how to become a sports commentator

Dream Of Becoming A Sports Commentator? Here's How To Go About It

Working in the field of sports has always been a thing of glamour. It is almost at par with working in the film industry, and at times it can be even more glamorous than that. The place of a sports commentator attracts a lot of attention. The rush, the nitty gritties of the game, the catch phrases used by them, everything has an aura about itself which is too great to be missed.

However, like most professions, a tremendous amount of hard work is involved behind the glamour that meets the eye. Being a sports commentator is no easy task. To be up and about regarding all the details of the game and making it sound interesting is something which takes immense talent and perseverance. So, if you are amazed by the work that a sports commentator does and if you want to do something out of the box, here are some things which might help you before you have finally taken the leap:

The Voice Matters Plenty

A good sports commentator must be able to convey the moods the game to the spectators

Image Credit: Instagram (Jatin Sapru)

This is the most important thing to be considered. This is a place where a lot of importance might not be given to your appearance, but plenty of importance will be attached to how you sound. There are times when a game can get boring, and it is the job of a sports commentator to make it as interesting as possible, so that the spectators do not get bored. It is the ability to speak clearly and with confidence that matters a lot here. A good sports commentator must be able to convey the moods the game to the spectators.

Know All About The Game

If you do not have sound knowledge of the game, then you will be suffering a huge loss here. Your knowledge of the sport will help you analyse even the minutest detail of it and that knowledge will take you through. To be conversant with the rules of the game is also a pre-requisite. So, if you dream of becoming a good sports commentator, know all about the game you want to be the commentator for.

"Commentary means a lot. You should have in-depth knowledge of the game, shouting does not mean commentary. Before the game you have to do a lot of homework, because in order to entertain and educate our listeners or viewers we should go in sync with the visuals. Your description should be so well framed, that the viewer understands your technical depth as well. You should be like a theatre artist, (creating drama with in your style). Many times when a match is very slow and boring, it is your commenting skills and talent that come in action to make the match interesting," says sports commentator Ghaus Mohd. Ghaus.

Practice Makes You Perfect

Any skill needs to be practiced umpteen numbers of times in order to make it perfect. So, if you aspire to become a sports commentator, take baby steps by trying to practise at home first. You can attain this by observing closely the games you watch on television. Then you can do it on your own by turning down the volume. As you get better at it, keep brushing your skills by practicing in front of an audience. That way, you develop the confidence of speaking fluently in front of the camera.

Make Your Words Count

A good sports commentator will have a plethora of interesting words in his kitty. The trick is not using "cool" words or catch phrases, the trick to use your words wisely and make them as witty as possible. While this may sound like a task, it gets better with practice. Avoid using regular words as that will ruin the element of fun and make the commentary drab.

Devender Kumar, sports commentator at DD Sports says, "From outside, it seems easy but it takes years of watching, listening and reading about the sport and its characters with sustained enthusiasm. Thousands of quality conversations and ability to practice compassionate tone consistently may lead you to places. Sincerity in expression and perseverance are the two important components of building a career in the field of sports commentary."

It Takes Two To Tango

You have to know your co-commentator really well in order to make the commentary interesting and fun

Image Credit: Instagram (Gaurav Kapoor)

You must get along really well with your co-commentator. You have to know your co-commentator really well in order to make the commentary interesting and fun. The chemistry between the two of you should be so good that the audience never for once feels deviated from the game. This can be done by spending as much time as possible with your co-commentator before the game so that you get to discuss the game and know about the points to delve into.

All this might seem a bit tough in the beginning, but once you are in the flow, nothing is greater than the rush that comes from commentating on a sport you love.