Foundations x Additives x Distractions
After I had experienced what I felt to be one of the worst broadcasts I had ever done, I spent the next few hours trying to figure out what had went wrong.
In my mind, the show was as it always had been for the most part – but my energy was low and I was definitely not in the correct mindset. I was incredibly anxious, overwhelmed and at a standstill. It wasn’t a normal burnout though – this was unique. I knew that I could change my process to create a better live broadcast moving forward. From this thought laying in bed, I came up with the three key elements that I need to be mindful of for all of my shows moving forward.
FOUNDATION | ADDITIVES | DISTRACTIONS
Each show contains each of these elements. Finding the balance that works best for you is vital to your long term broadcasting success. In order to best analyze what elements land where, I want you to do a quick exercise.
Take out a piece of paper (or use one of those new fancy tablet devices that are smart and stuff), and write down every element that goes into your broadcast. EVERY. ELEMENT.
This can include yourself, a graphics package, your alerts, a particular game type, audience interaction components – the list goes on. Also include how your audience interacts with you (both good and bad). To make this exercise successful, YOU MUST BE SPECIFIC.
Now that you have your list, I want you to make on another sheet three columns with the header of FOUNDATION / ADDITIVES / DISTRACTIONS at the top. Sort the elements based on the criteria understanding below.
1. Foundation
Your foundation is what is absolutely necessary for the show to function. This is the guaranteed expectation you have set with your audience and without it, the show cannot exist.
What are the key elements that MUST be present visually/aurally?
Is there a particular through-line that without it makes the show fall flat?
What is the expectation of your audience? Does it align with what you want to create?
2. Additives
Your additives are what help amplify your foundation. They build connective tissues between your story and your audiences. Note that utilization of someone else’s intellectual property is ALWAYS an additive (not a foundation).
What helps communicate your messages?
Are there bells and whistles that feel good when showcased?
Are there particular types of elements that your audience responds well to?
Which of these additives are necessary? Which aren’t? Why do you believe that to be the case?
Note that additives are always additional. They should only help in aiding the story you want to tell and not be a fallback.
3. Distractions
Distractions are the elements that pull you out of your show. These are the pieces that divert audience attention from your mission. In the comedy circuit, this can come in the form of hecklers. In stage performances, it’s the audience member or performer’s cell phone going off.
What are your greatest annoyances during your shows? How can you stop them from happening?
Do you have Additives that actually become Distractions? (Ex: Alerts that go off regularly)
What can you remove now that doesn’t bring you joy? Marie Kondo approach to your show (This can include types of games played; Audience member types, etc)
Next Steps
With all elements of your show now separated into these categories, it is time to get to work.
Remove all distractions from your show. This is the equivalent of getting rid of clothes you no longer wear. You will feel a great amount of weight lifted just from this action alone.
Be mindful of your Additives and remove those that don’t contribute to the actual betterment of your show.
Consider the placement and incorporation of your Additives. Where should they position within the show’s flow?
How will you communicate your Foundation moving forward? Simplifying the show’s execution is key. Long term success will come from audience understanding of what you’re going for in each episode with an expectation of what is to come next.
