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Step 1
Gather all available information in front of you. As you are called to the set and you're throwing on your make up, ask the newsroom to bring you the latest details and wire copy. Don't wait for someone else to write a script for you. That will take too long, and you don't know if it will be any good. If you will be anchoring the breaking news, you will need to know everything about the story. Reading another writer's script cold on the air won't be convincing. All real anchors need are the facts.
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Step 2
Quickly highlight the facts you will use. Mark up the information in front of you so that you can clearly see the vital details when you glance down. Pay close attention to names, places, figures and times.
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Step 3
Share the information with your co-anchor. Nothing looks worse on television than two anchors fighting for attention on the news. This rift is amplified during breaking news because there is no script or rundown to regulate them. Decide before going on the air what each anchor will cover, then work together. When ad-libbing breaking news, you periodically need to gather your thoughts. This is when a co-anchor can help you. One anchor should talk until he "runs dry" and has nothing left to say. A look over at the co-anchor is the cue for her to start talking. When she "runs dry," a look back is the cue to go.
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Step 4
Form a game plan in your head. Run through what you will talk about and the order. Don't worry about a script. Know what you are reporting and just talk. You will be much more convincing and seem much more intelligent than if you are reading a story you know nothing about. Have your notes in front of you so you can glance down and get your next talking point. It's OK to look down frequently during breaking news. It gives viewers a sense of urgency. Just make sure you are talking and not reading.
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Step 5
Use all your elements. During breaking news, you want to change things up as much as possible to keep the audience interested. If you have sound bites, video, graphics, maps, a live shot, guests or a reporter available, use them. Don't just sit there and yammer. That gets boring fast. Going to another element also give you a chance to regroup. Anchors must work closely with producers to find a rhythm. The producer must constantly feed you new elements so you are not out there on your own.
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Step 6
Get out while you are ahead. Too often an anchor does well with breaking news, only to fall apart because he talks too long. When you don't have anything to say but keep talking anyway, you are bound to sound redundant and flustered. If you are doing a breaking news cut-in, just say what you have to, recap, then finish. If you are going "wall to wall" and are live indefinitely, then you have no choice but to keep talking. In that case, be sure to utilize your co-anchor and other elements to keep the coverage moving.
