Navigating Two-Way Communication Survival Strategies Suggested on Twitter
Live on the air, in front of potentially millions of listeners, you're expected to sound authoritative yet casual, informative yet informal, despite maybe having little sleep beforehand. It's a nerve-wracking situation, especially when required to discuss a fast-moving news story. One popular way to cover breaking news is through a reporter two-way, a chatty, informative exchange between a host and a reporter that can provide quick context and analysis without the need for extensive preparation.
Alyssa Edes, a producer at Chicago Public Media, recently planned a training session for staff at member station WBEZ and sought advice from former colleagues at our website, including correspondents Sarah McCammon, Elise Hu, Scott Detrow, and political editor Domenico Montanaro.
The two-way format may not always be favored due to its perceived lack of a sound-rich experience compared to produced pieces. However, its immediacy and efficient delivery of news make it a valuable tool in the world of broadcast journalism.
Here are some tips for nailing a reporter two-way:
- Don't read your answers. This is the cardinal rule. Be open to improvisation, and go with the flow if the host throws you a question you weren't expecting.
- Be yourself. Don't try to sound like somebody else you've heard on the radio. Just be yourself.
- Take a moment to breathe. It's easy to forget to breathe when you're nervous, but it's important in radio since it affects the quality of your voice.
- Pay attention to your facial expression. Yes, even in radio, facial expressions matter. They can convey emotion and enthusiasm that listeners can't hear but can sense.
- Imagine you're talking to someone you know. This can help you relax and speak more naturally.
- Follow a basic structure. While a two-way isn't scripted, having an interesting detail up your sleeve can make the exchange more engaging.
- Practice deep listening. Pay attention to what the reporter is saying and respond accordingly. This will make the exchange more fluid and engaging.
- Keep language concise and clear. Radio is an audio-only medium, so avoid jargon and speak clearly.
- Maintain a conversational tone. Two-ways should feel like a conversation, not a rigid script. Encourage the reporter to share anecdotes or soundbites to make the story more vivid.
- Be adaptable. Live radio can be unpredictable. Be ready to handle unexpected developments or technical glitches calmly.
By following these steps, you can master the art of the reporter two-way and deliver timely, engaging news to your audience.
- During the analysis of a breaking news story, it's essential to effectively employ technology to enhance your creditworthiness as a credible source, such as using social media platforms to gather context and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors that can influence the interest of your audience.
- In the realm of education-and-self-development, online platforms now offer a variety of learning resources, allowing you to stay updated on the latest trends in broadcast journalism, including the use of the reporter two-way format for efficient and engaging news delivery.
- While engaging in a reporter two-way, remember to maintain a conversational tone to keep the broadcast entertaining for your listeners, while also ensuring that the language you use is concise and clear.
- To excel in a reporter two-way, imagine you're speaking with a friend about a fast-moving news story, allowing you to remain relaxed and share anecdotes or soundbites to make the exchange more vivid and engaging.
- In addition to preparing for unforeseen situations during live radio broadcasts, it's essential to practice deep listening, understanding the information provided by the reporter during the two-way exchange, and responding accordingly to create a fluid and engaging conversation.
