Newscaster Speech Patterns
Avoid altering your voice or speech patterns. The biggest problem with inexperienced anchors is that they believe they must act and sound in a certain way. They lower their voices too much and their speech pattern turns to be musical. I understand they may be trying to sound more authoritative, but they also risk sounding like an idiot when caught talking in their normal voice.
Live shots tend to bring that out because there is often no formal script and one might forget to put on the act. To sound more authoritative effortlessly, just remember to speak from your diaphragm, project your voice, and pronounce clearly. Talk like you would in a conversation; try to be a little louder and a little clearer.
Recover From Speaking Mistakes
When you muddle a word, never laugh or come off embarrassed about it. It does not sound abnormal to stumble over a word because people stumble all the time while conversing. We are all used to hearing it. To linger on the stumble is what is observed and noticeable. I once saw an anchor stumble over a word and sort of give a tiny laugh about it, and it was during a tragic story where somebody was killed. Not only did that little reaction make the anchor seem extremely insensitive, but it also made it clear he/she didn’t even realize what she/he was reading.
Be a Natural Presenter
It’s necessary from a presentation perspective to look down to your script now and then. To gaze frequently at the teleprompter not only gives the audience an rough feeling. It just won’t break eye contact with them, but also makes it obvious you are reading from a teleprompter!
However, do not be a bobble-head either. This puts you at risk for losing your place and stumbling, and it makes it seem like you’re desperately lost or panicking. The best times to look down are in between stories, when talking about number facts and figures, or when quoting a name. It means you are ensuring your story place in the show, and you are double-checking your accuracy in numbers and quotes.
Dressing for the Anchor Desk
For young female anchors, attire can be difficult. The wrong outfit can make it harder to build up your credibility at the station and with the viewers. If you are young, do not dress too fancy or mature. It comes off as a kid raiding her mom’s closet and dressing up to pretend they are important. And while we all know you really are on your way, over-doing it seems silly to a more mature audience. On the other side of the spectrum is the very taboo tight, inappropriate attire. Unless your aspirations are to access Hollywood, always dress as the young professional you are. This means a nice fitting shirt with a simple, sleek blazer and some dress pants. I realize you might see national anchors pushing the envelope, but they are more seasoned journalists who have already won credibility. When in doubt, go back to your journalistic roots and K.I.S.S….keeps it simple & sweet!
[This article is published by Media Center-IMAC in interest of student awareness and career guidance. Media Center-IMAC specializes in Post-Graduate/Under-Graduate diploma courses in Media Studies and Mass Communication & TV journalism. With practical oriented and industry specific course, Media Center- IMAC is a prominent institution in Delhi.
Our alumni have proven themselves in the media world and are currently working at prestigious media organizations and top news channels. Besides full time diploma courses, Media Center-IMAC also offers specialized certificate courses in TV reporting, Digital marketing, video editing, radio jockeying, photography and many more.
For more info, visit: http://www.mediacenterimac.com/
Or email at: mediacenterimac@gmail.com
Or call at: 011 43489010, 8076807939.]
