Dave Taylor - Cheshire

This is to let you know that I'm now working for Cheshire FM... ...I'd like to thank you for all your help during my day with you and I would recommend anyone who's interested in a career in radio presenting to do the course.

	Nik Gardner - Manchester

	Having always had a real passion for radio, but with no experience in radio whatsoever, The Radio Surgery was perfect in giving me the platform to take my passion further. The whole day was an absolute pleasure and gave me a fantastic understanding of radio presenting and what path and guidance I need to take to be successful. The time flew by and I would really recommend this course to anyone with a natural passion and desire to work within radio.

Cal Sarwar - Falkirk

I just want to thank you for a great day. The course was thoroughly enjoyable, well set out and easy to follow. Your no pressure approach was very refreshing to see and experience. I learned a lot in such a short time and I believe that it will be invaluable for years to come. Just to let you know that Awaz FM, in Glasgow, have offered me the breakfast show...

Rotem Talmar - Lancaster

As someone with no radio experience, I found your course a good in-sight into what is looked for by today's radio stations. The day taught me new skills and was a great experience. Good fun! I never realised how many buttons you had to press, as well as talk!

Note: Rotem has a degree in Sports Studies and English Literature under her belt and is looking at sports radio work. We easily adapted the course, to include sports bulletin scripts, together with a sports bulletin 'bed', donated by one of our nearby local radio stations.

Martin Reynolds - Cheshire

This one day course is pretty unique and with the tutor having had a hand in setting up 2BR, in East Lancashire, he is in a good position to give advice on the latest broadcasting techniques. I found the day very positive and learned a lot. The tutor gave honest feedback... very important. I have now been taken on, as a trainee, by Flame Christian Community Radio, and I am very happy there. Thanks a million!

Sarah Groarke - Cheshire

A comprehensive introduction to both the technical and stylistic aspects of radio presentation. An excellent day's course, with clear and constructive advice, geared towards my individual requirements. Highly recommended.

Tony Thomas - Chorley FM

The course was very informative and a good in-sight into the radio industry. It has most definitely helped me to head in the right direction and to understand the various skills required to become a successful radio presenter. A day very well spent!

	George Halsall ('Triple H') - Southport Community Radio

	Anyone considering a Restricted Service Licence (RSL) should make The Radio Surgery their first port of call. The knowledge you receive is invaluable. Show prep and the operation of the playout system were just some of the areas where I picked up valuable skills. Note: We spent a very pleasant 11 hours with George. Not just working through the radio presenter course, but discussing the radio industry in depth. When we say, our time is yours, we really mean it! We don't hit 5pm and say, "that's it, go home now"! It's what makes us stand out from other UK radio training providers. Think of us as a well equipped, friendly, B&B, as opposed to a large, formal, hotel!