How to Deliver a Live Shot as a Television Reporter

The often dreaded live remote is the "bane of existence" for a lot of novice TV reporters, and usually a constant frustration for even the most seasoned veterans. There is so much truth in the phrase: "It's live TV, anything can happen". But, that does not mean you cannot take control and be prepared so you can deliver the best live shot possible under any circumstances.

Instructions

1. Watch the pros do it as often as you can. Even if you have been reporting TV news for years, remember, when you feel like you cannot get any better at something you might as well quit. If you are a beginner, you can really learn by watching. This does not mean you should get into the habit of "imitating" someone else. This means to watch their mannerisms and see how they handle mistakes or mishaps during the live broadcast.

2. Be prepared for your live shot and be ready for the ones that pop up at the last minute. Use a clipboard and paper for your notes. This is easy to hold with one hand and you do not have to worry about wind blowing your notes all over the place when you are live on camera. Have a working IFB (ear piece) that is especially made for you. Do not rely on the photographers or live truck operators to have a spare. And always have hats, rain gear and other items to help you deal with different weather situations.

3. Try to be sure you are provided with a monitor programmed to your station, so you can see what is going on while you are reporting. This does not mean you stare at the monitor, or even glance over too often when you are live. But, if communication breaks down between you and your producer, or whomever is tossing to you in the field, you will be able to see when you are on air, and you will also see when they pull up video or anything else you need to reference while you are reporting. This is very important. It keeps you from feeling like you are out there in a "black hole".

4. Avoid trying to memorize your report word for word. This is the kiss of death because the minute you forget a word or two, and you are live, you are very likely to falter and stumble around. Instead, write bullet points on your paper that is attached to your clipboard. Just think of the major highlights you want to focus on. Then, talk naturally as if you are sitting around the dinner table telling a story to family. It is perfectly okay to look down at your notes and then back up to camera. Just be sure you work to keep enough eye contact with the viewer to get your story across. Again, watch how the pros do this.

5. Expect mistakes, deal with them, and always keep going. It is okay if you stumble, if the camera has a problem, if your microphone doesn't work. It happens. Deal with it calmly, and do not let it bring you down. Remember, the people that are watching are just that: people. It is not the mistake or technical problem they remember. It is how you handle it.

Tips & Warnings

• Always try to use a lavaliere microphone (one that clips to your clothing). It simply looks better than the hand-held microphone and it also frees you up more to talk a little with your hands, and point to and reference your surroundings. Of course, if you are interviewing someone during your live shot, you will have to have access to a hand-held.

• Wait a few days after your live shot, then watch yourself on tape. Don't rush back to the newsroom that same day to watch it, because you are too close to it at that point, and you will be very critical of yourself. Watch it when you can be more objective, and learn from any mistakes.

• Get to your live shot location as early as possible so you can be sure everything is up and running as far as communication, equipment, and the live signal.