Every broadcaster knows that a great colour commentator can transform a game, but getting the most out of a reserved or shy commentator can be a tricky task. Whether it’s a former player still adjusting to life behind the mic or someone who’s just naturally reserved, coaxing energy and insightful commentary can feel like pulling teeth. However, with the right strategies, you can help your colour commentator find their voice and elevate your broadcast to a new level.
Colour commentators play a key role in giving context, analysis, and personality to a game. But, if they’re not comfortable speaking, or if they’ve yet to develop their on-air presence, their commentary can come across as flat, lacking the energy and insights that engage the audience.
Understanding the Challenge: Why Some Colour Commentators Are Reserved
Reserved colour commentators—especially those coming from a player background—might be uncomfortable with the spotlight. Many former athletes are accustomed to being in the action, but not necessarily in front of a microphone. They might be self-conscious about their speaking abilities or simply unaccustomed to being in the public eye in a different capacity.
The good news is that this doesn’t mean they can’t provide valuable insight. It just means that as a play-by-play announcer, you need to set the stage for them to flourish.
Start with a Conversation
First things first: It’s all about building trust. If you’re working with someone who’s shy or uncertain about their commentary, you need to start the relationship on a solid foundation. Have a conversation before the game. Ask them about their comfort level with speaking on air and what they feel confident discussing. This can open up the door to sharing insight about their experiences, which can then translate into meaningful commentary.
Remember, the more comfortable they are in a casual setting, the more likely they’ll be to open up once the broadcast begins. A simple chat about the game ahead, some recent events in the sport, or even how they feel about certain players can help establish a natural flow that will be easy to carry over into the live broadcast.
Ask the Right Questions
When working with a reserved colour commentator, it’s crucial to ask the right questions. Open-ended questions are your best friend in this scenario. Instead of asking, “What do you think of this player’s performance?” you might want to phrase it like, “Can you walk us through how you think this player is impacting the game today?” This gives them the space to offer more detailed insight, even if they’re not particularly talkative.
Additionally, you can ask about personal anecdotes from their career, which can create a more relatable commentary experience for the audience. Former players, in particular, may have a wealth of stories that can add depth to the broadcast, but they might need a gentle push to share them.
Read the Room and Adapt the Pace
Some commentators need a little time to find their rhythm, especially when they’re new to broadcasting. As the play-by-play announcer, it’s your job to adjust the pacing of your delivery to give them the room they need to jump in. If you rush the broadcast or dominate the conversation, you might unintentionally make them feel sidelined.
Try a pacing method that allows for natural pauses. These pauses create space for the colour commentator to jump in with their analysis or thoughts. Remember, silence on the broadcast isn’t always a bad thing—it’s a moment of anticipation, and it gives your partner the chance to chime in.
Build Confidence Through Positive Reinforcement
Like any skill, broadcasting improves with practice. As your reserved colour commentator starts to find their voice, make sure to provide positive reinforcement. Compliment their insights, acknowledge the value they bring to the broadcast, and encourage them to share more. This will help build their confidence and foster a more collaborative atmosphere between you both.
Positive feedback doesn’t just stop after the game ends—it should be an ongoing effort. After a broadcast, sit down and discuss what went well. Celebrate the moments when they made great observations, even if they weren’t overly vocal. This kind of recognition encourages a growth mindset and helps them see that their contributions matter.
Get Creative with Your Approach
Sometimes, simply offering a more creative or structured approach can help your colour commentator break out of their shell. For example, you could assign them specific segments where they take on a more active role, such as player breakdowns or “key to the game” segments. Giving them a mini-script or structure to follow can provide some comfort, especially if they’re not as spontaneous in their delivery.
Additionally, discussing non-game-related topics, like their career highlights or their thoughts on current trends in the sport, can help them ease into the on-air environment. Just remember, the goal is to make them feel like an equal partner in the broadcast, not just someone providing occasional commentary.
Final Thoughts: Building a Partnership
Ultimately, getting the most out of a reserved colour commentator is about building a strong partnership. As the play-by-play announcer, you set the tone and create an environment where your partner feels supported. With time, patience, and encouragement, even the most reserved commentators can bloom into valuable on-air contributors.
As a team, your job is to complement each other. Your energy and delivery can help draw out their insights, and their expertise can enhance your play-by-play. By creating a positive, collaborative atmosphere, you’ll make the broadcast a better experience for both the commentator and your audience.
Key Takeaways:
- Build trust: Have a conversation with your commentator before the game to understand their comfort level.
- Ask open-ended questions: Encourage detailed insights by giving them space to share.
- Give space and time: Adjust the pace of your delivery to allow for natural pauses.
- Reinforce confidence: Positive feedback boosts their comfort level and motivates them to contribute more.
- Use creative approaches: Assign specific segments or themes to ease them into their role.
- Remember, practice makes perfect: With time, even reserved commentators can find their voice.