"Live radio is stressful enough without the added burden of having to decide on what to say next. If in doubt, script it!"
| Make it easy on yourself. Prepare your material so that the path between your eyes, brain and mouth remains clear. |
WRITING FOR RADIO
by Marc Lansdorp & Sharyn Peacocke
Most people find it difficult to do several things at the same time. If you're one of them, you will need to understand the basic principles of writing for radio so you can script your material.
Live radio is stressful enough without the added burden of having to decide on what to say next. It is far better to pen your announcements beforehand. That way, you can focus entirely on your delivery.
Early on, your announcing will probably sound a bit stilted. Reading material well on-air is not easy. However, it is definitely worth persevering. After a while, with rehearsal and a strong dose of confidence, things will gradually fall into place.
When you become proficient, you can replace complete scripts with dot-points for ad-libbing. But if in doubt, script it. It is far better to say something worthwhile, albeit a little wooden, than uumming, ahhhing and eerrring your way through your program.
Try this:
Write for the ear. Write it down the way you would say it. Don't be artificial, or formal. Formal grammar and syntax is inappropriate for the conversational style of radio announcing.
Test your script as you write. Don't just run your eyes over it, or murmur under your breath. Read it out loud. If you trip over a word or phrase, it needs changing before show time. Much easier on you and your audience.
Write for one listener. Mass communication only works if you don't think of it as mass communication. Write and deliver your words as though you are speaking to one person. Treat your listener as an individual and you'll build a loyal audience.
Write news thoughtfully. News or documentary material should be delivered slowly, and in small chunks. News is information-heavy, and more difficult to digest. Give your listeners time to chew it over.
Make it easy on yourself. Prepare your material so that the path between your eyes, brain and mouth remains clear. For instance:
• write brief sentences using "active" voice;
• use present tense where possible;
• write hard-to-pronounce words phonetically;
• write names or figures in full;
• use an easy-to-read font in a large size;
• punctuate to suit your own reading style;
• signpost your copy to guide your delivery.
Remember, this is not print media. It is radio. Write for the ear, not the eye!
