A student once asked me questions for a paper he was writing for his Master’s class.
My replies are below, but how would you answer the questions? Please share your thoughts on one, two or all of the questions in the comments section below.
What do you think is the biggest misconception in the sports broadcasting field?
The biggest misconception is that sports broadcasters just “wing it.” The best sportscasters prepare at least two hours for every one hour they are on the air.
Great sportscasting sounds spontaneous but is the result of many hours of preparation.
[Tweet “Great sportscasters don’t just wing it. Sounding spontaneous is the result of hours of prep.”]What’s the best way someone can prepare for a career in sportscasting?
Build relationships. Have people who can critique your work, provide guidance and help open doors.
Success is more about whom you know than what you know.
What are the top 3 skills needed to be successful in sportscasting?
Work ethic, people skills and writing skills.
You must be willing to put forth a degree of effort that others are not. You must get along with people so you can build the relationships necessary for a successful career. And you must be a great writer. Sports broadcasting is a communications industry. People who cannot link a noun and a verb won’t go far.
Again, please share how you might answer some or all of these questions in the comments section below. I’m eager to know what you recommend.
