From the moment he took to the podium at his first school debating contest at age 14, Chris Smith knew he needed to talk about current issues as a profession.
As a young bloke, it didn't seem feasible to aspire to the heady heights of talkback radio, but Chris always had an ear on his favourite night-time host 2GB's John Pearce.
The Smiths were a very radio orientated family, and his father became the debating and oratory trainer at Chris' school, always stressing the need to be able to communicate and present.
After winning various Sydney speaking competitions, it seemed obvious that he had to follow a career in electronic journalism.
He backed up after University, by attending the Max Rowley Radio School, because that was where he wanted to land.
It didn't quite work out that way and just as well... because Chris spent 5 fabulous years in regional radio and TV, before getting back to the city, and getting on the road as a TV reporter for Channel's 7 and 9.
But he'd always longed to voice an opinion and debate live with callers who knew their stuff...
After two years reacquainting himself with radio in mainland China, Chris was then thrust into top-flight radio again at 2GB, as program director.
Before long, the station board was also insisting he join radio legends Alan Jones and Ray Hadley on-air at 2GB and the rest is history.
There hasn't been one single day, in which Chris has preferred to be elsewhere... Afternoon radio, with all its variation and spontaneity is like no other job.
He craves hitting the right note with listeners, enjoys the lively banter and never tires of the minute by minute challenge to communicate his thoughts.
Chris knows he's been largely successful thanks to the lead-in audience he's been extremely lucky to inherit via Alan and Ray... and it's given him time to hone his skills and create his own radio style.
You can listen to Chris weekdays 1pm to 4pm on Sydney's number one rated radio station
2GB.
