Reformas Educativas (LOEI – Reglamento a la LOEI Plan

Scholars like Chester et al (1988) and Stuart (1985) have prepared an excellent approach to analyzing a copy. They pointed out, though in separate studies, that an announcer, needs to do the following, when given a copy, either for news, interview, talk show etc:

 Read the copy twice to get the general meaning: As an announcer, you have to read the copy twice to understand the full meaning, especially when it is written by someone else. It is indeed necessary that you grasp the full meaning because it will help you to put in the right reflections.

 State the specific purpose of the copy in one brief sentence: stating the purpose will help you make a good presentation. You must ascertain whether it is for a meeting, funeral, announcement etc.

 Read the copy aloud to yourself first: this enables you to hear yourself first, get used to the copy and correct yourself in case you stumble over certain words.

 You should also Endeavour to find answers to the following questions:

48

 What is the general mood of the copy. The mood of a copy should be reflected in the presentation for instance, the mood of a copy meant for a funeral will definitely be different from that of a Christmas party or birthday party.

 Where does the mood change? A long piece of copy may contain different moods. It can change from gloom to joy.

 Do you know all the pronunciations? Get used to the pronunciation of unfamiliar words. Pronunciation could change according to mood, tempo, rhythm, short pause, long pause etc 4.0 Conclusion.

The broadcast copy is like a roadmap to the announcer. It serves as a guide to the announcer, telling him what to say, how to say it and when to say it. It should therefore be carefully handled and taken care of, for effective performance on air.

5.0 Summary.

This unit focused on the announcer’s copy. It also discussed the important things which the announcer is expected to do when given any copy.

6.0 Exercises

6.1 Self-Assessed Exercise

Write a story of not more than one page, read it aloud to yourself in front of a mirror. Ensure you maintain a constant eye contact between the mirror and the copy.

6.2 Tutor-Marked Assignment.

Listen to a radio station in your vicinity, and try to write an obituary announcement.

Secondly, get a newspaper cutting of a regular product commercial. Practice reading the two. Can you see the difference in mood? Present each to your class, taking care to reflect the different moods in your presentation.

7.0 References/Further Reading

Agbanu, V.N and A.N Nwammuo (2009). Broadcasting Media Writing , programming, Production and Management. Enugu: Rhyce-kerex publishers.

Amafili, C. (2002). Tips on Broadcast Announcing and Presentation In C.S Okunna (ed.) Teaching Mass Communication A Multi- Dimensional Approach. Enugu: New Generation Books.

Chester, G. et al (1988). The Announcer in Radio and Television. New York: Appleton – century – crafts.

Stuart, H. (1985). Interpreting the copy for Radio and Television Announcing. Boston:

Houghton Mifflin.

49 UNIT 5: Announcer’s Presentation Tips Contents.

1.0 Introduction 2.0 Objectives 3.0 Main content

3.1 Announcer’s Presentation Tips 3.2 Things to Avoid while on Air.

4.0 Conclusion 5.0 Summary 6.0 Exercises

6.1 Self-Assessed Exercise 6.2 Tutor-Marked Assignment 1.0 Introduction

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as you know, regulates broadcasting in Nigeria. There is a poster on presentation tips produced by NBC. This presentation tips to you for effective presentation and performance while on air.

2.0 Objectives.

Students exposed to this unit are expected to know the following: NBC Presentation Tips

 Manners to avoid while on air

 Other Presentation Tips 3.0 Main Content

3.1 Announcer’s Presentation tips.

The NBC presentation Tips, culled from Amafili (2002) are listed as follows:

 The good presenter/Announcer inflects and modulates the voice properly.

 He/She speaks at a comfortable pace

 He/She aims for a smooth flow.

 He/She chooses simple words

 He/She uses a copy/script if necessary

 He/She rehearses the copy/script.

 He/She sticks to correct pronounciation of word

 Pronounces names properly

 He/She does not talk over music with vocals

 ,, Avoids slangs

50

 ,, abhors four-letter words

 ,, apologises for an error

 ,, identifies the station clearly

 ,, sounds on and off appreciatively

 ,, refrains from being chatty

 ,, never makes dry and expensive jokes

 ,, is calm and profident even when ad-dibbing

 ,, provides informative links between programmes

 ,, woos the listener politely.

In addition to above tips, Onyechi (2010) adds the following:

 Write down all you need to say

 Harmonize physical behavior, appearance, eye contact with intended meaning.

 Adapt to the microphone.

 Avoid irritating mannerisms

 Always have a store of illustration, comments etc

 Avoid offensive remarks on religion and be sensitive to what your audience wants.

 Do not copy any role model. Be it yourself.

 Speak at moderate pace, varying pitch and stress.

 Train regularly-voice therapy.