How I Prep for a Broadcast
Tip #1:
I am a big visual retainer of information, specifically color. When prepping for a college matchup, I will find the official RBG color numbers from the University's website to use for the Personnel Number cell background and numeral. This brings my eyes quickly to the information I am seeking relative to color. Use it for whatever the team's colors you have!
Tip #2:
Our notes/boards are great for prep and reference (obviously incredibly important!) but don't get caught looking down and miss the moment. Better to call what you see, whether that is on TV or Radio, and then circle back to provide any relevant info. Narrate the action, then compliment!
Tip #3:
Football Prep: Prep by Unit in an inverse pyramid of whom will be touching/around the ball the most. Offense: QBs, RB/FB (Yes, Fullbacks still exist!), WR/TE, OL. Defense: DL, DB, LB. My first Football broadcast, I began in the trenches. Of course, KYP on the lines but how often will you be talking about the Right Guard compared to the X WR? Maximize that valuable prep time!
Tip #4:
As a PxP, stay away from editorializing; focus on what you see. Call the action, tell the stories. Get all of that right. Don't be continuously trying to prove that you KNOW the game. That's the analyst's role. Know yours. When in doubt, ask them a question.
Tip #5:
Start with the Game Notes. Reach out to the SID point of contact ASAP (or whomever can give you any sort of notes packet) and use these as a launching point. They all have different formatting and information; some better than others. SID's have incredibly hard (and sometimes thankless) jobs so be patient but be sure to ASK for Notes as these are a great place to start.
Tip #6:
Dig for the deeper story. "Player A is on a 17 game hit streak." Utilize your access, ask the Coach what they attribute that to. A player I recently covered started off the season on a tear, ripping the cover off the ball, National Offensive Player of the Week. I asked the Coach, "What was the improvement in the offseason?" His answer: "Lasik." Now THAT is something you won't get in the Notes pack and makes for a great on-air story.
Tip #7:
Give your audience things they couldn't discover on their own. Whether that be in your pre-game coaches calls/chats (don't forget assistant coaches! Everyone wants the Head Coach's time!) talking to players in warm ups; utilize your vantage points, pre and during your time on air to give the audience unique access.
Tip #8:
Be yourself! Don't try to copy the sound or style of another broadcaster. Develop YOUR voice. People gravitate toward authenticity. Be YOU on air, it's a lot more fun that way!