As a sportscaster, you know that the pregame show isn’t just filler before the main event—it’s your opportunity to hook your audience, build excitement, and ensure everyone is prepared for the game ahead. But how do you create a pregame show that stands out? How do you provide the right blend of stats, stories, and context while keeping your listeners engaged? Let’s break down the art of mastering the pregame show so you can set the stage for a great broadcast every time.
Keep It Consistent, But Always Relevant
One of the keys to an effective pregame show is consistency. When listeners tune in for a game, they want to know what to expect. That’s why it’s important to establish a reliable structure for your pregame show from game to game. This doesn’t mean every show has to be identical—far from it! But having a reliable structure helps your audience know what they’ll get: pregame insights, key player matchups, stats, and game predictions.
A consistent structure allows you to adapt each broadcast to the specifics of the game you’re calling while keeping the audience up to speed and engaged. For example, you can start with an introduction, followed by a breakdown of team lineups, key stats, and then build up to more focused discussions—like what storylines to look out for or how the weather might affect the game. By sticking to a general flow, you’ll keep your audience coming back for more.
Blend Stats with Storytelling
As a sportscaster, you have access to a wealth of stats. But just throwing out numbers can feel impersonal and sterile. Instead, blend your stats with storytelling. Numbers have meaning, but they don’t resonate unless you show your listeners how they tie into the bigger picture.
For example, instead of simply stating a player’s batting average or shooting percentage, use that information to craft a story. Say, “With a batting average of .310, Sarah Jenkins has been the heart of the lineup all season, and if she gets on base early today, we could see some serious fireworks.” This connects the stat to a potential outcome in the game and sets the scene for your audience, making it feel more real and relatable.
Provide a Game Story Framework
A well-crafted pregame show isn’t just about listing stats or talking about the teams’ past performances. It’s about creating a story for the game that your audience can follow throughout the broadcast. You should introduce the game’s main narrative threads right from the start.
This could mean highlighting a team’s recent form, individual player achievements, or even behind-the-scenes drama (as long as it’s respectful and relevant to the audience). Think of your pregame show as setting the stage for the drama to unfold. What are the stakes? What should your audience look out for? This framework helps the listener tune into the “why” behind the game rather than just the “what.”
Build Excitement Without Overhyping
Pregame shows are about building excitement, but there’s a fine line between creating anticipation and overhyping the game. It’s essential to give your audience a clear idea of what to expect while tempering expectations. A game between two evenly matched teams might not have a clear “David vs. Goliath” narrative, but you can still build excitement by focusing on the nuances—perhaps two key players are returning from injury, or maybe the game marks the end of an era for a beloved coach.
You don’t need to exaggerate the importance of every play or player—let the game’s story unfold naturally. The key is to provide enough context for your listeners to understand the significance of what’s happening on the field, court, or ice.
Keep Your Audience Informed and Prepared
A great pregame show ensures your listeners are ready for the action. Don’t assume they’ve seen all the pregame media coverage or are familiar with the lineups. This is especially important in high school or college broadcasts, where many fans may not follow the teams as closely.
Provide a quick rundown of the teams, key players, and any game-changing developments (like injuries or changes in coaching staff). Keep it concise and to the point, but make sure the audience has all the information they need to appreciate the game once it begins. You want your listeners to feel like they’re walking into the stadium with an insider’s understanding of the match.
The Role of Tone and Delivery
Your tone and delivery in the pregame show are just as important as the content itself. It’s vital to strike the right balance between informative and engaging. You don’t want to sound too stiff, but you also don’t want to sound like you’re over-the-top with excitement. Your delivery should reflect the mood of the game and the energy in the arena.
For example, if it’s an important rivalry game, you might want to amp up the energy in your voice, whereas if it’s a game with less fanfare, a more laid-back approach might work better. A strong, clear voice with well-timed pauses can build suspense and anticipation—this is where your skill as a play-by-play announcer really comes into play.
The Final Countdown
As you wrap up your pregame show, don’t forget to re-emphasize the key points you’ve covered. A good pregame show leaves the audience feeling informed and excited for the game. It should be like the opening of a great book—setting the tone, providing context, and inviting listeners to dive in.
Key Takeaways:
- Keep your pregame show consistent in structure, but adapt the content to each game.
- Blend stats with storytelling to make the numbers more relatable and engaging.
- Frame the game with a story to help your audience understand the narrative behind the match.
- Build excitement without overhyping, and keep your delivery tailored to the mood of the game.
- Make sure your audience is fully prepared with all the key information they need to follow the game.
Reflection:
Think about your pregame shows—are you using a consistent framework? Are you blending stats with compelling stories? What are the key themes of each broadcast, and how can you keep your audience engaged and prepared for the game ahead? Great pregame shows set the stage for an unforgettable broadcast—your audience will thank you for it, and so will your ratings!