These simple resources will help you stay organized, improve your delivery, and handle live broadcasts with confidence.
Before going on air, preparation is key to delivering a seamless broadcast.
Research the Stories:
- Read through all the scripts and summaries.
- Understand the key facts (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How).
- Identify any challenging pronunciations or complex terms.
Review the Lineup/Run Sheet:
- Familiarize yourself with the order of stories.
- Note transitions between segments and segments you’ll introduce.
Coordinate with the Team:
- Discuss any last-minute changes with producers and writers.
- Confirm cues with the technical director and camera operators.
Prepare for Live Updates:
- Anticipate potential breaking news or live changes.
- Have background information on related topics ready to improvise.
Appearance Check:
- Ensure wardrobe is professional and camera-ready (e.g., solid colors, no distracting patterns).
- Test makeup under studio lighting to avoid shine or shadows.
Familiarize Yourself with Scripts:
- Practice reading the scripts aloud to ensure fluency.
- Adjust pacing for clarity and emphasis.
Mark Key Points:
- Highlight or underline words/phrases to emphasize.
- Break long sentences into shorter chunks for smoother delivery.
Breathing Exercises:
- Take deep breaths to relax and project your voice.
Articulation Drills:
- Practice tongue twisters (e.g., “Red leather, yellow leather”).
Pacing Practice:
- Read a script at 150–180 words per minute.
During the broadcast, focus on delivering stories confidently and maintaining audience engagement.
Eye Contact:
- Look directly into the camera to connect with viewers.
Natural Tone:
- Adjust your tone based on the story: serious for breaking news, upbeat for lighter segments.
Steady Pacing:
- Maintain a conversational rhythm, avoiding rushing or monotony.
Facial Expressions:
- Match your expression to the tone of the story (e.g., empathetic for tragedies, neutral for politics).
Smooth Segues:
- Use transitional phrases like:
- “And now, let’s turn to…”
- “In other news, here’s a story that’s making waves…”
Collaboration with Co-Anchor:
- Coordinate hand-offs for continuity:
- “What can you tell us about this, [Co-Anchor’s Name]?”
Technical Glitches:
- Acknowledge the issue calmly:
- “We’re experiencing a slight technical difficulty. Let’s move on while we resolve this.”
Breaking News Updates:
- Improvise by summarizing the latest information:
- “Here’s what we know so far…”
Guest Challenges:
- Redirect uncooperative guests with neutral phrases:
- “Let’s focus on…”
After the broadcast, review your performance and identify areas for improvement.
Review Recordings:
- Watch the broadcast to evaluate tone, pacing, and delivery.
- Note moments where you stumbled or excelled.
Analyze Transitions:
- Were your hand-offs to co-anchors or segments smooth?
Voice Quality:
- Check for clarity, volume, and any repetitive filler words (e.g., “um,” “like”).
Ask for Feedback:
- Consult producers and colleagues for input on your performance.
- Focus on actionable improvements (e.g., pacing, expressions).
Technical Review:
- Ensure your audio, lighting, and camera angles were consistent.
| Segment | Content | Notes |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Headline/Lead | Concise summary of the story. | Include 5 Ws and H. |
| Key Details | Add 2–3 supporting facts, quotes, or statistics. | Emphasize key words for clarity.|
| Closing Line | Summary, transition, or call-to-action. | Match tone to story type. |
| Segment | Content | Notes |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Headline/Lead | “Breaking news tonight—a major earthquake strikes San Francisco.” | Use serious tone. |
| Key Details | “The quake, measured at 7.8, has caused widespread damage and power outages.” | |
| Closing Line | “We’ll bring you more updates as this story develops.” | Keep it concise. |
| What We Know | What We Don’t Know | Next Steps |
|-----------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Include confirmed facts. | Note missing details (e.g., numbers, identities). | Explain what viewers can expect (e.g., updates). |
| Section | Script | Emphasis |
|-----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Headline | “Breaking news: A major storm is heading toward the East Coast.” | Highlight “storm” and “East Coast.” |
| Main Details | “Officials predict heavy rainfall and strong winds through the weekend.” | Pause after “rainfall.” |
| Time | Segment | Anchor/Role | Notes |
|------------|---------------------------|------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| 6:00 PM | Headlines | Lead Anchor | Focus on top 3 stories. |
| 6:05 PM | Breaking News | Co-Anchor/Field Reporter| Live update from the scene. |
| 6:10 PM | Human Interest Story | Lead Anchor | Use warm, engaging tone. |
| Aspect | What Went Well | Areas for Improvement |
|-------------------------|------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Delivery | Natural tone, clear articulation. | Improve pacing during transitions. |
| Teleprompter Reading | Smooth eye contact and confident delivery. | Avoid monotone in lighter stories. |
| Improvisation | Handled breaking news updates calmly. | Add more details when summarizing. |
Teleprompter for Video: Great for practicing with recordings.
Recording Tools:
OBS Studio: Free software for recording and live-streaming practice.
Script Management:
Newsroom CMS (like ENPS or iNews): Professional tools used in real studios.
Performance Feedback: