Posted by David Huffman on Mon, Nov 22, 2010 @ 12:25 PM
PHOTO CREDIT: alexcarpenter.wordpress.com
By Jodi Franks
Ohio Center for Broadcasting
Cincinnati, OH Campus
franks.j@beonair.com
twitter: @producerjodi
I am a Social Networking Addict.
If you were to have told me 5 years ago how important it would be to have a Twitter account, I would have shook my finger in your face, called you a liar, all while I started to dial my son so he could explain to me how to put new phone numbers in my cellphone.
Texting, why would I ever need to text anyone? Much less spend a second on any social networking site.
Today, you can’t toss a Blackberry without hitting a thousand or so different social networking sites. It’s all about being connected, sharing information, marketing, or just having fun. You find yourself in conversations with complete strangers about which is better, Android or iPhone? I just got a 3G phone, how quickly to a need to upgrade to a 4G? What’s your Skype address? Did I forget to check in on FourSquare when we had lunch at Skyline? What level of Angry Birds are you on? Should I accept her friend request?
Scoff if you must, this is serious stuff.
If there is only one thing you take away with you when you graduate from The Ohio Center for Broadcasting, aside from being able to operate the equipment, it’s the power of networking.
The phenomena of Social Networking will expand your options tremendously when you start your internship/job search.
Gone are the days of snail mailing your resume and demos, only to have to wait for weeks or months to get an answer that they’ve even received your material. With sites like LinkedIn, you can not only post your resume, you can showcase your demos, your blogs, and “network” directly with potential employers anywhere in the world, instantly.
There will always be those who believe that social networking is impersonal, nothing will ever replace an actual handshake or a handwritten thank you note after an interview. However, I can tell you, I’ve developed true friendships and solid relationships with industry professionals that I may never sit in the same room with much less the same state, all because I reached out via social networking.
During your career with OCB, you will hear this over and over again. “Don’t ever let the technology get bigger than you”. Being Social Networking savvy will be a powerful tool to have in your employment qualification arsenal. Plus, it gives you ridiculous bragging rights when you have more Twitter followers and a higher Klout score than your 19 year old, Mr. Smarty Pants, World of War Craft player guy.
Feeling social media overload? Start slow and narrow your attention to these sites.
Remember to ENGAGE with folks.
- Twitter
- LinkedIn
- Facebook
***
We do not technically have social media classes - but while you are learning to use the equipment in our radio & television studios - you'll have the opportunity to work alongside folks who "get it" when it comes to social media.
Posted by David Huffman on Thu, Nov 11, 2010 @ 01:34 PM
We want you to come be a guest DJ on CincyUnderground.com.
Some of our favorite terrestrial alternative stations do this, so we figured, why not us? Right?
I mean, if CincyUnderground.com is TRULY dedicated to building the unsigned indie music scene in and around the Cincinnati, OH area - then we need to be hearing from more than just the bands...
We need to hear from the FANS of the bands.
We need to hear from the music snobs. No, not the super jaded ones - the ones that live to discover new music and share it with folks.
You know who you are. Is that you?
If so, how about signing up to come in and drop some of that knowledge on us?
You won't need to worry about a thing. We'll have someone right there with you running the equipment. All you need to do is talk.
Here is what we'd like to hear if you sign up to be a guest DJ:
- Your top 5 favorite local bands (or more if you got 'em)
- Play some of their songs (we'll get their permission)
- Your favorite venues in town.
- Aside from music - what are your favorite places to eat or hang out in Cincinnati?
What do you say?
Come on! We'd LOVE to have ya.
Posted by David Huffman on Mon, Nov 08, 2010 @ 03:50 PM
Super pro series indeed! Angela An is a three-time, Emmy award winning journalist.
She anchors the weekend morning newscasts at 10TV News HD every Saturday from 5-7 a.m., and Sunday mornings from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Angela's on camera performance tips are below!
OCB: What’s your trick to a great on camera performance…with no nervousness?
AA: I tell everyone—whether it’s in front of the camera or playing in a piano recital—to BREATHE. 3 deep breathes—in through the nose, out through the mouth. Slowly and with your eyes closed. It helps calm the inner nerves.
OCB: What’s the best advice you ever got regarding your on-camera presence?
AA: Don’t write out what you are going to say. Have the outline in your head and the just “speak” the camera. As if you are talking to your mom or best friend.
OCB: Ever have an embarrassing moment on camera? How’d you handle it?
AA: Too many to count! While in Salt lake City, I got pied in the face by a bunch of clowns from Ringling Brothers. It was LIVE TV and nothing I could do but laugh it off.
The beauty of “live” is that you have one shot to make a memorable moment, so use it your advantage.
Posted by David Huffman on Thu, Nov 04, 2010 @ 02:36 PM
We'll get right to it! On camera tips by Mr. Dana Turtle Meteorologist for the ABC 6 News Team!
OCB: What's your trick to a great on camera performance...with no nervousness?
DT: I think the nervousness issue just takes time and a lot of practice. The more you do it, the more routine it becomes. It's kind of similar to a "run of the milll, lets get this done so I can go home!" LOL. I was definitely very nervous at first. I was always given the advice of pretending your grandma is at home watching you and you should just "talk to her" as you would in person. Plus, you can't see all the people watching and listening.
OCB: What's the best advice you ever got regarding your on-camera presence?
DT: Best advice is probably just being conversational and being yourself. If you act like someone you truly aren't, people will see right through that. Be yourself. If you make a mistake, laugh about it and move on.
OCB: Ever have an embarrassing moment on camera? How'd you handle it?
DT: Sure did. I fell while walking from the key wall to a 3 shot at the anchor desk. It was off camera back in Fargo, North Dakota, but the audio was sure there. I just kept on going and pretended like nothing was out of the ordinary. The average viewer had no clue. Also, had a fly land on my nose once on air, you just swing it away and laugh about it and move on. I'm sure there have been many more. It just takes time and a lot of practice to get your talent level up to speed.
It's also helpful since we work with a talent-coach to who gives us
advice on improvements. It's all about being conversational, with
PERSONALITY and being yourself.
I think it's also important to note that some people have the talent and are naturals and others just don't! It's the way it is.
***
Posted by David Huffman on Wed, Nov 03, 2010 @ 11:28 AM
If you are a fan of Ohio State Buckeyes Football, you probably know who Anthony Rothman is. The host of Football Fever on ABC/Fox and currently gracing the radio airwaves on the Buckeye Show on 97.1 The Fan in Columbus.
I'm starting to wish I would have called this The Super Pro Series. Every single bit of advice we have gotten in this series has been from a legendary Columbus area broadcaster. So incredible.
Thanks a million Anthony. It means a lot that you would take precious time to answer some questions for future broadcasters!
OCB: What’s your trick to a great on camera performance…with no nervousness?
AR: A great on-camera performance starts with being prepared. An old friend once said to me "the best ad-libs are written".
Don't be afraid to write down what you want to say, and glance at it every now and then.
As far as combating nerves, I like to write most of my stuff very tight. Meaning, not a ton of on-cam reads when starting to develop your on-air presence. Good short, concise intro's, then take the hi-lights. Too much copy, and too many run-on sentences can create a problem and affect your confidence. You can interject personality with writing to your video, it doesn't all have to be done on camera.
Also, don't forget to smile occasionally when doing sports. Smiling makes you remember it's fun.
Embrace your nerves. It's ok! Nerves mean you care about how you do, and there's nothing wrong with that. Being nervous or anxious is part of the deal with being on camera or radio.
OCB: What’s the best advice you ever got regarding your on-camera presence?
AR: Look sharp. Never give an on-air chance away, no matter who may or may not be watching or listening. Doesn't matter. Any chance to get better should be taken seriously. You can never be "over-dressed" on TV. (unless you're wearing a tux to a football game)
Also, try to be as conversational as possible. Write just the way you talk, but make sure grammar comes along for the ride.
OCB: Ever have an embarrassing moment on camera? How’d you handle it?
AR: Yes. I once said the word "Sexual" instead of "Sectional" when referring to playoffs. I laughed along with the audience. It's the best way. Be human. But don't go back minutes later and draw attention to a mistake. Only go back to correct a fact.
Remember a stumble or mis-speak is NOT a mistake. Just keep moving. Mistakes will always stay with you longer. The audience has forgotten it in 5 seconds.
---
Posted by David Huffman on Tue, Nov 02, 2010 @ 10:30 AM
I've been calling them Super Pros. I mainly just mean to illustrate that they've been doing this for awhile and they know EXACTLY what they are talking about.
This particular Super Pro needs no introduction. If you are in or around the Columbus, OH area you no doubt have seen her gracing the airwaves at some point.
Let's get right into the good stuff. Here are Gail Hogan's answers to our three questions on how to perform better on camera!
Thanks so much Gail!
OCB: What’s your trick to a great on camera performance…with no nervousness?
GH: Practice, practice, practice. The more you are in front of the camera, the less you see the camera. And make sure you always look for ways to improve your on air look. After more than 30 years in front of the camera, I’m always look at ways I can do things better.
OCB: What’s the best advice you ever got regarding your on-camera presence?
GH: Be yourself. Do not try to “imitate” others on the air, do not try to assume an “on air” personality….if you fake it you won’t fool anyone. The thing people say to me most often and is the highest compliment is that I’m on the same on camera and off. Plus, it’s much easier to be yourself than assume some broadcast personality.
OCB: Ever have an embarrassing moment on camera? How’d you handle it?
GH: There are so many!! If it’s a lighter story, then you can make fun of yourself. Unfortunately, if it’s a serious story, you just continue and try to recover from the embarrassing moment. You have to forget about it and keep going.
We'd love to see you there and you could win some money for your school.
Did I mention that super pro Amy Lutz of ABC 6 & Fox 28 will be there to coach you?
Posted by David Huffman on Mon, Nov 01, 2010 @ 12:39 PM
A couple years ago, Johnny D was gracious enough to present Beyond Ron Burgundy for our Intro to Go Pro series. It was super fun. Mr. Johnny even took some time to stop by our studios to cut a little web commercial spot for us. And THAT was super duper fun.
So fun and informative that we leaned on him again. This time for some more on camera expertise that may help you with the Broadcast Idol event coming up on November 6th at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting Columbus and Cincinnati campuses.
Just like the post from WBNS 10 TV's Andrea Cambern - we asked Johnny D three questions centered around performing better on camera.
Here they are!
OCB: What’s your trick to a great on camera performance…with no nervousness?
JD: Two part answer. First, is luck. You have to be born a performer. You have to have that kind of instinctive ability to communicate in front of people. You can get better at it, you can master it, but you can never learn it. Bad performers make bad tv people. Hey, just look at all the bad tv people.
Secondly, once you've established you have "it" -- you have to get comfortable. The key is to acknowledge your nervousness, know it so you can control it. Once you know your nervous and can admit it, you can harness that energy and channel it into your on-air presence.
OCB: What’s the best advice you ever got regarding your on-camera presence?
JD: Not necessarily advice, but a good tip is to listen to your recorded voice. Read a passage from a book or a news article and record it. Read it as though you're auditioning to get a job with books on tape or something. Then listen to it. Ask yourself if you could stand to listen to that person read a whole book... Do it over and over again until your voice is full of energy and you can read every sentence with distinctive style. Be interesting.
Do the same thing with video. Just watch yourself. After you see what you look like on camera you'll know what you need to do. Don't over analyze it though. Just watch yourself and try to be less lame every time out. You'll know it when you get it because you'll stop watching yourself...
OCB: Ever have an embarrassing moment on camera? How’d you handle it?
JD: Acknowledge it! Never let a mistake go without acknowledging it. If you don't -- if you slip up, stumble, stutter, totally flub something -- have fun with it, joke about it, call attention to it. If you OWN the mistake the audience will respect you and you take the power away from them. If you don't make fun of yourself, the audience will do it for you and you'll look like an ass...
Also, if there's an elephant behind you and it's taking a big dump, don't ignore it. Say something like, "wow. impressive." i don't know... anything would work.
***
The event is taking place at our Cincinnatia and Columbus campuses. Contestants test their anchor skills in an attempt to win $500 for their high school broadcasting or media program.