PROGRAM CLOCK
ANNOUNCING TIPS
The primary goal of the announcer is the
communication of ideas.
When working with a script, first read it carefully to be
sure that you comprehend those ideas. Then utilize all
these techniques to express those ideas effectively.
All announcing is characterization- acting and playing a
role.
Strive to create the “illusion of conversationality.”
Correct standard American English will become one of a
number of different dialects you may choose to use in
announcing.
Vocal Performance
Style
There are three styles you should try to develop in radio
announcing:
Live Adlib
This kind of announcing should sound natural and
conversational.
The following are the key points to use in
proper voice production:
PROJECTION: The breath is pushed up from the
diaphragm against the larynx. Breathe deeply and
evenly; do not just speak to the mic, but to an
imaginary listener across the room. Work to develop a
full, resonant voice.
VOLUME: Loudness: speak louder to emphasize key
words in a phrase; as above, vary to create dynamics in
a reading.
STRESS/EMPHASIS: Do not read all the words with an
equal amount of stress; add extra stress to keywords in
a phrase.
HANDY HINTS
Plan ahead. Always have your next piece of music cued up
and ready; set up your next spot break in advance. Assume
that something will go wrong and have a plan B.
Learn to do “back-timing”; end your show exactly on time.
Watch your language; don’t play music that hasn’t been
cleared for “f–bombs.”
Don’t just “talk to the mic.” The amount of presence and projection used should
never be only enough to reach from the mouth to the microphone. You should
speak as if you were addressing someone across the room in a typical living room;
that is, about 6 to 8 feet away.
Do not confuse loudness with projection; if you increase your volume, you must
move slightly back from the mic. By the same token, if you speak very softly, you
should move in a little closer and possibly turn up the Mic volume. But always
remember to maintain the proper relationship between your mouth and the
microphone.
Go by what your see on the VU meters, not by what you hear on the headphones.
Adjust the headphone levels to be sure that you are accurately monitoring
yourself.
PRODUCTION TIPS
Pre-produced material includes IDs, Bumpers, Promos,
PSAs, and general information about your school.
All station members need to contribute to production.
The steps in producing a project:
Define the purpose: What is it supposed to do?
Who will voice it?
What production music to use? SFX?
Record the script.
Add the music bed.
In doing the mixdown, watch your levels.
Don’t let the music drown out the voice.
Remember:
Relax, have fun,
and do good radio!