As the world of esports continues to grow at an exponential rate, opportunities for careers within the industry are more abundant than ever. One such career that has gained significant popularity is shoutcasting, also known as esports commentating. If your child has expressed an interest in becoming a shoutcaster, you may be wondering how to support them in their journey. Let’s look at the skills and experiences your child can develop to excel in the exciting world of shoutcasting.
Know Your Games, Teams, and Players
First and foremost, having a deep understanding of the games and the esports scene is essential for any aspiring shoutcaster. Yes, I am suggesting your child studies video games. Encourage your child to explore various games and genres, focusing on the ones they enjoy the most. They should familiarize themselves with the professional esports scene, including major tournaments, teams, and players. Keeping up with industry news and engaging in online discussions will allow them to stay relevant with their audience.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Shoutcasters must be able to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely, both in high-pressure situations and during downtime between games. Encourage your child to practice public speaking by participating in school events, debate clubs, or community theater. This will help them become more comfortable and confident in front of an audience. If those are not options, encourage them to practice being a radio DJ in their bedroom. The goal is to develop their public speaking skills through practice.
Learn from the Pros
One of the best ways for aspiring shoutcasters to learn the ropes is by studying the professionals. Encourage your child to watch popular shoutcasters and analyze their techniques, delivery, and style. They should take notes on what they like and dislike, and then practice incorporating these elements into their own shoutcasting.
Build Their Presence
In today’s digital age, building an online presence is essential for any aspiring shoutcaster. They can start by shoutcasting their own gameplay or commentating on replays of professional matches. Creating consistent content will help them build an audience and showcase their skills to potential employers. There are opportunities for young adults to get paid for their commentary and analysis. This can involve working with teams or organizations to provide commentary for their games or events, or partnering with companies to create sponsored content. They may also be able to earn money through streaming platforms where viewers can subscribe to their channel or donate money to support their content.
Network
Networking is crucial for success in any field, and shoutcasting is no exception. Encourage your child to attend esports events, conventions, and tournaments to connect with industry professionals, other aspiring shoutcasters, and fans. Building a strong network will provide them with valuable connections and opportunities for growth.
A career in shoutcasting shares many similarities with other forms of broadcasting, such as podcasting. In fact, starting a podcast can be an excellent way for aspiring shoutcasters to hone their communication skills, develop their unique style, and build an audience. If your child is interested in creating a podcast, the following steps will guide them through the process of launching and growing their show.
Choose a Topic
Selecting a topic or theme for the podcast is the first step in the creation process. Encourage your child to choose a subject they’re passionate about, as this will make it easier for them to produce engaging and informative content consistently. This could be a podcast about esports, gaming strategies, or interviews with players and industry professionals.
Plan it Out
Help your child decide on the format and structure of their podcast, such as the length of each episode, the style of the show (interview, solo commentary, panel discussion), and whether they’ll include segments, music, or sound effects. Planning the format will give their podcast a cohesive and professional feel.
Gear Up
To record a podcast or be a shoutcaster, your child will need some basic equipment, such as a computer, a microphone, and headphones. Additionally, they’ll need recording and editing software, such as Audacity, GarageBand, or Adobe Audition. These tools will allow them to record, edit, and export their podcast episodes.
Audio Editing
High audio quality is crucial for successful casters. Encourage your child to learn the basics of audio editing, including how to adjust volume levels, remove background noise, and add music or sound effects. There are many online tutorials and resources available to help them master these skills.
Schedule and Branding
Creating a consistent schedule and branding for the podcast is essential for building an audience. Help your child decide on a release schedule (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) and create eye-catching cover art and a memorable podcast name. Consistency in branding and schedule will make it easier for listeners to find and follow their podcast.
Record, Edit, and Publish
Once your child has planned their podcast and purchased the necessary equipment, they can begin recording episodes. Encourage them to rehearse and prepare beforehand, ensuring a smooth recording process. After recording, they’ll need to edit the audio to remove any mistakes, add music, and create a polished final product. Your child will need to find a podcast hosting platform to upload and distribute their episodes. Popular options include Libsyn, Anchor, and Podbean. These platforms will generate an RSS feed for their podcast, which allows listeners to subscribe and receive new episodes automatically.
Promote and Engage
Once the podcast is live, help your child promote their show through social media, forums, and other online communities related to their podcast’s topic. They can also reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances to spread the word about their podcast. Networking with other podcasters and collaborating on episodes can also help grow their audience. Encourage your child to interact with their listeners through social media, email, or podcast reviews. Responding to feedback, answering questions, and engaging in discussions with the audience will help build a loyal fan base and provide valuable insights for future episodes. Much of this will be based on the age of your child and what you feel is appropriate.
The journey to becoming a successful shoutcaster requires dedication, passion, and a commitment to learning and growth. As a parent, supporting and nurturing your child’s interests in gaming, communication, and analysis will pave the way for their success in the exciting world of broadcasting.
