TALK SHOWS, FORUMS AND DISCUSSION PROGRAMMES

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TV News Reporting and Production MCM 516

LESSON 39

TALK SHOWS, FORUMS AND DISCUSSION PROGRAMMES

There are many programmes being presented on television now a day which require the ability to

speak spontaneously. Such programmes as the round table, forum, talk shows, discussions, interviews,

man-on-the-street, early morning variety programmes, breakfast shows, with recording on-the-spot

telecast, and some of the news commentary programmes, require the telecaster and newsmen to be a

fluent and spontaneous speakers.

The art of announcing has become so standardized that at present one small bit of impromptu,

extempore or unrehearsed television programme can be detected and frequently is a welcome relief if

well done and properly executed.

For these types of programmes a good vocabulary of descriptive words, particularly action verbs,

adverbs and nouns is essential. The impromptu speaker must have a good cultural background. For he

or she is not forgiven for mistakes in grammar, pronunciation accent or diction.

The speaker in any instance is required to have excellent power of observation, to be able to see ahead

while he is talking about something that he or she has previously observed. In too many instance the

TV journalist is inclined to "hem or haw" while he or she is groping and searching for a word that he

or she feels will convey the correct impression to the listeners.

In such unprepared programmes there must be no dead air or silence, although brief pauses

undoubtedly will make the material sound more conversational. These pauses will be shorter than they

would be if the anchor or the host were conversing with a visible audience. Quickness in thought and

expression are equally vital.

Probably one of the best practices to use in the production for this type of television programmes, is

talking to oneself, particularly describing the things that are being seen.

Another requirement of such extempore programmes is an ability to time the material to be presented.

The programme will run for a definite period, and the TV journalist must time oneself so that he or she

will have rounded out ones material, summarized if necessary, and come to a satisfactory conclusion at

the second that one goes off the air.

One of the faults evident in the impromptu speech of the novice or a new comer is the repetition of

certain phrases and words that pierce the ears of listeners and bother the viewers. Some speaker,

master of the ceremonies, street interviewers are inclined to start their sentence with an interjection or

connective, in most instances "ah" because they have not definitely formulated the ideas about what

they intend to say.

It is much wiser to be silent for an instant while the sentences, expression or thought is developed.

Possibly good experience in smooth delivery can be obtained by practice. If the programme is

commercial one, the anchor or announcer is constantly aware of the fact that he or she must lead into

the commercial break from that running talk show appropriately and nicely.

The talk shows, discussion programmes and forums are never rehearsed in advance of he telecast. The

interviewee is asked to suggest certain questions that he would be willing to answer and discuss, but it

makes for greater interest and spontaneity if the questioner does not know the inquiries in the advance.

The interrogator however, must use good judgment and diplomacy in the selection of questions.

It is good practice to sit down with the person to be interviewed at the programme set with in advance

of the show, in order to get him into the conversational mood and to ascertain his attitude. This puts

the guest talker at ease and eliminates the probability of "camera shyness" or "mic. fright".

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TV News Reporting and Production MCM 516

Basic techniques to be followed in talk shows:-

Interviewer will introduce the guest and ask question which will also tend to introduce him.

· It is not bad plan to ask some rather light, frivolous questions that may start the programme with a

spurt of humour, for this put the interviewee at ease and please the viewers.

· It is essential that there be no pauses of any length, consequently the person who is doing the

interviewing must be alert to discover the leads in the answers he receives.

· First few minutes will be devoted to less serious discussion in order to brighten the subject and to

encourage the interviewee to articulate comfortably.

· There is a tendency to allow the interview to become argumentative but this should not be avoided

because it makes the interviewer express his ideas, which are not of importance.

· The interviewer must remember that he is not interviewing himself. His job is to ask stimulating

questions, not to supply the answers; to bring out the interviewee's personality not of his own.

· Do not try to influence the guest by leading questions. The person who is important enough to be

interviewed must have something interesting enough to appeal the viewers.

· Try to dig down and disclose the person off guard; by that it is meant that there should be

revelation not the exposure.

· The host should have the general knowledge so that he can ask good and intelligent questions

about the relevant field of the guest and his interest.

· Most of the questions should be of such nature as to require more that "yes" or "no" answers,

however interviewee must not be forced to give too lengthy replies.

· It is permissible for the anchor to raise his hand and interrupt the speaker if he gets started on an

oration or a long speech.

· If some definite topic is to be discussed, the questioner must strive to keep the speaker talking

about the topic and lead him back to subject if necessary.

· The talk must be natural and conversational. Mild laughter may be heard but it is not advisable for

the announcer to laugh too heartily at his own comments.

· Repetition in style of questions should be avoided such as starting questions with the word "well"

or "I see" or "okay" and "fine" after each answer.

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