2. A large amount of radio broadcast is scripted
before it goes live even if it does appear to be
completely spontaneous. Music
sequences, drama, radio
features, documentaries and discussions are
some parts of radio which need scripting or at
least a guideline of what they need to say or
do.
Scripts provide a schedule of what they should
discuss and provide timings so as not to over
run or under run. Depending on what genre of
show it is scripts will be longer or shorter. For
example a station such as Radio 4 which is all
speech will need a lot more script compared to
a music station like metro radio because they
only need introductions to songs etc.
3. Have
an idea of what to say
Know what songs/programmes are up next
Allows subject change
Easier to approach people with questions
Preparation
Know shows format
Shape, structure and direction
Style and consistency
Allows it to flow
Less stress for presenter
4. Contractions – When two word become one for
example, ‘you are’ becomes ‘you’re’ and ‘we
are’ becomes ‘we’re’ this will make the
statement shorter and easier to flow.
Abbreviations – When you use the beginning or
ending of a word for example ‘because’ becomes
‘cause’. This makes the language in the script
more conversational.
Jargon – Avoiding technical jargon so that
listeners don’t get confused. Keeping it simple
keeps both the presenter and the listeners on
track.
Punctuation- This is used so the presenters know
when to pause or finish a sentence.
5.
Phonetic spelling – When a word is spelt the way it is pronounced
for example ‘Charlotte’ is pronounced ‘Shar-lot’. This is to make
it easier for the presenter if they are interviewing somebody or
talking about them as it would be embarrassing if they got their
name wrong. It is also used for complex words so that the
presenter is able to pronounce it.
Writing numbers out means you know how much time it would
take to say the word, this makes sure that the script does not
over run or under run. For example, ‘fourty five’ rather than
‘45’. Numbers will also be rounded up for example ‘9974’ would
become ‘10000’. Doing this makes the number easier to say and
there is less chance of getting muddled up.
Formal and colloquial language- Language which is specific to one
area. Stations around the north east are likely to use words such
as ‘aye’ and ‘haway’. Because this is the dialect of that specific
area it will relate to the audience and they will understand.
Using slang relates with the audience. ‘init’ instead of ‘isn’t it’
relates with the younger audiences as well as it being snappier to
say. Some stations will prefer more formal language such as
World Service.
6.
Writing for the ear – Body language does not play a big part
within radio but the language used is very important. Because it
is for the ear it must be conversational rather than just block
statements to avoid listeners becoming bored and turning the
station off.
House styles- Each station has its own house styles. Different
shows have different styles depending on the presenters or genre
of the show. For example from the BBC Radio Drama script
archive a show called ‘Bang up’
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/bang-up.pdf
compared to from the BBC Radio Comedy archive a show called
Welcome to our village, please invade carefully
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/welcometoourv
illage.pdf
Standard in – out cues- For example the introductions to
songs/interviews and a way to switch from one thing to another.
This makes the presenter aware of what song is up next or how
long before they next need to speak.
7.
Signposting – Diagetic sound to set the scene for example if an
interview was in a school the sounds in the background will make
the audience aware.
Language styles- Depending on the station the language styles
will be different for example on a speech radio station, BBC
Radio 4, it is most likely to be more formal speaking in the
queens English compared to a local station such as Metro which
will use more jargon and local dialect. A radio programme aimed
at teenagers and young adults is more likely to be exciting
compared to a speech based station which will be more relaxed
and calm.
Continuity links – These are similar to voice over's. For example
in order not to over run a show presenters may begin to talk over
music whilst introducing it.
Natural speech rhythms- The speed at which they speak, not
having to use fillers such as ‘like’ and ‘erm’ and not stumbling
over words and struggling to fit them in. The average number of
words for a 30 second intro to a song is around 90 words (3 words
per second).
8.
Music scripts – These make the presenter aware of how to
introduce a song on the air using in and out cues.
http://www.slideshare.net/andym1982/example-radioscript
Documentary programmes – These scripts will have to
include all information necessary to the documentary
programme both in the show and when the presenter
introduces it. Documentaries will not be live so sound
effects and music may be added in to the show.
Speech packages – There needs to be a outlined script for
speech radio, particularly if it is a drama show. Similar to
documentaries it is rare that these will be live and could
possibly have sound or music edited in.
Live feature material – The presenter will have a script of
guideline of what to say before a interview or live
performance goes on the air. These scripts will help with
timing.