As a sports broadcaster, you know that criticism comes with the territory. Whether it’s a fan on social media, a colleague offering feedback, or a family member pointing out things you could do better, it can feel like everyone’s got an opinion on how you should do your job. The key challenge is knowing when to stand firm and stay true to your unique style—and when to adapt and adjust your approach.
Let’s face it: no one likes to be criticized. And as a play-by-play announcer, you’ve probably had your fair share of it. Maybe you’ve had a flub on-air that led to a few chuckles from viewers, or perhaps your high-energy style didn’t resonate with some listeners. The question is: How do you deal with this criticism in a way that helps you grow, while still staying true to your authentic broadcasting voice?
Criticism is Inevitable, But It Doesn’t Define You
First off, it’s important to understand that criticism doesn’t define who you are as a broadcaster. Whether it’s constructive feedback or harsh comments, every piece of criticism is an opportunity to grow. And here’s the thing: you’re never going to please everyone. What excites one listener may bore another. Some fans want every play analyzed in depth, while others prefer a high-energy, fast-paced delivery.
When to Stand Firm in Your Style
If you’ve worked hard to develop a particular style, whether it’s your voice, your pacing, or your approach to storytelling, it’s important to remember why you chose that style in the first place. Your unique flair is what sets you apart. Broadcasters like Vin Scully (baseball) and Jim Ross (wrestling) became iconic because they stayed true to their voices, despite criticism over the years. Their style resonated with audiences, and they embraced it without second-guessing themselves.
In fact, there are plenty of examples in sports media of people who received criticism but didn’t cave to it. Take, for example, the infamous commentator on the Canadian network TSN, Gord Miller, whose high-energy delivery and signature phrases have been loved by many but critiqued by others for being too “over the top.” Despite this, Miller’s style has become an integral part of his identity. He remained true to his approach and didn’t compromise his enthusiasm or passion for the game.
Key Strategy: If the criticism relates to something fundamental in your style, like your tone of voice or delivery speed, and it aligns with the type of audience you are trying to engage, stick to your guns. Adaptation is important, but don’t lose the core elements that make your broadcast unique.
When to Adapt and Adjust
Sometimes, feedback is less about changing your personality and more about improving certain aspects of your performance. Maybe your pacing is too fast for certain sports, or you missed an important detail in your commentary. These are the kinds of things you can adjust without completely losing your sense of self.
For example, if fans are saying that your energy is too much for a slower-paced game like baseball, it’s time to take a step back and reassess. The tone of your broadcast should match the rhythm of the game. In baseball, for instance, there’s a lot of downtime between plays, so your commentary needs to fill that gap with insightful analysis, interesting anecdotes, or background information. In contrast, sports like hockey or basketball require faster-paced, high-energy commentary to match the speed of the game.
Key Strategy: Take feedback seriously if it’s about specific technical aspects of your broadcast. Whether it’s about adjusting your pacing, incorporating more player stats, or giving more context to the game, adapt as necessary to improve your performance.
Balancing Confidence with Growth
At the heart of every critique is an opportunity to grow. If you’ve received feedback that you don’t quite agree with, take some time to reflect. Ask yourself if the feedback is helping you improve as a broadcaster, or if it’s just a difference in taste. Not all criticism is constructive. The trick is to be confident enough in your abilities to distinguish between the feedback that helps you grow and the noise you can ignore.
Sometimes, feedback can come from unexpected sources—like family. Maybe your parents don’t understand the nuances of the sport you’re calling, but they may offer a perspective that can help you look at things differently. Similarly, fans on social media may criticize your choice of words or phrasing, but it’s important to remember that some of these critiques may be based on the listener’s expectations rather than objective flaws in your performance.
Key Strategy: Stay open to feedback but maintain confidence in your broadcasting abilities. Acknowledge what helps you grow, but don’t let every piece of criticism shake your self-assurance.
Turning Criticism into a Learning Opportunity
Remember that feedback—whether positive or negative—should be used to help you refine your craft. Take time after every game to assess your performance. Review clips, talk to your colleagues, and listen to what your fans are saying. Use constructive criticism as a tool to improve your skills. But also, remember to celebrate the positive feedback! Acknowledge what’s working well and keep doing it.
Key Strategy: Reflect regularly on your performance. Review your broadcasts, identify areas for improvement, and keep refining your style. Use both the praise and criticism to elevate your work.
Reflection:
Criticism is an inevitable part of being a sports broadcaster, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to know when to stand firm in your style and when to make adjustments based on valid feedback. As a broadcaster, you are a constant work in progress, and every critique is an opportunity to evolve and become better.
Ultimately, your goal is to engage your audience and provide them with a memorable experience. So, the next time you receive criticism—whether from fans, colleagues, or family—ask yourself: Is this feedback helping me improve? Can I learn from it while staying true to my voice?
Key Takeaways:
- Stay true to your style if it resonates with your audience.
- Adapt when necessary to improve pacing, context, or technical elements of your commentary.
- View criticism as an opportunity for growth and self-reflection.
- Celebrate both feedback and progress, using them to refine your broadcasting skills.
At the end of the day, every broadcaster has been there—receiving a piece of feedback that stings, but ultimately helps shape your growth. What’s your approach to criticism? How do you balance staying true to your style with taking constructive feedback on board?