In 2003, I was doing play-by-play and sideline reporting for a startup TV network called The Football Network. It was all football all the time, before the NFL Network.
The first several broadcasts we did we wore coats and ties. About a month later, management gave us polo shirts with the company logo and asked us to wear them for our next broadcast. Ironically, the game was in my hometown of San Diego.
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A TV news director was hiring a sports anchor/reporter. One applicant caught his attention but his reel featured a highlights montage and nothing else. The employer liked what he saw but didn’t ask the applicant to send additional video. He already had enough similarly qualified applicants whose reels provided what he needed.
Don’t miss out on a job because your reel is improperly constructed.
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My senior year at the Princeton of the Plains, Kansas State University, I took a storytelling class from a wonderful women named Charlotte McFarland. The purpose was to develop spontaneity and on camera performance.
The local cable TV station filmed our class doing our final storytelling performances of the semester. When I watched my segment air one week later, my first thought was, “You sure are a handsome guy Jon.” My second thought was, “Love the pink paisley shirt.” My third thought was, “Dude, you have no camera presence. You look nervous, you look scared, you look reserved and you’re mumbling.” So, I went about trying to fix those things.
I don’t know that I’ve improved much, but here are some top tips for improving your on camera performance.
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If you plan on applying for the 2017 Jim Nantz Award and STAA All-America program honoring the nation’s most outstanding collegiate sportscasters, start thinking now about what’s going to make you stand out.
Every year, the same errors in broadcasting fundamentals cause many applicants to not rank as high as they might have hoped. The broadcasts you do this Fall and Winter will help you win the award in the Spring.
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Robby Incmikoski, Reporter at Root Sports Pittsburgh, says that getting comfortable on camera is all about the reps.
Christian Bruey, Anchor/Reporter at WFTV, shares how dedication and hard work paid off in a surprise opportunity.
Robby Incmikoski, reporter at Root Sports Pittsburgh, shares tips for conducting great interviews.
Freelance TV sportscaster Mary Jo Perino explains why getting to know your audience is the most important thing a TV sports anchor or reporter can do when moving to a new market.
TV sportscaster Mary Jo Perino on why becoming a great writer is the most important skill a TV anchor can hone.
Freelance TV sportscaster Mary Jo Perino explains why storytelling is the most important part of a local sportscast, plus tips for finding good stories.