Anchoring: Essential Skills

Essential skills for anchors

1.      The best news anchors and "live" reporters make their work look easy, but it isn’t. Beyond voice, looks or delivery, the best possess is “skills without script.”

2.      They communicate with command, comfort and clarity.

3.      “Skills without script” are built on mental agility, critical thinking and continuous learning.

Here are eight essential “skills without script”:

1. Knowledge base: An understanding of issues, names, geography, history and the ability to put all of these in perspective for viewers. It comes from the journalist's commitment to being a student of the news.

2. Ability to process new information: Sorting, organizing, prioritizing and retaining massive amounts of incoming data.

3. Ethical compass: Sensitivity to ethical land mines that often litter the field of live breaking news -- unconfirmed information, graphic video, words that potentially panic, endanger public safety or security or words that add pain to already traumatized victims and those who care about them.

4. Command of the language: Dead-on grammar, syntax, pronunciation, tone and storytelling -- no matter how stressed or tired the anchor or reporter may be.

5. Interviewing finesse: An instinct for what people need and want to know, for what elements are missing from the story, and the ability to draw information by skillful, informed questioning and by listening.

6. Mastery of multitasking: The ability to simultaneously: take in a producer's instructions via an earpiece while scanning new information from computer messages, texts or Twitter; listen to what other reporters on the team are sharing and interviewees are adding; monitor incoming video -- and yes, live-tweet info to people who have come to expect information in multiple formats.

7. Appreciation of all roles: An understanding of the tasks and technology that go into the execution of a broadcast, the ability to roll with changes and glitches, and anticipate all other professionals involved.

8. Acute sense of timing: The ability to condense or expand one's speech on demand, to sense when a story needs refreshing or recapping, to know without even looking at a clock how many words are needed to fill the minute while awaiting a satellite window, live feed or interviewee.

·         Communicates Well: Those in the broadcasting industry need to have excellent communication skills. Reporters and anchors should have top-notch speaking skills, as well as excellent writing skills. Anyone working behind the scenes in broadcasting should have excellent communications skills also, as the elements of production cannot come together without good team communication.

·         Has Good Investigative Skills: Broadcast journalists should have sharp investigation skills to get the best information for the story at hand. Camera operators and producers should also have a strong sense of investigation to help generate story ideas, get the best shots, and also to fuel the story along.

·         Possesses a Good Personality: Most important for those on camera, anchors and reporters should have a friendly disposition that viewers can connect with. A smiling face and a gentle tone help viewers to develop a sense of trust and rapport.

·         Has a High Technical Aptitude: Those working backstage in broadcasting should be comfortable working with a variety of technical equipment and also stay on top of changing technologies.

·         Is Versatile: The entire broadcasting team is often expected to complete a number of varying duties. Reporters, for instance, might be called upon to find a story, conduct interviews, shoot footage, write the story, and report the story. Everyone involved should be willing and able to perform multiple duties.

·         Is Able to Handle Pressure: Media, by nature, is a deadline-oriented, pressure-driven environment. Everyone in the business should be able to handle pressure and meet deadlines as they are assigned.

·         Has Good Graphics and Animation Skills: Those involved with the final production should have a solid grasp of graphic and animation skills. Promotional pieces and weather reports, as well, are usually very graphics-heavy.

·         Is a Team Player: Dozens of elements have to work in tandem to produce a successful program, and therefore, every member of the broadcasting team must work well together and recognize that the ultimate goal is a team effort.

·         Is Highly Efficient: The deadline-oriented nature of the broadcasting business warrants that all team members work quickly and efficiently. There often is little time to find a story and get it to the production floor before a scheduled broadcast, so all involved need to be sure things come together as quickly as possible.

·         Maintains a High Level of Accuracy: Especially in the news media, accuracy is vital. It is important for anyone collecting and reporting information to be sure that information is true and up-to-date.

VOICE OVER

Being a successful voice actor takes time to figure out how to use your voice. It’s not just about your voice, but also how you use it. Although you use your voice in voice acting, it’s much more than just talking, and the craft can bring you a lifetime of enjoyment.

Today most voice actors work from home recording studios, away from the glitz and glamour. Voice actors generally rely upon their skills honed from years of working with casting directors, voice directors, producers, and instructors.

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO VOICE ACTING

IT'S ALL ACTING

Many people with a "good voice" think they can waltz in and start voicing ads for big brands or cartoon shows without any preparation, but here's the deal; it takes dedication, multi-faceted skills and, most of all, time.

It doesn't happen overnight so if you are really committed to trying your hand at it or, rather, your voice, then of all the things we could stress about getting started, it is the importance of training with a professional voice-over coach.

A voice-over coach will help you find your "signature voice." Your signature voice is that sweet spot where you sound the best. They will help you develop that style for the various niche markets that your voice is suitable for. They can also demystify the recording equipment you will need as a voice-over artist and will help you prepare your first voice-over demo. Your demo will be your calling card, comp card, and resume all in one so it is vital that you have it professionally produced.

You've likely gathered by now that there is more to voice-over than just having a "good voice." Whether you doing freelance voice work or work with an agent, or both, there are a number of complementary skills and attributes that can help to ensure you are headed in the right direction. Remember, skills you don't already possess can always be learned.

REQUIRED SKILLS

ACTING

Exhibiting acting skills.

TECHNOLOGY

Being comfortable with technology.

Acting Abilities

Do people hang on your every word when you tell a story? Are you able to mimic characters on television or in the movies? Do you enjoy reading out loud? Are you animated when you do, giving the characters different personalities as you read? If you answered "yes" to the above questions then you are in good shape because, whether you realize it or not, you are already exhibiting acting skills - and acting is the cornerstone of voice-overs.

Technology Prowess

Being comfortable with technology is important for voice-over artists today. While you don't necessarily need to be a recording studio tech-guru, it is important to understand how your equipment works and be comfortable using it. From recording gear to working with digital files and navigating the Internet, there are a few basics that every voice actor should have in their home studio.

Not exactly what you'd call technically inclined?

That's okay. If you typically run in the other direction when someone mentions technology, don't let that deter you from pursuing voice-over. You can hire someone who can help you with your studio setup. Find a reputable company who will explain how things work and why; such as V.O.StudioTech. You could also pursue training from local recording studios or, better yet, talk to a company that specializes in training home-based voice-over artists, such as Edge Studio.

Business Acumen

You are the CEO of YOU. Your voice is your product. You are the sales team, marketing team, customer service team and accounting team. Running your own freelance business means you will be responsible for all these areas and more.