Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Traffic -- and your host -- reach dizzying heights



Earlier: More Gannett Blog TV episodes on my YouTube channel

9 comments:

  1. How in the world can I learn to stop saying, "uhm" and "uh"? They're in every third sentence!

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  2. First rule of public speaking. Write an outline of what you plan to talk about so that you aren't winging it.

    Second rule, give it at least a once over to an empty chair and pretend your Mean aunt Gurtey is sitting there with her paddle board firmly in hand to swat your backside for each mistake.

    Third rule, forgive yourself immediately if you mess up, and move on to the next topic, sentance or idea. Just get back on track.

    Hope that helps...

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  3. 1. You have a Teleprompter -- your Mac. Set up your text on the screen and just read from it as you look into the camera. You can start with a text -- pronouncers, emphasis points, etc. -- and gradually thin it down to an outline as you perfect your style. 2. Read up on broadcast writing style, which is more conversational than what you're used to writing. 3. Find a TV announcer whose style you like, TiVo them and study carefully.

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  4. 10:23 Spoken like a true broadcast Gannettoid.

    And you probably have the better advice with what Jim is trying to accomplish. I gave my advice from a position of podeum speaking. But having his draft in front of him would work better for video production.

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  5. Grrrrr. It's great that you're expanding into video, but it's frustrating that so many posts are video-only now. Most of our crappy Gannett computers don't have speakers.

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  6. Understood, 10:39 pm: If I ever reported company news in a video, I would always include that information in text with the video post.

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  7. Same way you get to Carnegie Hall: practice, practice, practice.

    Seriously, you have the best tool for working on your uhms and uhs -- keep playing back your broadcasts and learn when you do this. Then, when you are talking, even casual conversation, try to anticipate your uhms and uhs and STOP YOURSELF before you say them.

    Also, ask "Sparky" and your friends to point them out to you. As you become more aware of them, you'll be able to lessen them.

    Also, slow down, ennunciate clearly.

    If this doesn't work, ask a local college for the name of a drama or broadcast teacher who might be available to work with you.

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  8. I personally don't mind hearing the ums and all, as long as the message is compelling and authentic.

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Jim says: "Proceed with caution; this is a free-for-all comment zone. I try to correct or clarify incorrect information. But I can't catch everything. Please keep your posts focused on Gannett and media-related subjects. Note that I occasionally review comments in advance, to reject inappropriate ones. And I ignore hostile posters, and recommend you do, too."

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