Commentators: What makes a good one?

[haxman]

Try to be an unbiased as possible. Although this tends to be more a co-commentator thing, think Michael Owen, Niall Quinn for example.

 

[montylynch]

It obviously differs between radio and TV. Radio has to describe what they are seeing to the listeners so they can paint their own picture of what's going on. Simple things like 'Spurs are kicking left to right' allows the listener to view the game in their minds eye whereas TV, we can see what's going on and the description has to be different. Some can never make the transition, Pearce is one, i used to love him on the radio, on Capital Gold.

Sam Shatterface, although i can't stand him, is better on radio than TV. And he's a Chelsea fan so he's always sniping at us when he does our Europa league games. Motson, Drury and Job Champion are better on TV and just sound plain weird when you hear them commentating on the radio.

 

[Donki]

Punch Jamie Carragher in he face if you get the chance that will make you a truely legendary comentator.

 

[spurs mental]

Be Martin Tyler.

 

[SpursManChris]

Just beat this guy:

That first one on Ronaldo's goal was just down right inappropriate. Absolutely despicable commentary. And those other three vids you posted, they are down now. Did you literally just upload them to youtube yourself before posting or something?

 

[THFCSPURS19]

That first one on Ronaldo's goal was just down right inappropriate. Absolutely despicable commentary. And those other three vids you posted, they are down now. Did you literally just upload them to youtube yourself before posting or something?

They are not down- you just have to go on to the YouTube website to see them

 

[Lufti]

To be honest, I think half of it is actually in your tone. For example, Michael Owen's content isn't actually that bad, but his tone of voice just doesn't suit commentary and is a strain to listen to

 

[talkshowhost86]

What you want to do is weave how amazing Harry Kane is into every bit of commentary.

"Lamela goes past one, goes past two, brilliant one-two with Eriksen, Lamela driving into the box, pulls it back for Chadli.....Goal for Tottenham! And even though he was actually injured on the sidelines at the time that's a magnificent bit of play from Harry Kane."

"Messi takes the ball from Xavi, he spins past Ramos and ducks inside Pepe. Another great jink by Messi and he's through on goal....my my what a goal from Lionel Messi! That really was like watching Harry Kane at his best."

"Hurst...he's got...some people are on the pitch...they think it's all over...it is now! Wonderful stuff from Harry Kane!"

 

[werty]

Aren't colour commentators nearly always former players or managers/coaches? I imagine it would be extremely difficult to become one even if you are good at it and much easier to get the play-by-play role.

 

[Rocksuperstar]

To be honest, I think half of it is actually in your tone. For example, Michael Owen's content isn't actually that bad, but his tone of voice just doesn't suit commentary and is a strain to listen to

Are you serious? It's utterly ludicrous - 90% is just kissing Fergies arse, and his bias verges on upsetting. He says barely anything complementary about any team outside the top five and... what am i talking about, that's exactly what Sky want. Carry on.

 

[Lufti]

Are you serious? It's utterly ludicrous - 90% is just kissing Fergies arse, and his bias verges on upsetting. He says barely anything complementary about any team outside the top five and... what am i talking about, that's exactly what Sky want. Carry on.

Stand down soldier. Okay, it's not 'good' by any stretch, but it's no worse than the majority of other commentators is what I should have said.

 

[SpursManChris]

Aren't colour commentators nearly always former players or managers/coaches? I imagine it would be extremely difficult to become one even if you are good at it and much easier to get the play-by-play role.

No they are always former players as far as I'm aware. That's the idea of a colour commentator, they're adding insight into a game which they have an intimate knowledge of, a knowledge which non footballers could never have. A non footballer colour commentator would be a bit of a face and I'd say that it would be more than "extremely difficult" to become one.

 

[SpursManChris]

My ambition is to become a highly respected commentator, so I wanted to get an idea of what people think makes a commentator stand out?

Obviously making sure facts are presented accurately and helping to create a script are important, as to is knowing when to keep your mouth shut (really dislike commentators who don't know when to stop talking).

There seems to be a wave of generic commentators breaking through who continually use football cliches, I'm hoping to be different.

So, I was hoping you guys and gals could explain what you detest or like about commentary.

Personally, my favourite commentator was Barry Davies, really enjoyed his style and voice.

There's a football commentator thread on Digital Spy which was started back in 2005, perhaps you know all about it. It comes in 17 parts and will only grow from there. The guys in there are incredibly critical. If you read through all that, you should be able to become the greatest commentator in the history of English football. Although, the drawback is, you will also be, at least somewhere over 100 years of age. Probably not worth starting your career when you reach that age.

Here it is in its current form: http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1983100

 

[Davo99]

 

[Tott66]

Barry Davies was an amazing commentator loved spurs he let the game flow then chipped in at the opportune moment .
Some facts and stats but not too much.

 

[bigpalacios]

Do the opposite of what Michael Owen does and you will be fine.

 

[rossdapep]

There's a football commentator thread on Digital Spy which was started back in 2005, perhaps you know all about it. It comes in 17 parts and will only grow from there. The guys in there are incredibly critical. If you read through all that, you should be able to become the greatest commentator in the history of English football. Although, the drawback is, you will also be, at least somewhere over 100 years of age. Probably not worth starting your career when you reach that age.

Here it is in its current form: http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1983100

Ahh this is handy, nice to hear what peoples gripes are and what they think makes a better commentator. Although I'm not sure I'd visit if I make it, surely be a target for stern criticism.

Really interesting interview with Steve Banyard also, quite a few guys get into broadcasting like Steve via hospital radio. I always enjoyed his commentary actually, as I too have lived abroad for the last 3 years and had to rely on watching games via Fox Sports or ESPN. I'm going to try and find out what happened to him. Appreciate the tips and resources!

 

[rossdapep]

Barry Davies was an amazing commentator loved spurs he let the game flow then chipped in at the opportune moment .
Some facts and stats but not too much.

He really was, if I could be half as good I'b be very satisfied. Was good to have him back for MOTD last year.

 

[rossdapep]

Used to like Pearce but I find him a bit embarrassing these days. Listen out for the amount of times he tries to cover for his mistakes next time he's commentating.

Perfect example in a Spurs game recently when Vorm was in goal. He saved a shot, prompting Pearce to say:

"And a comfortable save by Lloris....(long pause as he realises he's got the wrong keeper, and needs to think of a way of wriggling out of it)...similar to that one by Vorm helped Spurs to victory the last time these teams met."

Think it was the same game when Kane scored - the fans started singing (very clearly) "he's one of our own" - followed by Pearce observing "and the fans are singing 'he scores when he wants'."

Also I'll never forgive him for his comment after Gerrard smashed in a goal:

"He hit that how hard? Gerr-ard."

Yeah I do find Pearce a little irritating. He was commentating a game during the World Cup alongside Lawro and the two of them sounded so unenthusiastic, really irked me. You should be enjoying every game you commentate, let alone a World Cup game. (Maybe it was working alongside Lawro)

 

[rossdapep]

Commentator or Co Commentator?

- Do your research.
- Have a good voice.
- Have the ability to explain the action in ways anyone can understand.
- Know when to stop talking.
- I always remember certain commentators over others because they have their own catchphrases for certain situation's. Mike Breen is my favourite example, search Mike Breen BANG on YouTube.

There are some football commentators that I like but I tend to prefer NBA and NFL commentator's because they go into detail more.

All of Sky Sports La Liga comms are good and knowledgeable.

Good advice thanks! I did a commentary workshop and they covered most of what you suggested. Researching for me is one of the most enjoyable factors, spending all day reading and watching football, perfect! Like you say though, more detail provided is better!