Copy tips And Chapter 9 Flashcards
The basics of announcing and performing
As announcers our purpose is to effectively communicate ideas and feelings to others. Success does not come from just sounding the part. It’s a one-on-one conversation, not speaking to a crowd
The basics 2
Announcers must be skilled in several types of performance: Ad-libbing is the art of impromptu speaking, script reading with preparation, script reading from cold copy
The basics 3
Copy begins as an idea, not a script. Having come up with the idea, the writhed then “casts it” into words…and possibly pictures for tv. Reading and announcing conveys an emotion. Oral communication can lose its impact when material is not presented clearly and with conviction
Acronym
A word made from the first initials of a phrase (NASA, NOAA, FCC)
Jargon
Terms used by a specific industry or group (byte, spam)
Slang
Informal street language (hack, playa, hottie, nerd)
Redundant expression
One that uses more words than necessary to convey an idea (true fact, free gift, for free, green in color, visible to the eye)
Cliche
Overused slang or expressions (sharp as a tack, preaching to the choir)
Spoonerisms
When we mix up the syllables (tip of the slung, tasted two worms)
Language changes
New words (karaoke, tweeted, Velcro, cassette, dvd, road rage, metrosexual
Political correctness
Language that is inclusive (mankind becomes humanity; businessman becomes executive; spokesman becomes spokeswoman)
Avoid throwaway
Letting your voice trail off at the end of a sentence so we can’t hear
Chapter 9 DQ
Phrases like “all you guys out there” important to the success or failure of a radio station. Because radio is about one-to-one communication between the announcer and the listener if it’s not public address. Great announcers build a lasting bond with the listener.
When should you be pre-planning your show
24/7…that means all the time! If you see something, hear something, think of something, write it down…take a picture with your cell phone
BIF
Big Idea File where you compile show prep ideas for current and future use
How do you balance “keeping it local?”
If something is important to your listeners, it’s local (aka major news events, NCAA tourney, elections at state and national levels)
If you can find a local tie-in, even better
Why is the human connection so important? What is something to be wary of in the human connection?
Radio is unique in that you are trying to develop a relationship (hopefully a lasting one) with someone you have never met!
Revealing things about yourself is one way to do this…listeners want to know that there is commonality between you and them
Be careful of putting yourself “above the listener,” meaning, don’t brag
How can you “know” your audience?
Finding out who your station is trying to reach…finding the demographic data
Becoming a local yourself..find out about everything
Schools, government, attractions, public transportation, shopping food
The faster you become a local, the better you can communicate with the listener
Step 1
Identifying the general meaning: forming an impression of the overall piece by reading it a couple of times silently
Step 2
Stating the specific purpose: knowing the copy’s goal
Step 3
Identifying the vernal mood of the copy
Mood
A state of mind projected by the performer (gloomy, joyous, cynical, festive)
Attitude
Going deeper; a relationship between the announcer and listener. Like mindset, point of view, stance or beliefs
Step 4
Determining changes in mood: some scripts can have more than one
Step 5
Determining parts and structure (beginning, middle, end)
Step 6
Analyzing punctuation marks used in the script
The period
Stop
The comma
Slight pause
The question mark
Use Spanish tip, beginning the sentence with an upside down ?
Parentheses
Usually dashes are used instead, but () are used in commands
The ellipses
Indicates an omission of words; it really shouldn’t be used but many times is
Step 7
Marketing coy and verifying meaning and pronunciation: this is extremely important!
Step 8
Reading aloud: this also means reading ahead
Step 9
Conveying interest in your material: this is where the acting comes in sometimes!
Focusing on your listener is the key
Step 10
Talking to the listener: ask yourself…
Who am I as I read?
Who am I talking to?
How many people am I talking to?
How old are they?
Step 11
Getting background about the author and the copy: do your research!
Step 12
Employing characterization: what does this mean?
It means character interpretation, whether it be regional, foreign, or an object
