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One of McEnroe's assignments was to discuss the factors that he thought were significant during a particular match. The graphic displayed three items: return of serve, unforced errors, and fitness throughout a long match. With only two years of experience as a television commentator and no formal training or background, McEnroe did nothing more than read, word for word, the three items in the graphic. He would have done far better if he were instructed to describe, in his own words, the three key elements of the match. The audience didn't need to see the graphic, but when NBC showed it, it paralyzed McEnroe, reducing him to a cue-card reader. Enberg is much more experienced in these matters. The graphic he was asked to elaborate on showed how much better Pete Sampras serves when at deuce or at break point against him. While the graphic showed the percentages and statistics, Enberg said, "You don't win three straight Wimbledons and get ranked No. 1 in the world without playing the big points well, and here is why so many consider Sampras to be one of the best servers ever to play the game."
Now that's the way to speak over a graphic! Enberg doesn't insult our literacy by reading the graphic. Instead, he makes the moment greater than the sum of its parts by telling us something more than just the raw facts.
It sounds ironic, but Dick Enberg has an advantage over the person giving a speech because as a play-by-play announcer, Enberg doesn't know what is about to happen, and he doesn't really know what he is going to say next. That promotes spontaneity and creativity, two of the most important ingredients of a good speech. |
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