by Gary Morland, Talent Coach
Radio breaks can fall into two main categories:
1. Breaks about concepts. These are the breaks that contain ideas, good information, and spiritual truth.
2. Breaks about story-heart. These are the breaks where something happens, and there’s some story movement and feelings.
Examples of concept breaks are:
- “My pastor said something the other day…”
- “I saw where people are happier when they shop thrift stores…”
- “Friend, it’s easy to get in the pit but that’s the time to remind yourself…”
Events, promotions and station things are usually concept breaks.
Bible truth can often fall into the concept category. The Apostles Paul and Peter wrote concept books in the Bible.
Examples of story-heart breaks are:
- “We were having dinner with friends and they said their daughter just told them…”
- “I’m realizing I can’t hold concern for the whole world in my heart…”
- “I saw a photo of my sister last week and it reminded me of…”
Story-heart breaks major on something happening, or feelings and emotions.
Genesis, 1-2 Samuel, Ruth, and Acts are story/heart books in the Bible.
Concept breaks speak to the mind and can convey something good and true, but are usually less engaging.
We’re always going to do concept breaks, but we want to recognize when we’re doing them, watch the number of words and keep it simple.
A little bit of undisciplined wordiness and the listener has to work to keep up with the pieces in order to appreciate the point being made.
It’s easier to lose the listener in a concept break. We can help the listener by including story, scenes or feelings.
Story-heart breaks go to the heart. They feel like you’re going somewhere together. They’re easier to follow, and as long as you keep moving forward, it’s easier for the listener to go with you.
People are wired to follow and engage with stories and emotions. God made us that way.
The two kinds of breaks overlap some, but it can be helpful to be aware if your break is a concept break or a story-heart break.
Story-heart breaks can have just as much “truth” as concept breaks, it’s just an easier journey for the listener.
A rule of thumb:
Know what kind of break you’re doing. Concept breaks might need to be shorter with fewer words and less time.
You’ve chosen something worth saying, so say it in a way the listener will actually hear.
