You may have noticed that each type of announcer has a different way of using their voice. Whether announcing a product, conducting a ceremony, or even hosting a program, you can perceive that each occasion calls for its own style.
This happens because each type of announcer helps achieve a specific goal. For example, those who want to sell a product seek to attract customers’ attention. On the other hand, an announcer who wants to convey the real feeling of a story aims to emotionally engage the listener.
And because announcers embody true characters when using their voices, you can perceive the different types that exist.
If you want to know what type of announcer you are, check out the characteristics of each one below and discover which one suits your style best.
The Narrator
They are capable of interpreting every word in a way that it’s impossible not to be moved. Often, it may even seem like the narrator is the character themselves, given how well they interpret the text. This type of announcer “dramatizes” the text with the skill of an actor.
A common example of this type of narration can be found in radio dramas. Additionally, some radio stations use the narrator style when presenting selected listener stories, for instance.
The narrator typically receives assistance from elements such as:
– Background music (songs that change according to the narrative events)
– Romantic songs
– Effects like footsteps, beats, rain, wind, etc.
These elements help create the setting in which the scene unfolds.
The Sports Announcer
This type of announcer is among the most well-known. Using their voice with excitement and enthusiasm, they convey the events as they happen in the heat of the moment, exactly when things are unfolding. Therefore, agility and improvisation are distinctive characteristics in this case, and there’s no need for a script.
The sports announcer can generate empathy or antipathy from the listener precisely because this type of narration is so immediate that the announcer may express an opinion with which the listener disagrees. For example, being more enthusiastic about one team’s goal and less enthusiastic about the other.
The Presenter
The presenter type needs to be very versatile and able to transition easily between different subjects when necessary.
Being one of the leading voices on a radio news program – or even the only one – they must convey credibility to their listeners. And for that, it takes more than just a commanding voice; it’s vital to have knowledge of the subject matter.
Moreover, the presenter needs to be more formal than the sports type, for instance, if the program’s profile requires it. Their responsibilities range from hosting a program to reading news or informing listeners about what’s happening worldwide.
The Salesperson
Quite common in shopping centers or supermarkets, this type of announcer aims to sell the image of a product or service. They are the ones who highlight promotions and discounts that you can’t miss, as well as new items you need to check out.
This style is friendly and is there to help you stay informed about the best deals. They are charismatic, openly discuss prices and payment options.
The Advisor
This type of announcer is more about helping you than simply selling something. They share information to demonstrate their expertise in the subject. Thus, they gain credibility to guide you on a particular topic.
Even though they also want to sell something, the strategy used is quite different. That’s because the advisor will position the product or service as something ready to meet your needs. To do that, they give you advice on how this item can be useful.
The Advertiser
This type of announcer embraces a brand. Unlike the salesperson, who talks about various options, the advertiser presents the advantages of the brand they offer as the best compared to competitors.
Their goal isn’t to sell a product but the brand itself. They are usually the voice behind commercials broadcast on television, the internet, and radio. Their style depends on each advertising piece and can range from spontaneous to serious.
There are no set rules. They may only highlight the brand’s advantages, avoiding discussion of prices, or even talk about promotions.
The Interviewer
Empathetic and engaging or even serious and direct. The announcer of this type can adapt to the interviewee’s style or be the “main figure” themselves, as is the case with famous hosts.
If they are an interviewer of the first type, the focus will be on the interviewee. However, if the interviewer themselves is somewhat famous, the interview will focus on the interaction between the two.
But, regardless of the form, this narration style is based on a conversation that aims to provide the listener with information about a specific person or topic. Therefore, the interviewer relies on a question-and-answer format.
Often, your work will determine the type of announcer you are. Therefore, you may identify with more than one type precisely because of your portfolio’s versatility.
Do you know of any other types of announcers that we haven’t mentioned in this article? Then, don’t forget to share them in the comments. Also, feel free to share which type of announcer you identify with the most.
BRLOGIC is the best solution for online radios. Visit our website and check it out.
Dear Luiz,
Thank you, but I’m none of these. I present a music programmme, pop music fom the 1960s and 1970s mostly. My aim is to announce [the artist’s name and the song-title, for instance] and to present / introduce [some extra infomation on the record, links to other artits, genre, etc. ] what the listener will hear shortly or immediately.
I need not explain everything, as some information will be on display and there is normally a supporting website with additional info, like entire play-lists.
I am, therefore, a rather “cool” and to-the-point presenter, not a disc-jockey of the old school – those who were as famous as the artists they played. All in all, that’s marketing and publicity, also for themselves.
There are many radio stations with such presentes as me out there, often music stations. They may not be top professionals, but it’s like a sports tournament : you need a top 200 to find out who’s really the Master, and there’s no Master without apprentices.
I am looking forwards to your feedback. Eddy Radio 68
Dear Eddy,
Thank you for sharing your style! It’s great to hear about your approach as a music program presenter. Your focus on 60s and 70s pop, combined with informative snippets, adds a special touch to the listening experience. You’re right; there’s a whole spectrum of presenters like you making radio diverse and engaging. Keep up the fantastic work at Radio 68!
Best,
Luiz