If you’re already a compelling speaker and very persuasive in conversation, radio is a great way to take advantage of that. You’ll be fabulous. Here are 10 tips to help it go smoothly:
Before going on any radio show they should tell you how long the segment is, and who else will be on the air with you (ie. whether there will be other guests, callers, multiple hosts, etc.) You have a right to get this information in advance.
2. Ask if it’s live or recorded
You should also ask whether the segment is live or recorded. If it is recorded, if you trip up, you can simply start from the beginning and they will edit it.
3. Know your audience
Always get a sense of who your audience and craft your messaging to fit your audience. If you know the audience is more conservative, think about how to frame your messages in a way that appeals to that audience while still being authentic.
4. Have 3 topline talking points
I’m a big believer in having 3 topline talking points which you repeat over and over again, in various formations. You should be well versed and knowledgeable about the general topic, but don’t let the host take you where you don’t want to go. Make sure you have a chance to make all 3 of your points. No one will remember more than 3 points anyway, and most won’t remember more than 1, so say them over and over again. It may seem boring and ridiculous but it works.
5. You don’t have to answer all of their questions
Remember that you don’t have to answer everything – especially if you are being baited. If you get stuck, you can always say, “That’s an interesting question” or “That’s an interesting point, but the real question…” or “That’s an important question, but we see the real problem as being…” and then go on to answer the question you wish you had been asked. Bring it back to your talking points as quickly and as gracefully as possible.
6. Always be prepared.
Practice beforehand. Have someone ask you tough questions, and try to answer them. Use the tricks to make a transition back to your talking points.
7. Stand up if you can
Standing up manages nerves and makes your voice clearer, but if you’re in the studio and it’s weird to stand while the host is sitting, then sit -whatever makes you most comfortable will come across best.
8. Smile broadly when you greet the host or speak to a listener
Smiling often is key – do it all the time including as you begin to answer each question (unless it’s offensive). The audience will be able to hear the smile in your voice and will respond.
Ask our experts for free advice or a consultation about your two way radio needs. Call 0800 294 7766 or send an enquiry. New to two way radios? Not sure what the correct protocol is when you’re using your radio? Your Tips for clear communication & two way radio protocol
Be prepared
When you have the talk button pressed, no one else in your group can speak or be heard – two way radios are mostly a one-at-a-time system of communication, unlike telephones where you can interrupt and talk over each other. So it’s important to think about your message beforehand.
If you leave the talk button pressed while you compose your thoughts, not only are you preventing anyone else joining in the conversation, you might be blocking someone on your frequency with an emergency message to transmit. You’ll run down your radio battery faster, too!
Identify yourself and the recipient of your message
There may be a group of users all sharing the same radio channel, so it’s important (and good manners) to identify yourself immediately when you initiate a transmission. It’s also polite to get the attention of the person to whom your message is directed before relaying your message.
For example: “Foxtrot123, this is Oscar456, OVER”.
“OVER” is common radio lingo and lets the other person know you’ve finished speaking. There’s no point doing much more than identifying yourself and the recipient at this point. When you know you have the other person’s attention and they’re able to join the conversation, you can transmit the rest of your message.
Be patient
The other person may not be able to respond immediately – be patient and give them time to reply before re-sending your call.
Use short, clear and concise messages
As two way radios only allow one person to speak at a time, it’s best to keep your transmissions short, clear and to the point. This gives other users an opportunity to acknowledge your message or request further clarification before you carry on with your next point.
Radio users often repeat a message to make it clear that they’ve heard and understood the information. For example:
Foxtrot123: "Oscar456, this is Foxtrot123, assistance required at 32 Green Street, OVER".
Oscar456: "This is Oscar 456, confirming assistance required at 32 Green Street. On my way, OVER".
Pause before speaking
When you first press the push to talk (PTT) button, there can be a short delay before your radio transmits. This could result in your first couple of words being cut off, so wait a second or two before speaking to be sure your listeners receive your whole message.
Learn the lingo
It helps two way radio communication when everyone understands and uses similar language and etiquette, especially when there are more than two people using the channel.
- Over – I’ve finished speaking
- Say Again – Repeat your last message
- Stand-by – I acknowledge your transmission, but can’t respond right now
- Go ahead – I can respond, go ahead with your message
- Roger – message received and understood
- Affirmative / Negative – Yes / No
- Out – Conversation is finished, the channel is clear for other users.
The phonetic alphabet
It’s often necessary to clarify an important part of your message by spelling it out – literally. On two way radios, the common protocol to spell out critical words is to use NATO’s phonetic alphabet.
| A - Alpha | J - Juliet | S - Sierra |
| B - Bravo | K - Kilo | T - Tango |
| C - Charlie | L - Lima | U - Uniform |
| D - Delta | M - Mike | V - Victor |
| E - Echo | N - November | W - Whiskey |
| F - Foxtrot | O - Oscar | X - X-ray |
| G - Golf | P - Papa | Y - Yankee |
| H - Hotel | Q - Quebec | Z - Zulu |
| I - India | R - Romeo |
Our team of two way radio experts is always on hand to give advice to customers, so call us on 0800 294 7766 for more information if there is any aspect of using your radio that you're not sure about.
Released On 24th Nov 2015
Do you remember playing with walkie talkies when you were a kid?
While it may have been great fun, walkie talkies are so much more than a toy. Whether you’re traveling, working, hunting or camping, this handy tool could even save lives.
But if you choose to use a radio, you’ve got to master the walkie talkie language. Because if you start speaking normally, the recipients may hear a mixed message on the other side.
Why should you try walkie talkie codes? And what’s the must-know lingo? Read on for a full guide.
Do you copy? Let’s go!
Why Try the Lingo?
Using walkie talkie lingo may seem a bit comical, can you not just talk normally over the radio?
Radios don’t have the same audio quality as smartphones do. This means if you speak normally, recipients may lose some words on the way. This leads to an unclear transmission, which can be frustrating.
Using radio talk codes and the right lingo makes your message short and sweet. This is essential for people whose lives depend on clear radio communication. For example, the military, firefighters, civilian pilots, and other services.
Standard Walkie Talkie Codes
Walkie talkie language may change according to the field of work. For example, airplane pilots, the police, or movie crews may have variations on the codes. But there are many standardized radio talk codes.
If you use the lingo below, you should be able to communicate with anyone.
Start Right
Beginning a transmission is important, especially if you’re connected with several people. To communicate with the right person use these intros:
- Come in John (Are you there John?)
- Go Ahead (Transmit your message)
- Go for John (Acknowledge “John” wants to contact me and I’m ready to listen)
- Kate Calling John (I, Kate, want to talk with John)
- John, Come In (Are you there John?)
A clear start opens the way to a clear conversation.
Back to Basics
Now you know how to initiate communication you need to know the basic lingo:
- Affirmative (Yes)
- Copy (Message understood)
- Disregard (Ignore the previous transmission)
- Eyes on… (I can see what we’re talking about)
- Negative (No)
- On It (I’m in the process of doing what you asked)
- Roger or Roger That (Message understood)
- Stand By (I’m busy at the moment, I’ll call you asap)
- What’s Your 20? (Where are you?)
Knowing the basic lingo will reduce ambiguity and they’re more likely to get the message.
Communication Issues
Now and again you’ll have communication issues. Instead of shouting “hello, hello, can you hear me?” try these codes instead:
- Do You Copy? (Can you hear me?)
- Loud and Clear (Your radio is working)
- Mic Check or Radio Check (Is my radio working?)
- Say Again or Go Again (Retransmit your message)
Using these words for issues are, not only, known worldwide, but they are a polite way to communicate in the walkie talkie world.
Finish Strong
In a usual conversation a “bye, see you later” would suffice. But in walkie talkie language a clear ending is essential:
- Out (I’m finished transmitting for now)
- Over (I’ve finished my part of the transmission ready for your reply)
Using these words will allow the person listening to know exactly when the conversation is over.
10-Codes
In 1937, police officers in Illinois devised a system of codes. The aim was to help police officers communicate in a concise and speedy way. This was especially useful when the line wasn’t overly clear.
When using a 10-code, you simply say “ten” and add the corresponding number. It’s as simple as that!
Unfortunately, many 10-codes vary from department to department. If you’re working within a certain field, they’ll fill you in on what the local lingo is. But the following 10-codes below are standard all over the world:
- 10-1 (Transmission unreadable or receiving poorly)
- 10-2 (Signal good)
- 10-3 (Abort transmission)
- 10-4 (Message received, understood)
- 10-5 (Relay message to someone else)
- 10-6 (Busy, stand by)
- 10-7 (Out of service)
- 10-8 (In-service)
- 10-9 (Repeat message)
- 10-10 (Transmission complete)
- 10-20 (What’s your location? Or what’s your 20?)
On a comical note, 10-1 is sometimes known as “I need a quick restroom break”. While 10-2 is sometimes known as “I need a long restroom break”. A number 1 and a number 2, right?
Alfa, Bravo, Charlie
Now and again you may need to spell something over the radio, especially if it’s a place name. But because sounding out letters over a transmission can be tricky, use the NATO Phonetic Alphabet instead:
- A-Alfa
- B-Bravo
- C-Charlie
- D-Delta
- E-Echo
- F-Foxtrot
- G-Golf
- H-Hotel
- I-India
- J-Juliet
- K-Kilo
- L-Lima
- M-Mike
- N-November
- O-Oscar
- P-Papa
- Q-Quebec
- R-Romeo
- S-Sierra
- T-Tango
- U-Uniform
- V-Victor
- W-Whiskey
- X-X-ray
- Y-Yankee
- Z-Zulu
You can pronounce all the numbers as they are. Except number 9 which is always “niner”.
This code is well-known all over the world. And getting to know this handy alphabet can make all the difference. Especially if it’s a life-threatening situation, such as a search and rescue mission.
How to Talk on a Walkie Talkie
Now you know the lingo, you’re halfway there. Next, you need to learn HOW to talk on a walkie talkie. There is a certain etiquette you should follow.
First, as it’s harder to understand people’s voices over a transmission, clear pronunciation is key. Words blend together, so speak slowly to get your message across. Enunciate clearly and pause after important words to make sure they get the point.
But this doesn’t mean you need to shout. Normal speaking volume is more than enough. If you’re too loud, you’ll just muffle the mic and the message will sound unclear.
And last but not least, don’t forget to hit the transmission button before you start talking. This is because radios take a couple of seconds to start transmitting properly. They may miss the beginning of your message if you start too soon.
The same goes for the end of the conversation. Take your finger off the button a couple of seconds after you’ve said: “over and out”. This will ensure they heard the end of your message.
Walkie Talkie Dictionary at the Ready!
So what’s your 20 on radio talk codes? Will you use them in your next transmission? If you use this guide as a walkie talkie dictionary, you’ll definitely sound the part.
Of course, the only way you can use walkie talkie codes is if you have a super clear connection. Low-quality walkie talkies will stop your message from sounding loud and clear. For high-quality, yet affordable walkie talkies made in the US, check out our range today.
Over and out!