Sir Freelancelot, Writer

Radio Spec Spots
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Effective communication requires that you tell your audience what you're going to tell them. Tell them what you have to tell them. Then, tell them what you've told them.

These spots are not, by far, my best work, but they will give you an idea of what a radio spot should look like on paper.

Remember -- the name of your business, product or service is the most important item in the ad -- not the special effects, sound effects, or the other bells and whistles the account executive or his producer might suggest.

 
Below are some radio "spec" spots I wrote just for this site. The business names are fictional.

Lincoln Hardware
:60 Sec.
(Music: Soft, country "moseyin" music)
George: Y'know Clem, I miss the good old days.
Clem: Why's that George?
George: Well, just the other day my garden hose sprung a leak, so I went to one of them big box stores to find somethin' to fix it. Took 15 minutes just to find the right aisle. Couldn't find a clerk. Then, there were about 20 or so different kinds of repair kits. I finally picked one out and had to stand in line for another 10 minutes to buy this thingamajig. When I got home, ready to fix that hose, I found out it was the wrong size.
Clem: Take 'er back?
George: I did. I had to take 'er to customer service, stand in line again, then wait some more while they filled out a form as to why I was returnin' 'er.
Clem: Why didn't you go to Lincoln Hardware in downtown Kennewick? There's always someone there to greet you when you walk in the door and help you find what you need. Real friendly kind of place. Been there on the Kennewick Parkade for years.
George: Yeah, but wouldn't it cost me more?
Clem: Nope. Lincoln Hardware's a member of the True Value Hardware group. Prices are about the same as them big box stores. Service is better too. Lots of free parking out back of the store.
George: Well, next time I'll go to Lincoln Hardware so I don't get "hosed off."

Bail Bondsman PSA
:60 Sec.
(SFX: Party sounds, fading into car starting and speeding off, fading to CRASH, fading to sirens and emergency radio chatter.)
Announcer: Going to celebrate the holidays and the new millennium with alcohol or other drugs? Will you have a sober, designated driver? Will you call a cab? Do you have a good lawyer and lots of money? (SFX: Woman sobbing). Before you celebrate and drive, think about it. This message is a service of Metro Bail Bonds, All City Bail Bonds, Signature Bail Bonds, Allwest Bail Bonds and A-Quick Bail Bonds.

Gift Shop
:30 Sec.
Occasions for gift-giving happen all year long. That's a good reason to pay a visit to Christine's. Just come in and browse around for a while. Christine's has unique jewelry for your sweetheart. There's Hummel for the collector. For the aesthete, Christine's has beautiful works of art. Clocks - many musical - for the punctual. Of course there's much more. That's why we suggest you take some time to visit Christine's at (location). If you just can't decide, gift certificates are available at Christine's.

Salon
:30 Sec.
(Female voice): How long has it been since you've indulged yourself? I mean REALLY indulged yourself?! If it's been more than a month, pick up the phone right now and make an appointment with Ma Cher (mah share) for a complete hair, make-up and nail makeover. REALLY spoil yourself with a complete body massage while you're at it. Don't you deserve it? Of course you do. Don't put it off -- call 555-CHER. Or, drop in for a free consultation at (address). INDULGE yourself at Ma Cher.

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