NBS Broadcasting Tips – Module 8
Introduction
Location links are usually used by broadcasters to introduce a piece, and then to bridge subsequent audio inserts. They are recorded or broadcast ‘live’ on location because doing so adds to a narrative credibility and pictures in brilliant colour.
Location links, usually no more than 15 seconds, need to be structured but they’re most effective when they sound ad-libbed, natural and, importantly, not perfect! Coupled with ‘on location’ ambience and sounds, they engage and involve listeners better than clever scripts and careful mixing. For example, a narrative about wind-power that comes from the bowels of a windmill is much more engaging than a clever script and sound effects.
Fluent ad-lobbing is a bit of a lost art for many reasons. The tide will turn and the broadcaster who can talk fluently on any subject, however superficially, will be more valuable and a good step ahead of most colleagues?
Oh, one other thing, clever ‘location links’ save a broadcaster a huge amount of scripting and editing time!
Tips on Great Location Links
1. Right mic: make sure you have the right mic for the job and that you set the right recording levels;
2. Headphones: always use them – it’s the best way to hear what’s going into your recorder: ambience, voice/ambience balance, input levels etc
3. You’re the Eyes imagine being the eyes of a blind person;
4. Create pictures: memorable, imaginative words and sounds will bring your piece alive;
5. Think before you start, hear how and where your location links might add colour or bridge various points in your piece;
6. Hear ‘hear’ what you are going to say by rehearsing;
7. Jog notes if it helps use ‘jog notes’ or a spider-gram;
8. KISS keep your links simple – don’t be too ambitious – a 15 second link is ample; don’t record too much material – it’s a nightmare to edit;
9. Facts equip yourself with a few relevant facts that will advance our understanding and/or knowledge;
10. Language be natural; no cliches, no hyperbole, no jargon, no long words;
11. Record button ON: try to avoid switching the record/stop button because it can add a nasty click to your recording
12. Cock-ups: if you muck up a location link, don’t worry; start the sentence again; don’t get frustrated; remember cock–ups can give a link veracity and involvment;
13. Overlap: if you muck up, say “Overlap” and start over; you don’t need to start your whole piece again; the word ‘overlap’ will help you to find the edit point quickly; when you start again, make sure you talk at the same pitch and at the same pace and with same background ambience;
14. Easy editing: leave enough time for edits that are natural and well-paced;
15. Wild-track: record wild-track wherever you are;
16. Sound clichés: avoid really obvious and/or clichéd sounds; don’t use sound for the sake of it;
17. Explaining the obvious don’t bore/patronise listeners by, first, using sounds that are easy to decipher and, second, stating what the sound is;
18. Strange noises: don’t ‘confuse and lose’ listeners by using sounds that are hard to decipher;
19. Practice: practise talking about a word, a phrase, a topic or a scene for as long as possible in a way that is fluent, coherent and informative; record yourself – it’s the best way to improve
20. Listen to Just a Minute on BBC Radio 4!