With so many varsity high-school sporting events, like basketball and football contests, being streamed on-line these days, that means announcers are sometimes used for such broadcasts. Some, though, go without any play-by-play, which isn’t a bad thing as long as the scoreboard is always there for viewers to see, which unfortunately isn’t always the case.
Please, to those in charge of such streams, get that issue fixed or updated as soon as possible. There’s nothing more frustrating than watching a game and not knowing the score or time remaining.
As for announcers, with many more opportunities available for such duties, all kinds are used, and the talent – we use that word loosely – is all over the place. Most are inexperienced and very poor – hard to understand, don’t talk clearly or give the important details and speak way too fast, especially when becoming excited over a positive home-team play
Often student announcers are used, and there is certainly a lot of excitement there, and that is a good thing. Some are OK, with a criticism being that young announcers often try too hard to impress with their knowledge and become name droppers a bit.
Here’s a hint to all, and they will be much improved if following the simple advice. Give clear and important details first and foremost and don’t yell into the microphone when becoming excited. No one hears or understands anything when that happens
Also, keep the opinions, second guessing and name dropping completely silent. Just the important information, and clearly spoken, please.
- Dave Facinoli
- dfacinoli@sungazette.net
