Looking back on my days as a student at Fordham University and WFUV, I remember one of the many lessons given to me by Marty Glickman. Without remembering the direct quote, I can only paraphrase, but essentially he told me that once we believed to be at the stage in our craft where we could not improve, that it was time to step aside. Or in other words, “Once you’re so full of yourself that you truly believe that you’re a perfect broadcaster, get out.”

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. – Benjamin Franklin

But how do we develop our skill set as play-by-play announcers? Certainly, repetitions are a primary way to improve. The opportunities on-air allow you to build confidence while polishing your on-air ability. Additionally, there’s self-feedback, which is also a key method of improving one’s skill—especially if you’re trained on proper self-feedback (you have to know what needs improvement).

However, I truly believe that a play-by-play broadcaster can only improve a certain percentage on repetitions and listening to your own work. Having an objective 3rd party, a coach with the experience and ability to bring out the best in others is a wonderful step towards taking giant leaps in your craft.

Over the years I have worked with many young broadcasters as a mentor, and as a sports broadcast coach. With extensive experience as a play-by-play announcer, and studying the craft under legends, I have a unique talent when it comes to helping others improve. I’m honest, direct and I do not pull any punches. Additionally, I can teach you how to be the same way about your own work, a skill that I learned directly from Marty Glickman himself.

If you’re a play-by-play announcer looking to improve, I can help. The easiest way to reach me is on Twitter @philgpbp – DMs are open. I’m happy to answer any questions about my broadcast review services.

I am happy to work with play-by-play announcers at any level, but many of those that I’ve mentored are those just starting out or have just a few years of experience. My services in a way that is fair but affordable, and I am currently offering two different options to choose from:

Broadcast Review Options & Pricing:

• Full review: Includes both a written critique and a follow-up review Zoom call.
  Cost: $75 per session.
  Included: Review a full period, quarter or inning (up to around 30 minutes of continuous play-by-play), along with a write-up and a Zoom call to discuss your clips.

  Written Review Examples (both are of the same student from their first review as a First-Year College student & a final review several years later):
  http://www.playbyplay.biz/example-play-by-play-critique-first-review/
  http://www.playbyplay.biz/example-play-by-play-critique-final-review/

   

• Condensed Review with a follow-up Zoom call.
  Cost: $50 per session. 
  Included: Review a full period, quarter or inning (up to around 30 minutes of continuous play-by-play). A follow-up Zoom call will follow to discuss the review (Written critique is NOT included).

Anyone working with me on at least a semi-regular basis can also reach out via text or email with any thoughts or questions. For instance, if you want to share some short highlights or a brief segment after a broadcast review to confirm that you are trending in the right direction on some of the adjustments that you’re making, I’m happy to do so at no additional cost. Additionally, if you have any questions about a particular job that you’re applying for or investigating, I’m happy to help if I can.