Being a sportscaster is perhaps one of the most unique jobs on the planet. Few people in the world get to experience the thrill of live sporting events with a microphone inches from their face. Few get to travel with athletes and tell stories to dedicated audiences. But not everyone can hack it in this business…and there are more than a few personal traits that separate good sportscasters from great.
1. Adaptability
One of the magical things about sportscasting is the fact that no two games are ever the same. You’ll seldom call one touchdown twice, and you’ll rarely call the exact same 6-4-3 double play. Every play is different so every call is different.
The ability to have personal traits such as adaptability is crucial because sportscasters need to have the ability to thrive in various situations. Sportscasters need to have the confidence to call a game from the corner of a stadium, the same way they would do it from mid field/court/ice.
Personal traits like adaptability can also be crucial when it comes to solving technical or content issues on your broadcast. A connection drops? An interview isn’t didn’t pan out? Adapt and thrive.
2. Resourcefulness
Much like adaptability, being resourceful can be the difference between being on air and being silent. Having the ability to make something out of nothing, or figure out a solution are incredibly valuable personal traits to have.
How many times have you duct-taped a microphone to a unique spot to get that crucial audio? How many times have you jerry-rigged a broadcast spot to get the best vantage point? How many times have you pulled an obscure stat on your broadcast after hours of research.
That’s all resourcefulness…another one of those personal traits that are keys to success.
3. Resiliency
No-one gets into sportscasting for the money. Only the top 1% of the top 1% make bank, with the vast majority lucky to earn their age in salary. The ability to not only survive in that element but thrive can be a big boost to a career.
Money aside, sportscasting is a roller-caster. Coaches come and go, friends, co-workers, players, front office staff are all expendable…including sportscasters. Having personal traits such as resiliency can help steer through the rough times, ride them like a wave and come out the other side.
Having one or all three of these personal traits can get you through a long and successful sportscasting career. They all focus around the ability to adapt, survive and thrive.
