An interesting point came up in a recent session came from an air talent I’ve worked with for years. She was talking about how a break can go wrong if you’re not sure of how you’re going to start. This was my feedback…
Here’s the process that I’ve found works best:
- Decide on a subject’s “worth” and what camera angle to use on it that will connect with the listener the easiest.
- Plan an “out.” You may not use it; a “First Exit” may pop up, and you take it instead. But do plan an ending, so you have one ‘in the bank’.
- THEN plan how you’re going to start. Write down a few words if you need to. Rehearse it out loud if you need to. (And most people do need to; they just think it’s not necessary. They’re usually wrong. Tom Hanks rehearses, but you don’t? Okay…)
The reason I put the Beginning last in the prep phase is because I want that last thought to be the first thing in my mind when, still fresh, I start the break. This simple way of laying out a break should help you.