Job Description for a Sports Analyst
The first step in becoming a sports analyst is a love of sports and an opinion. But, it goes beyond just that. You also need to be able to understand proper grammar when you speak or write, be comfortable speaking in public and be truly educated--and preferably, an expert--about the subject matter.
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Writing
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Sports analysts have to be well-versed in how to write and, especially, how to report. A big part of becoming an analyst is gathering information. This means being around and talking to the coaches, players and front offices of the teams and leagues you are covering. Once that's accomplished, the analyst must put what he has learned into simple--yet informative and occasionally entertaining--terms to help his audience understand his message.
Speaking
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While writing is the first skill a professional sports analyst will need, the ability to discuss what you've learned will also be helpful. This is especially true of sports analysts who go into broadcasting (as opposed to columnists for newspapers, websites and magazines). A sports analyst who sits in front of a TV camera must be a quick thinker and be prepared to defend his analysis should it come under question. Like a writer, a good TV analyst will have done research to back up his opinions. Unlike a sports analyst who writes, there is no delete key for the sports analyst who broadcasts.
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Dealing with Feedback
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One of the perceived pitfalls to becoming a sports analyst is your opinion is often analyzed and scrutinized by fans, athletes and coaches--particularly if your opinion is critical or something people in the sports industry may not want to hear.
A Different Approach
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Most successful sports analysts offer opinions that are unique to them and do not copy or mimic popular opinion. That's not to say analysts have to go against the mainstream or be controversial--they just need to know their sport and take care to be fair and accurate at all times. While many analysts are former coaches or players, they are also members of the media. So, it's important to keep in mind that a sports analyst's opinion is read and heard, and it can effect the lives of the people whom she is addressing.
Knowing Your Numbers
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In order to keep stats at sporting events, you need to not only understand the rules but, oftentimes, to interpret and analyze what type of stat should be rewarded. For instance, baseball stat keepers often need to determine whether a hit ball should be considered a base hit or an error. And even if you're not an official stat keeper of a team, sports analysts need to be aware of the nuances of the game if they are truly to be considered an expert.
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References
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Comments
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Sports Analyst or Gambling Analyst?
