How to Deliver a Live News Report Over the Phone

Say something big has occurred and generated a breaking-news report. It could be a disaster or a major celebration. Your television or radio news station needs you there—ASAP! Camera crews are unable to reach the area, so you're going to have to deliver your news report over the phone until they do. Here are some tips on how to carry out a live news report over the telephone.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone or cell phone with good reception
• Notepad

Instructions

1. Jot down notes on your notepad if you have time. Assess the scene before you. If you're reporting about an attack, describe the chaos. If you're reporting about a party, describe any celebrities that may be there and what people are wearing, drinking and how they are acting.

2. Get some quotes and information from people at the scene if possible. This will also give you a better idea of the events that may have occurred and led up to the event you're reporting on. Did anyone witness the attack or see the attackers? Or, if you're reporting about a party or other exciting event, you may opt to talk to any planners or promoters lurking around and get some figures—how much it cost, how many people were invited or how satisfied they are with the turnout.

3. Try to compose one or two quick paragraphs on your notepad of your news report. When it is time for you to speak live on the air, you will be able to read from them. If there is no time to do this, you will have to settle for using your notes as reference, or simply improvise.

4. Speak loudly and clearly. Learn to project your voice and enunciate your words so you don't have to repeat yourself. Even with all the newest technology available today, the audio heard through telephones is horrendous. You're most likely going to deliver a news report in a crowded, noisy, bustling place. People have to be able to understand what you're saying amid all of this.

5. Pretend you are speaking to a close friend or family member. This will not only put you at ease if you are nervous, but will also allow you to sound more natural.

6. Be prepared to answer questions from your TV anchor, as live news reports often contain such segments in a bid to stall for time until a television camera crew arrives at the scene to provide footage that will fill in the news report.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not yell into the receiver, or your voice will sound muffled.

• If your connection starts to break up, just hang up. You will waste air time if your news report consists of "Can you hear me? Can you hear me now?"