Changes in television sports journalism and the effects on the expressivity: a study of the vocal and non- verbal resources of the anchors in the “Globo Esporte” tv show

Abstract

Introduction: Expressivity is an essential content in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences education and advisement process with journalists, but there are few studies regarding anchors of television sports shows. Purpose: To analyze the expressivity of “Globo Esporte” TV show anchors, focusing on vocal and non-verbal resources. Material and method: editions of the “Globo Esporte” show from different decades were recorded and images of the anchors were selected. The anchors expressivity is described and analyzed focusing on vocal resources (perceptive-auditory analysis of vocal quality and voice parameters) and non-verbal resources (body posture, movements, use of gestures and facial expressions). The discussion considers the changes in anchors expressivity throughout the years. Results: Mean pitch and mean speech rate have proven to be markers of the vocal profiles of the anchors. During the first three decades of the show, expressivity was limited to head movements and smiling facial expressions. Throughout time, there was an increase in the anchors’ demand of attention, responsibility, initiative, posture, movements and actions, and they currently need to adapt the expressivity demands to those related to the manipulation and control of technological resources in a natural, dynamic and spontaneous way. Conclusions: Current expressivity demands are different and more complex than those predicted by literature. The field of Speech Language and Hearing Sciences needs to become aware of the changes in television sports journalism and the effects on the anchors expressivity, aiming towards better assisting radio, television and internet journalists.