Performance Development
Introduction
The most sought after delivery
style in broadcasting is a
conversational tone—the ability to
speak to many yet make it appear
as if you are speaking one-on-one.
Developing a Broadcast Delivery
Style
Find and stress key words in what you
say or read. When working with a
script, read it out loud as you practice.
This allows you to find words that
carry meaning in the message and
mark them so you can emphasize those
key words during the performance.
You’ll normally stress words by using
inflection, duration, volume and
pauses.
Rising inflection usually indicates
uncertainty, doubt, hesitation and is
used to indicate a question. Pitch
usually goes down at the end of a
sentence and indicates finality or
seriousness.
Duration refers to varying the length of the
key words or phrases. In most instances,
stretching out words gives them more
significance but you can also speed up
reading a phrase to add extra punch to it.
The most popular way to stress key words is
to increase the volume on those words or
phrases but do this sparingly as it can be
hard on the listener and come across as
talking at the listener and not to them.
Pauses are necessary for breathing
when reading a script but can also be
used to stress key words. Putting a
slight pause before and after a word or
phrase will pull it out from the script
and give it extra importance.
Copy Marking
Using a system of graphic symbols to
indicate how you feel the script should
be read. For example, underline a
word to remind yourself to give it extra
emphasis. The marks should assist you
in reading the copy, they should not be
a distraction. Copy Marking will help
you become a better performer.
Word Usage
Correct pronunciation and usage of words is
absolutely necessary for the broadcast
performer. There are categories of words you
should be sensitive to:
• Jargon—words used in a specific profession
• Slang—street language or words used by a
specific group
• Cliché—overused or worn out expression
• Redundant Expression—one that uses more
words than necessary to convey an idea.
Language Changes
Broadcast performers need to be aware that
the language they use changes on a regular
basis. New words are added to various
dictionaries every year.
Announcers need to be sensitive to using
language that may offend or exclude
individuals or certain segments of the
population. You also need to be sensitive in
how you refer to people (including ethnic and
age references).
Avoiding Amateurish
Announcing and Inept Delivery
Beginning announcers often:
 hesitate slightly before reading or
saying a difficult word
 add needless vocalizations such as
“uh,” “ah,” “you know,” and “er.”
 make mispronunciations and
grammatical errors
Many beginning announcers have an
inept delivery style because they have
poor reading ability. Often this
problem is simply an inability to read a
script without stumbling, hesitating or
just misreading lines. Practice will
help and being aware of the problem
will help the announce take extra care
when reading a script.
Beginning announcers also often read
or speak with indistinct speech (they
mumble or slur over words and
phrases). They often stumble on
tongue-twister phrases, use improper
rate of speech, misplace emphasis and
deliver a “dead” delivery. If your
announcing approach includes any of
these problems, you need to work to
eliminate them now.
An excellent way to
work on your delivery is
simply to read everything
aloud.