A New Season

I host a local academic challenge show on television that just began its second season. I'm always amazed at what the young people know...and what they don't. Events in recent memory for me prove to be difficult history questions for these high schoolers. Yet I stand in awe of their accumulated knowledge.

When I began the show, I didn't particularly like the young people participating. They seemed arrogant, rude, self-centered...I even called one school to tell the principal just how rude I felt her students acted. But in the light of experience and reflection, I've come to better appreciate (and perhaps remember) what it's like to be in high school.

One student, with whom I had a running battle last year, has actually become a favorite of mine after he approached me at a 5K in which we were both running. He didn't know I was a runner, nor I him. as He is definitely the brightest of the entire bunch (perfect scores on his S.A.T.s in his junior year) and, thus, the biggest pain in the neck (I cleaned that up). Maybe I was envious of his intellect...no, he is a pain! Anyway, we have now become close through the common bond of running (he's better at that than I am as well...damn), and I find myself proud of his academic achievement (as if I had something to do with it).

While being an on-camera host was never a goal of mine, I find I enjoy the experience and the exposure (a few voiceover jobs have resulted from someone seeing the show). Working without a teleprompter and trying to make an extremely stiff format interesting has proven to be a challenge. I also enjoy the show preparation, working through the questions to make sure I pronounce every name, place, etc. properly. If I could just remember the name of the show.

Each week I place notes with the name of the show (Scholastic Showdown) written boldly all around me...yet I go into breaks asking the audience to stay with us for more Scholastic Showcase, Academic Challenge, or practically anything else. The crew has a great time...and now has a pool for if and when I'm going to screw-up the name of the show; glad I can entertain them. Even the students now correct me, in unison, as soon as we are clear and into the break. Showbiz is my life.

Live television is a great classroom for those fortunate enough to have the opportunity to try it. I certainly appreciate the producer and the sponsors' willingness to let me learn. Smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com has benefitted from the experience.
Bill