CUFAIR201A
Develop techniques for presenting information on radio

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively on air.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

This unit concentrates on the development of vocal delivery techniques in an off-air environment prior to recording scripted material for broadcast or presenting program segments live to air under the direct supervision of an experienced broadcaster.

Volunteers at community radio stations would typically apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. Since almost all broadcasters operate the studio panel, combined delivery of this unit with:

CUSSOU202A Mix sound in a broadcasting environment

is recommended.

More complex skills associated with the presentation of live-to-air programs while operating a studio panel are covered in:

CUFAIR301A Present radio programs.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Identify the elements of effective on-air presentation

1. Listen to a range of radio programs and identify factors that might attract or alienate listeners

2. Discuss ideas about effective presentation styles with colleagues and/or mentors

3. Identify factors that foster a positive relationship between presenter and listeners

Develop techniques for reading scripted material

4. Use full vocal range and vary the pace of delivery as an aid in reading scripted material in a natural way

5. Use loudness and softness as an aid in communicating a message

6. Break sentences into logical chunks based on content as a way of emphasising key information

7. Check and use the correct pronunciation of words

Develop techniques for communicating effectively with listeners

8. Speak to listeners in a conversational, one-on-one manner

9. Use own personality to create rapport with, and respect of, listeners

10. Practise moving naturally between short improvised pieces and scripted material

11. Imagine yourself as a listener and present information in a way that would draw you into the message being conveyed

12. In consultation with relevant personnel, experiment with microphone placement to determine the optimum position for achieving correct audio levels

Contribute to on-air programs

13. Rehearse scripted material to be presented live or pre-recorded

14. With the assistance of relevant personnel, record scripted material according to production requirements

15. Evaluate own performance and seek feedback from colleagues to identify areas for improvement

16. Record material again as required

17. Deliver finished recording to relevant personnel according to station operating procedures

18. Present agreed program segments live to air in conjunction with experienced broadcasters

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills sufficient to form opinions about and discuss on-air presentation styles

learning skills sufficient to receive and act on feedback about own performance

teamwork skills in the context of working collaboratively under the supervision of other broadcasters

technical skills sufficient to operate basic audio recording equipment to record practice sessions for the purpose of self-evaluation

literacy skills sufficient to interpret and read aloud short scripted material

Required knowledge

basic understanding of:

roles and responsibilities of personnel in the radio industry

industry terminology

basic understanding of how listeners use and listen to radio

occupational health issues as they relate to vocal care

basic understanding of the characteristics of commonly used studio microphones

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to read scripted information in a natural way

understanding of the relationship between presenter and listeners

collaborative approach to work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a range of scripted material

access to basic audio recording equipment

access to audio playback equipment to enable evaluation of recorded scripts by candidate

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

observation of the candidate recording or presenting program segments

written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit

evaluation of recorded programs to determine candidate's ability to read information in a natural way

third-party reports tracking candidate's progress on developing presentation techniques.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUSSOU202A Mix sound in a broadcasting environment.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Factors may include:

presenter's:

personality

attitude to listeners

voice/manner of speaking

knowledge of subject matter

level of interest in subject matter

attitude to interviewees and/or other presenters

presentation style

program content

technical quality.

Presentation styles may include:

comic

conversational/casual

dramatic

serious.

Scripted material may include:

community announcements

intros and outros

narration

program promos

traffic reports

voice-overs

weather reports.

Correct pronunciation of words may include:

names of countries

names of people

names of places

words in languages other than English.

Improvised pieces may include:

personal opinions

time calls.

Relevant personnel may include:

broadcasters/presenters

copy editor

program producer

sponsorship manager

station manager

volunteers coordinator.


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Media and entertainment production - on-air presentation


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.