Bill McLaren himself said he felt he talked too much but it was through a desire to enlighten the audience, particularly the casual observer, as much as anything. It never detracted from what you could see on the screen though, just simply enhanced it being the key.Sandydragon wrote:I completely agree. Obviously very different for radio where a commentator needs to be very gifted to make sense verbally of a complex game like rugby.
There is also a time and a place for a commentator to highlight good play, particularly if its not something obvious. I'd suggest that adding some analysis to the commentary would add the biggest value; if it happens at all its usually during half time, which is all very well but surely experienced players turned commentators can look at a match and talk a bit more about the strategies on show?
Now it's about 'personality', packaging, presentation and getting a soundbite replayed on the highlights/promo reel for the next event.
I remember hearing a story about Henry Longhurts when he used to cover the 16th at Augusta during the Masters for U.S television. He hardly said a word as Nicklaus approached the green to thunderous applause allowing the atmosphere to build up. As he lined up the putt Longhurst added "so, Nicklaus for a 2". The putt fell, crowd went wild and two minutes later when it had all died down he summed up "Well, there you have it"
Tv companies didn't know what to make of it, audiences loved it.
