Off & On Air

Nak Jadi Pembaca Berita?

22:14

Terlebih dahulu, saya mulakan dengan suatu penafian atau disclaimer. Saya tidaklah mempunyai pengalaman berpuluh tahun dalam bidang penyiaran tetapi mungkin ada sedikit yang boleh dikongsi disini.

*Saya juga ingin meminta maaf untuk apa jua kesalahan tatabahasa yang bakal dilakukan.
>"<

Ramai diluar sana yang ingin menjadi pembaca berita. Tak semua, tapi ramai juga.

Dunia penyiaran sering dilihat sebagai sesuatu yang dihiasi dengan elemen glamor.

Ye ke?

Sebagai seseorang yang pernah membaca berita untuk dua saluran TV (kini masih lagi membaca untuk salah satu saluran!) dan pernah menjadi seorang wartawan, serta membaca berita melalui corong radio -- pekerjaan sebagai seorang pembaca berita hanya melibatkan peratusan glamor yang sangat rendah.

Ketika menonton di kaca televisyen, membaca berita seolah sesuatu yang sangat mudah. Lebih-lebih lagi, jika anda sekadar membaca, iaitu mengikut skrip di prompter.

Whoa whoa...

Mengikut pengalaman saya, ini adalah persepsi yang salah.

Mengapa?

1. Tidak mudah untuk menyelami dan mempraktik cara pembacaan yang bukan sahaja sesuai dengan saluran media yang terlibat, tetapi senang diterima oleh masyarakat umum. Suatu pembacaan yang sudah diterima bertahun, masih lagi boleh dilontar dengan pelbagai kritikan. Penerimaan cara pembacaan seorang pembaca berita diukur secara subjektif, lagi-lagi dalam masyarakat yang sangat vokal dan mempunyai pendapat untuk segala hal.

Seorang pembaca berita harus mengukir cara pembacaan yang conversational seolah sedang bercerita dengan sahabat. Suatu mesej atau cerita lebih senang diterima dengan cara sebegini.

2. Tidak mudah untuk imaginasi membayangkan penonton merupakan mereka daripada pelbagai pelusuk masyarakat di Malaysia. Sedangkan, kami sebenarnya hanya bercakap dengan robot (kamera) di dalam studio yang sejuk dan sunyi-sepi. Apabila membaca berita, kami perlu menyesuaikan diri dalam situasi yang berbeza, agar pembacaan lebih terpapar sebagai semula jadi.

3. Tidak mudah untuk menghindari diri daripada melakukan kesilapan sebutan -- terutamanya apabila menyebut nama tempat dan nama orang. Saya sendiri tidak kebal daripada kesilapan ini. Pada pandangan saya, penguasaan sebutan adalah lebih sukar untuk Bahasa Inggeris, yang merupakan bahasa yang senang ditulis. Sebaliknya, pada saya, Bahasa Malaysia lebih mudah dibaca tetapi lebih sukar untuk ditulis secara baku.

Jika anda ingin melatih diri sebagai seorang pembaca berita, saya syorkan untuk memuat turun aplikasi kamus dalam telefon bimbit yang juga mempunyai ciri audio. Tiap kali membaca, aplikasi ini boleh digunakan apabila melihat perkataan yang anda sangsi sebutannya. Jadikan ini sebagai suatu tabiat baik. Bukan sebutan sahaja yang perlu diketahui, tetapi maksudnya juga.

4. Tidak mudah untuk menzahirkan ekspresi dan body language yang sesuai tatkala berdebar membaca berita. Ekspresi tidaklah boleh keterlaluan. Pada masa yang sama, tidak boleh juga terlalu kaku. Ekpresi dan pergerakan tangan yang sesuai dan yang memadai boleh dicapai hanya dengan memahami berita yang dibaca.

Newsreaders need to have brains, too. :-)

Pembaca berita masih boleh mempunyai intelektual yang tinggi. Ikuti lah perkembangan semasa. Pemahaman yang baik terhadap sesuatu berita akan memudahkan lagi penyampaiannya.

5. Tidak mudah untuk mengelakkan diri daripada terkena kritikan penampilan. Baju terlalu besar la, muka terlalu putih la. Percaya lah, kami juga berusaha sedaya upaya untuk memastikan penampilan ketika di hadapan kamera segak dan senang dipandang.

"This just in..."

"BREAKING news..."

"Berita tergempar..."

6. Jika terdapat breaking news, anda mungkin tidak sempat menelaah skrip sebelum live, malah menjenguk pun tidak. Nama pun breaking news. Ketika anda memberi salam kepada penonton pada permulaan berita, ketika itulah penulis dan editor sedang bertungkus-lumus di bilik berita untuk mencerna maklumat yang baru diterima, menjadi skrip -- tanpa mencetuskan rasa panik atau meninggalkan isi-isi penting.

Saya sendiri pernah mengalami perasaan sebegini ketika insiden MH17.

Tinggal beberapa minit untuk masuk ke studio, saya mendapat tahu tentang insiden malang ini. Baru beberapa bulan selepas tragedi MH370.

Perasaan sedih dan tidak percaya membuak, serta marah. Studio tiba-tiba menjadi lebih sejuk, menggigil sehingga tidak dapat dikawal. How can this happen again??

Sebagai seorang pembaca berita, emosi sebegini tidak boleh dibiarkan sehingga mengganggu pembacaan. Kita mempunyai tugas untuk menyampaikan maklumat kepada rakyat Malaysia yang baru sahaja mendapat tahu tentang insiden ini.

* * *

Memang tidak mudah untuk menjadi seorang pembaca berita.

TETAPI.

Mudah, jika kita tekun dan bersemangat tinggi untuk menjadi seorang pembaca berita yang dikenali dan dihormati. Mudah juga jika kita terbuka menerima kritikan, dan berusaha untuk memperbaiki diri.

Broadcasting is and will always be in my blood. It's what keeps me going. It keeps me on my toes.

Jika ini merupakan cita-cita anda, jangan sesekali berputus asa. Kerana bukan mudah untuk mendapat peluang seperti ini.

Nantikan uji bakat, beranikan diri!

The Art of Talking, aka EMCEEING!

18:18

Some people find public speaking nerve-wracking or unimaginable, but I absolutely love it. The thrill, unpredictability and nervousness just keep the adrenaline going!

This is what brought me to my love for broadcasting and emceeing.

Catch me on TV3's midnight news - Nightline!

If you're planning to kick-start and develop the same interest, here are the responsibilities of an emcee:

1. KNOW THE EMCEE LINGO

Before penning down your emcee script, identify the type of event you're in for -- whether formal or informal. Some events may not even require an actual script that you must use in verbatim, but one that requires your ability to speak impromptu.

Formal Events - This may be a corporate event involving CEOs, etc or an event graced by royal dignitaries. In each separate case, you need to be sure how these VIPs need to addressed in your salutations* and script.

*Example salutation:

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Nadine Aziz
Chief Executive Officer of
Honeybunch Fashion Sdn Bhd

Notice how 'Yang Berbahagia' is used for someone with a 'Datuk' title.

Individuals with a title - YANG BERBAHAGIA
Individuals without a specific title - YANG BERUSAHA
The PM - YANG AMAT BERHORMAT
Politicians - YANG BERHORMAT
Royalty - YANG MULIA

In the Malaysian culture, this type of protocol is vital.

If an event involves a foreign ambassador, he/she is addressed as
HIS/HER EXCELLENCY.

Also take note, that not everyone labeled as a VIP needs to be included in the salutations. You don't want your salutations to be too lengthy, it will definitely bore your audience. Check with the right individuals involved in the event, on who should and should not be mentioned.

Here's a snippet of a salutation reading by yours truly for a signing ceremony:

How to Read Salutations

When you find out that you may need to read out foreign names with unique and unfamiliar sounds, check its accuracy before the start of the event!

Apart from the salutations, make sure your script carries a corporate lingo. It should not be too conversational nor too packed with bombastic words. Generally, the spotlight isn't on the emcee (emcee's rostrum is usually not even on the stage), but it will be when you make a boo-boo! And if you, move forward and recover quickly. We're not humans if we don't make mistakes, ey?

Also make sure that you will lead the event according to the correct sequence of agendas. Example:

(1) Salutations

(2) Opening Remark

(3) Speeches

(4) Video Presentation

(5) Event Gimmick

(6) Exchange of Momentos

(7) Ending

Informal Events - You may be offered to emcee a family day event. Believe me, they won't want to see you holding a piece of paper and going through your script. In these type of events, they expect something quick, upbeat and lively.

As an emcee, you need to jive with the atmosphere.

It's also good to prepare a skeletal script so you know the flow (as guidance), or at least be very familiar with the itinerary. An unscripted event will see the need for you to speak impromptu most of the type, with a lot of ad libs.

My advice, have fun with the audience. Forget about messing up or not knowing what to say. Negative thoughts will only hinder your ability to speak fluently and eloquently.

2. PREPARE YOUR EMCEE SCRIPT

Prepare your script in the manner which is most comfortable to you. Where to capitalize, where to bold, where to highlight, etc. Make sure the fonts are in the right size for your eyes, when you step to the rostrum. Make an extra copy on the day of, just in case. Have space to doodle on, as last-minute details almost always come about.

If there's a rostrum available, A4-sized scripts are perfectly fine and convenient. If there isn't a rostrum however, consider having your script in the form of index cards.

3. GET YOUR INTONATION RIGHT

Sail to your audience's ears, by using the correct intonation - the rise and fall of the voice in speaking.

Know which words to emphasize
Pause where necessary
Grab audience's attention by changing your tone
Speak with clarity
Know your pronunciations

You can go for training to get a grasp of what intonation is about, or by merely watching the news and other people emceeing.

3. EYE CONTACT WITH THE AUDIENCE

Always make eye contact with the audience; you can't forget about them!

When reading the salutations for instance, you should make eye contact with the person whose name you're reading out. This not only shows respect, but also professionalism.

When reading out an achievement of a company, smile and give acknowledgment.

If it's an informal event, interact with the audience. Get them pumped up for what's to come. Ask them questions, get down to the ground and interview them. Have fun with the kids.

See how rewarding emceeing can be? :-)

4. TAKE CARE OF YOUR APPEARANCE

Prepare the appropriate attire, according to event. Find out beforehand, whether the event is to be held indoor or outdoor. Wearing heels is a good idea too!

5. PRACTICE!

Practice whenever you can, whether it's in front of a mirror or for an actual event. You will make mistakes, but that is what practice is for!

GOOD LUCK!!!

So What's the Deal with this TORAN COFFEE?

10:33

You may have noticed online portals going viral with their lists of "The Top/Best Places to Eat".

These lists are a big a hit, because as we know, Malaysians are real foodies.

Now especially if you're a Shah Alam-er, you'd probably want to peel your eyes wide for this.

Heard of a place called Toran Coffee?

It's located in Seksyen 13, near the Shah Alam Stadium and Acapella serviced apartments. You can check out a review here:

7 Kafe dan Restoran Sekitar Shah Alam Bakal Buat Anda Terus Lapar

If you haven't hit this place up yet, you should give it a try. Here's why:

1. Great Food

Simply because.

It's not always the prime factor that makes an eatery marvellous, but Toran Coffee's kitchen proves to be their stronghold.

Let the photos explain themselves:

Chicken Burger

Crispy Mee

Club Sandwich

Salmon

Toran Burger
(If it's too much for you, you can order the mini version; ask for a Rookie Burger!)

Chicken Chop

Butter Chicken with Rice

Grilled Chicken Chop

Pizza

Nasi Goreng Kampung

Pizza

Salmon Carbonara

Carbonara Pasta

Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Aglio Olio with Beef Strips

NEW on the Menu : Eggs Benedict

Smoked Beef Sandwich

BURSTING NEW : Peanut Mocha

Flavored Soda

For the full menu and prices, go to Toran Coffee's Official Website.

2. Friendly Staff

The restaurant is run by a group of young lads and lassies; they're sure to win your heart. There's nothing better than friendly staff who attend to you. ;-)

The crowd response can be overwhelming sometimes, you may have to queue for a while before getting a table. But it'll be worth it!

3. Convenient Parking

Parking is a huge deal for Malaysians, kannn? Ample parking space is available right in front of this joint. You should be worry-free in this department.

4. Cool Hangout Vibe

What else? It's a comfortable place to lepak at with friends and family. You have a choice of sitting either inside or outside. And if you're alone, don't fret. There's the telly!

If you're one to try new, different places - Toran should be on your checklist. To see what everyone else is saying about Toran Coffee, type #torancoffee in Instagram and follow them at @torancoffee. :-D

* * *

Important dets:

TORAN COFFEE
No. 38, Jalan Rugbi 13/30,
Seksyen 13,
40100 Shah Alam

Open daily from 12:30 noon to 12:00am

For inquiries, call 018-9736700

FTM : First Time Mother

18:33

I have decided to make this blog a little more personal...

...starting off with this entry, dedicated to all mothers-to-be, especially for those expecting their first baby.

I myself am on my way to becoming a first time mom, in shaa Allah.

The feeling?

Grateful

Excited

Nervous

Scared

...did I mention EXCITED? :-)

With many unnecessary things you hear about being pregnant, it is important to stay positive.

Books, hearing first-hand encounters as well as blogs have become good sources of information to prepare me for pregnancy and motherhood. So while I'm well good in the pregnancy sphere, I feel I owe it a little to the community of bloggers and blog readers to share my own experience...so far.

Here are some important milestones of pregnancy that I've experienced at this juncture:

1. Finding out for the first time : "I'm Pregnant!'

Congratulations!

Generally there isn't a need yet to schedule that doctor's appointment when you're less than 4 weeks. Even then, there's not much visibility that an ultrasound scan can show, but the doctor will be able to determine the existence of a gestational sac, yolk sac and embryo inside.

Once you have received confirmation on the pregnancy, hunt down for the hospital and gynecologist of your preference to make an appointment immediately. Certain gynaes are highly sought after, making it ideal to book that slot as soon as you can. Depending on whether you are self-funded or medically covered by your company, this will help to narrow down the choice.

For me, getting recommendation from friends helped massively. Then research came into play. You may be surprised how much you can find out about a gynae on the internet! Expertise and skill may not vary so much among them, but in opinion, what sets them apart is the ability to interact and connect with the patient. Make sure you can find a doctor that makes you feel comfortable.

2. To share or not to share?

Every individual has the right to decide whether to let people know at such an early stage.

I chose to wait it out a little.

The first people I told were my parents, in-laws, sibling and close friends who were already mothers for some early advice.

3. The Heartbeat ❤

By 8 weeks, the ultrasound scan may be able to detect the baby's heartbeat!

The heartbeat is still soft and is at an irregular pace at this stage, until it finds its rhythm. :-)

4. Pregnancy Sickness

Generally, it is during the first trimester pregnancy sickness kicks in at its best. It's different for everyone -- it may be really bad, it may just be a speck of dust or may not even happen. It could even last throughout the pregnancy as you enter the second and/or third trimesters.

But ladies, stay strong. ᕗ

There are several steps you can take to cope and mitigate the effects of sickness. For instance, crackers can shoo away that feeling of queasiness.

Apparently the smell of lemon peels can help too.

5. The Second Trimester

This is when you start your "anti scars/stretch marks" regime! There are a few ways to deploy this regime, like applying coconut virgin oil or Bio-Oil. If you are using Bio-oil for instance, applying it twice to your belly will do the trick!

Regardless, if you do develop stretch marks and don't get to prevent them from happening, I've read somewhere that it's your road map to something beautiful - motherhood! So don't sweat!

6. R-E-S-E-A-R-C-H

Just like how research is pertinent when it comes to finding the best colleges, the best restaurants, etc., the same applies when it comes to buying baby stuff.

Again, it's up to you when to start buying - I waited til about midway.

Being a first time mother and first time father for the hubster, research served as a good platform to base your decisions on, apart from obtaining advice from others. What may have worked for other people, may not do the same for you.

7. The Stroller

The first crucial item in my opinion, is the stroller.

You will use the stroller on a regular basis, so choose wisely.

Some tips based on my experience:

(i) Ask for a stroller suitable for newborns

Strollers which are suitable for newborns can recline at a maximum degree.

Strollers can generally be divided as such:

Newborn to 6 months

Newborn to 4 years

(better for budget)

6 months and above

Depending on how big your baby gets and how fast, you may have to fall back on some adjustments or may even be able to use a particular stroller a little longer.

(ii) Find a stroller that is easy to manoeuvre

Being without a baby doesn't make you think twice whether a mall is baby-friendly or not. Once you have this extra instrument to bring around, your point of destination will matter even more.

Whilst it is wise to stick to spacious places that provide excellent facilities (lifts, baby-changing rooms, less stairs, etc.), it is also a win to find a stroller that has awesome mobility.

This may be factored by the mechanics of its wheels.

3-wheeler?

4-wheeler?

Big wheels?

Small wheels?

If you're looking for balance, a 4-wheeler would be ideal.

If you're looking at passing through different and rough terrains (grass, gravel, etc.), big wheels (usually the rear wheels are larger in size) will do the job.

Another factor is the weight of the stroller.

Some are pretty bulky and heavy. Your physique and height could help you decide whether a stroller pose these features for you. Although some people say, you can buy whichever stroller and eventually, you'll get used to its structure.

Fancy strollers like Bugaboo and Stokke are pretty, but personally I find some of them too tall.

(iii) Does it come with a car seat?

Most strollers these days come with a compatible car seat.

Some are called the 3-in-1 : pushchair + bassinet + car seat (same sequence as image below).

The upside of having a compatible car seat is that you avoid waking your baby up when making your way into a vehicle, as all you have to do is unlatch the car seat (which was assembled in place of the pushchair) and have it fastened right away in your car.

It is also very important to ensure that the car seat meets the required safety guidelines. This can be reflected in the price tag, like it or not.

(iv) Can the stroller be collapsed conveniently?

When testing out a stroller, one of the items on your checklist should be whether it can be kept conveniently and easily, without taking up too much space. Bare in mind how much space luxury your car boot has.

It should also not pose too much of a hassle. Collapsing the stroller will become a daily chore.

(v) Can the handrail/pushchair be adjusted so that your baby can face you or face the world?

Perhaps to some parents, this is not a concern at all. Personally, I just like the fact that you have this option. Ideally, you would want your baby to be facing you during the first few months.

* * *

These are the prime factors for me, when it comes to purchasing a stroller.

Everything else, such as looks and style come as secondary.

8. Baby Cot/Crib vs Playpen vs Co-sleeper?

Normally when we visualise a baby nursery, we see a crib. But to some, this crib just isn't a necessity.

Baby Crib

Instead, they choose to get a playpen with an adjustable platform. The platform is adjusted to its highest level during infancy, and is leveled lower once your child becomes a toddler and is able to stand -- to eventually serve its purpose as an actual playpen.

Playpen

This saves you cost, as you can use the playpen for a few years. A baby crib is only appropriate during infancy, if the baby agrees to sleep in it that is.

Another option is to get a co-sleeper instead/in addition. With a co-sleeper, you can have your baby sleep right next to you, with easy access to the baby for milk, etc. Some of us are very wary when it comes to having the baby on the same bed, and so a co-sleeper would be a good solution.

Co-sleeper

If you plan to purchase a crib however, ensure that it meets the required safety guidelines. These guidelines can be checked out on the web. I just found out that a crib with an adjustable railing is dangerous and banned in the United States. This feature can cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which you can read more on the web.

9. Insurance for Your Baby

Depending on how well you are medically covered by your company, etc., it's good to consider some type of insurance for your baby, even before he/she enters the world.

For insurers like Prudential, you can start signing up as early as 18 weeks into your pregnancy under the PRUmy Child plan.

* * *

I hope this entry has been able to help serve as a guide, whether you're a first time mother or not. Getting the best for your child may be time-consuming but all worth it, in the name of his/her welfare.

For more milestones, stay tuned!