Yang Chen talks the talk
After graduating as a linguistics student from Beijing Foreign Studies University in 1998, Yang Chen decided to pursue a career that utilized the art of speaking. Having hosted numerous radio programs at People’s Central Radio Station, China Radio International and Radio Beijing over the past ten years, Yang is now a well-known music DJ and radio show host at Beijing Communication Radio. Bruce Buntain’s students at Fangcaodi Primary School had a chance to talk to Yang in person and learn about the man behind the microphone.
Bryan Chiew, 11, Singapore
Why did you choose to be a DJ?
I think it’s a romantic job. For example, I often have listeners send birthday wishes to their friends or loved ones through the radio, and it’s always a nice surprise for the person receiving them.
Sequoyah Simpson, 11, United States
Is your work interesting?
Yes, very interesting. I get to talk to many people who I have never met, which makes it mysterious and exciting.
Adash Saidmurad, 12, Tajikistan
Do you like your work?
Yes, because I like talking to people from behind the microphone. I don’t need to put on makeup or a costume – I can just be myself.
Moon Lee, 13, Hong Kong
What is required to be a DJ?
People may think that having a good voice is the most important thing, but the essential thing is to be eloquent and natural. If you are able to express yourself in a smooth and friendly way without too much effort, you can attract many listeners.
Eric Kuan, 11, Hong Kong
If you have a sore throat before the show, do you need a backup broadcaster?
I don’t have a backup for my show, so I have to be strong and deal with the sore throat. That’s why it’s important to stay healthy.
Thomson Lee, 11, Canada
How long can you talk on the radio before having to take a break?
I usually talk for about ten minutes, then I’ll play a song to rest a little. But if it’s a particularly popular show that day, I can go on talking for a whole hour.
Mathew Chen, 12, Australia
Besides English and Chinese songs, what other music do you play?
French, German, Spanish, Arabic and others. Even Chinese songs are sung in various languages – Mandarin, Cantonese, Xinjiang or Inner Mongolian.
Andrew Pen, 12, Philippines
If you fell asleep on the show, would you get punished?
Yes, if that happened then my salary would be deducted and my boss would yell at me. But I’ve never fallen asleep on a show.
Tiffany Ma, 12, Canada
What do you do if you make mistakes in your live show?
To be a live radio show host, you need to be trained to not make too many mistakes. I’ve trained myself well enough through the years, and now I hardly make any mistakes when I’m on the air.
Mathew Chen, 12, Australia
How many people do you work with?
Usually I work alone in the studio, with a producer right next door. But there are many people responsible for the technical work outside of the studio, and they are the ones who actually make the broadcast happen.
Thomson Lee, 11, Canada
How many machines do you work with?
I have five computers in my studio, and each of them has different functions: One receives traffic information, one receives messages from the audience, one plays music, another plays commercials, and the last one is a backup machine. There are also many other pieces of equipment too, like microphones, CD players, Mini Disc players, sound-editing machines, etc.
Andrew Pen, 12, Philippines
You are a tall man. Why didn’t you choose to be a basketball player?
I do play basketball in my free time. If I become a professional basketball player, I can’t be a DJ. But if I am a DJ, I still have time to play basketball.
Jack Sun, 11, Canada
Do you have any wishes in life?
I wish to always be young and full of life. And I hope that people will never find me boring.
