Anchoring a Student Newscast: How to Be Prepared & Relaxed Beforehand

**Note: the following tips, advice and suggestions come from the writer's personal experience as a senior Broadcast Journalism student at the University of South Alabama. The following article and all content contained here within is not necessarily reflective of said university. For countless college students majoring in Broadcast Journalism, anchoring your first full-length newscast can be an intimidating experience. Not only are you graded on your performance, speech and professionalism, but your fellow crew members, producers and reporters are counting on you to read your script/teleprompter correctly to ensure that the newscast flows smoothly in terms of timing. If you find yourself queasy with nervousness before your first student anchoring job, take heart! There are several things you can do to be better prepared and relaxed.

1. Review your Script and Rundown in Advance

If your student newscast producer is on top of things, he/she should have a full script and rundown of the newscast a few days in advance. If so, take the opportunity to print a copy from your school's EZ News (or other scriptwriting software) program and read over it in detail or ask your producer for a copy. Take it home and make notes on any blocks, camera changes, or words you are unsure about. The next time you attend class, ask your producer any questions you may have. The more prepared and familiar you are with the script and rundown, the less likely you are to be nervous when you go on air.

2. Practice your Script Lines behind the Anchor Desk in Advance

When it comes to preparing yourself to sit in the anchor chair, nothing can compare to actual practice. Find some time before the day of the newscast to get behind the anchor desk and speak your script lines out loud while looking into the appropriate camera(s). Do not mumble through the script. Say your lines with boldness and conviction, practicing your tonal changes and vocal inflexions. Not only will this serve to calm your nerves, but will simultaneously aid in the memorization of your script. This will be important in the event of a teleprompter failure. If your lines are memorized, you will not be forced to read straight from your hand copy.

3. Discuss Any Uncertainties with your Co-Anchor(s)

If you are unsure about any of the newscast's blocks or even a section of a block, be sure to meet with your fellow student anchors in advance. Many student led newscasts will include a sports segment and perhaps even weather. You may be on the air with three to four fellow students. It is always a good idea to meet with your team and discuss the rundown beforehand. If you are unable to resolve a problem or conflict within the newscast, consult with your professor before going on air. Although most professors prefer that you solve the problem on your own, they are usually willing to assist students in order to ensure a smooth newscast.

4. Expect the Unexpected

In the world of television journalism, if something can go wrong, odds are it will. As an anchor, you should expect to run into all sorts of problems. This is not to say you should enter the newsroom or studio with a pessimistic or negative attitude. However, you will be far less nervous and better prepared for an on-air complication if you visualize it in advance. A camera may fail, your mic may go out, you may be forced to adlib an entire minute of copy or your teleprompter may freeze up. Do not let these unexpected problems frighten or defeat you. Be prepared to face them head on and to maintain your professionalism on-air.

Remember than anchoring a student newscast is all about your professional demeanor: how you sit, speak, and appear are all crucial elements. Above all, do not be nervous. Bear in mind the aforementioned tips and advice and have a smooth newscast!