As a child obsessed by TV sports, voices were crucial. They went beyond the limitations of black and white screens and brought real colour to the events.
As an Irish kid, I’m lucky enough to remember Michael O’Hehir who was able to bring both GAA and horse racing alive. When it came to other sports, I had to look east to hear some of my heroes.
There was Bill McLaren on rugby
Richard o’Sulivan on racing.
Ron Pickering on athletics.
Brian Moore on coccer
And then there was Richie Benaud on cricket.
I can never say i understand every rule, nook and cranny of cricket but Ritchie always seemed to be commentating during my childhood and into adulthood. He always looked the same. Bronzed skin and perfectly combed silver hair. This picture sums him up.
And then there was the voice. It was never rushed, always calm. It washed over you as overs were bowled. It gave you a sense of peace.
The reasons why he was so good can be seen in his rules for good commentating
1. Develop a distinctive style.
2. Put your brain into gear before opening your mouth.
3. There are no teams in the TV world called ‘we’ or ‘they’.
4. Concentrate fiercely at all times.
5. Try to avoid allowing these past your lips: “Of course ...” “As you can see on the screen” “You know ...” “I tell you what ...”
6. Never say “That’s a tragedy or a disaster ...” — the Titanic was a tragedy, the Ethiopian drought a disaster, and neither bears any relation to a dropped catch.
7. Never ask a statement.
8. Remember the value of the pause.
9. Above all don’t take yourself too seriously, and have fun.
Thanks for the memories, Mr. Benaud. Rest in Peace.
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