By Sharifatu Ja’afaru (300 Level)
The Students’ Week of the Association of Mass Communication Students (AMCOMS) commenced on February 12, 2014 with various activities.
The AMCOMS Week is an annual event and includes a symposium where professionals are brought in to speak on different aspects of journalism practice.
Speaking on the ”Qualities of a Good Broadcaster”, the Guest Speaker, Hudung Gyang of Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) listed the qualities of a good broadcaster to include having a good communication skill.
“To survive in broadcasting, good communication skill is paramount. As a broadcaster you have no business going on air if you can’t communicate effectively. The personality of the presenter is very important. A presenter on air should act naturally not minding the camera in front of him or her. The personality of the presenter draws people close to him and that can build trust.
“A broadcaster needs to be confident and friendly while on air. The expression on the face of the presenter should be lively and it should be able to create a feeling of intimacy between the presenter and the audience. Good diction and being articulate are necessary tools for the presenter because an on air personality is a role model” she explained.
Gyang emphasized the need for team work in broadcasting noting, “whether you are at the front or behind the camera, team work is important as one weak link from anybody can affect the quality of the transmission.”
She called on aspiring broadcasters to be ready to work with anyone at any time and to alone multi-skilled.
According to her, “good broadcasters are those that are versatile. Be a jack of all trade and master of most. You need to be current and alive to happenings around you. A presenter needs to be current because, the success and failure of the programme lies in his hands. To achieve this, the presenter needs to multi task, have good knowledge of editing, reportorial skills, news writing, feature, techical skills like camera manipulation can help as well. Modern broadcasting demands a broadcaster to be an all rounder.”
She stressed the need for broadcasters to always prepare before going on air as a broadcaster who is not prepared is likely to use fillers and that can bore the audience.
She added: “A good broadcaster is the one who is unpredictable. Do not stick to one style and avoid the use of cliches. Everyday is a new day in broadcasting. You should always be creative by originating fresh approach to your presentation.
“Ability to manage pressure is what makes a good broadcaster. You should be able to work with deadlines, avoid panicking and maintain good working stamina. In broadcasting, accuracy is the ultimate. To achieve this, you need to be factual and objective.
“Good voice, being eloquent and articulate is what makes a good broadcaster. Your voice should be able to arrest and command attention. You should be able to deliver the message clearly without ambiguity. Good presenters are those that are enthusiastic on air. You need to be involved and be in control of what you are doing.”
A workshop which featured lectures in three aspects of mass communication – cinematography, editing and still photography followed the lecture with the AMCOMS President, Adams Ijah piloting the cinematography class. There was also a comedy performance by Shedrach Acada of 300 Level.
