Tips/Pointers for Aspiring Commentators?

[VKatana]

Recently throughout the Smash 4 community I've heard there's somewhat of a need for decent commentators. While it's evident that many tournaments just use available players as commentators, some people prefer people like D1 who specialize in commentary. Personally, I'd like to try and up my commentary game (although I know many people wouldn't want to listen to a younger commentator) alongside my competitive play.
Does anyone have some advice for aspiring commentators, or advice in general on making a name for yourself in the Smash and eSports communities?

 

[Ffamran]

@ Conda , I think you can help with this.

With commentating, I think the best you can do is keep at it. The more you commentate, the more you can learn what makes sense for you. A lot of commentators sometimes start off a bit not like themselves, but after a while, they grow into it like Chuggaaconroy, ProtonJon, NintendoCapriSun, Lucahjin, SSoHPKC, D1, EE, and more. Some already are good with it since they had experience somewhere, like maybe someone had experience hosting a radio talk show or did public speaking or performed in drama. It's all about talking and getting used to talking. In this case, pay attention to what's happening and mention interesting things.

Maybe you could watch more commentated videos and pick up on what the commentators tend to say. Live commentary will be more difficult since you have to do it on the fly, but pre-recorded ones can be practiced over and over. All I can say is just practice and keep commentating.

 

[Conda]

I was actually asked this on my profile. For now I'll post my response:

"Heading to tournaments as a spectator and letting it be known your there to commentate and watch is a start. That's what I did. Of course, being a commentator is something you fully have to take control of and do on your own before expecting others to hand you opportunities. Take it seriously and learn how to be a good commentator and speaker in general first, then take that skillset and apply it to Smash. "

 

[Wanderer from Roseyard]

Get flash cards depicting Smash characters, stages, in-game techniques, and prominent players. Time yourself to see how fast you can accurately name all the ones in the deck. -u-

That advice was partly in jest, but I had to do something akin to commentating recently (on a non-Smash event) and found it difficult to make sure I was using the right names when I had to speak so fast.