The Keys to Credibility and Objectivity (Intonation and Inflection)

In delivering news reports, Ted Failon emphasizes key words on specific news by using rising intonation. This could be because he wants to capture the attention of the viewers and listeners. This is an excerpt from the material where he used rising intonation on specific words. These words are important terms of the news article that’s why they are needed to be stressed.

“Mahigpit na minomonitor ngayon ng mga coast guards ang karagatan ng Limay, Bataan. Nadiskubre na intact pa rin o hindi pa tumatagas ang liquefied petroleum gas at gasoline mula sa lumubog na dalawang tanker doon. At dahil mapanganib ito, may panawagan ang local na pamahalaan. At live mula sa Limay, Bataan, nagpapatrol si Ron Gagalac, Ron...” In this part, he raised his intonation in the place Bataan, in the words gas, pamahalaan and live.

Ted Failon’s intonational pattern enables the program’s audience to fully comprehend the content of the news. It aids us physically and mentally -- Physically, because we hear the words and utterances clearly; and mentally, because we understand the message. Here’s another excerpt from the material. This time, Ted Failon used upward inflection more often on the conjunctions like kasi, kung and the noun, crew. This is to emphasize the emotional state of the fishermen because of the calamity brought about by the recklessness of the cargo vessel crew.

“Maraming Salamat, Ron Gagalac. Samantala, nais papanagutin ng mga mangingisda ang may-ari ng cargo vessel na nakabangga sa kanilang mga bangka noong kasgsagan ng bagyong Basyang. Naiwasan daw kasi sana ang trahedya kung naging alerto ang crew ng mga barko. At live mula sa Mariveles, Bataan nagpapatrol, Ryan Chua, Ryan...”

On the other hand, 24 Oras’ Mike Enriquez deliver news report by being monotonous on the beginning and middle part of the sentence, and by using upward inflection on the last part. He does this style, maybe because he wants to be known for his unique voice in reporting. His pitch change occurs at the end of the sentence. So far, no other reporters speak like he does. Here’s an excerpt where he raised his tone on the “-TE” part of Cavite.

“Ayon naman sa Petron, kontrolado na ang OIL spill, at patuloy silang gumagawa ng paraan para tuluyan ng matapalan ang tagas. Nakatutok si Jun Veneracion, Live mula sa Cavite, Jun.”

It is very noticeable that Mike Enriquez plays with his intonation all the time. He says one word in a way that is not done by normal speakers. This creates an impression that is mostly negative on Mike’s part. People focus more on his voice rather than his report. Here’s an excerpt where he used upward inflection the “-TOK” part of “Nakatutok”, and where he played with his intonation on the word “Lalawigan.”

“Samantala, puspusan ang salvaging operation sa Mariveles, Bataan. Merong sumadsad na barko doon. Meron ding malaking barge na nakabangga sa ilang mga Bangkang pangisda noong kasagsagan ng Bagyong Basyang. Msangsang na amoy ang isa sa mga kalaban ng mga tauhan ng coast guard. Nakatutok si Raffy Time Live mula sa LalawiGan ng Bataan.. Raffy.”

Between the two anchors, Ted Failon is more objective in reporting news. When he speaks, an audience wouldn’t feel even a hint of emotion. He just delivered news straight and passive. While on Mike Enriquez’ way of reporting, you would know that he is in favor on news or not by the way he stresses some ideas. His voice becomes the focal point of the news report and not the content itself.

Maam Liked It

Maam said this speech is my best so far. She didn't give me comments. That was all she said. I hope I can do better than this the next time. Here is my speech.
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Honored guests, welcome to the 12th Founding Anniversary of the University of the Philippines Mindanao. This another year to witness another milestone unfolding in our premiere institution. Truly this is an absolutely perfect moment to celebrate the day the country was blessed for having another UP constituent to nurture the minds and hone the skills of the Mindanaons.
Eighteen years back, the vision of having UP in Mindanao metamorphosed during the 3rd regular session of the House of Representatives on April 30, 1990. It was 1st District Representative Prospero C. Nograles who paved the way for the House Bill No. 30358 known as an “Act to establish the University of the Philippines in Mindanao.” Mr. Nograles seemed to foresee Mindanao's success if UP is by it's side.
This intense conviction for the endowment of a UP constituent in Mindanao was finally enacted into law on February 20, 1995 through the Bill, Republic Act 7889. On the same year, the Board of Regents submitted an official declaration of the creation of the University of the Philippines in Mindanao.
Time has passed so fast and UP Mindanao has retained its undisputed prestige for more than a decade of existence. It has proven its excellence and dignity in just a short span of period. I believe that it will carry on until the day the world stops needing it which is totally impossible.
I am one of the proud and honored residents, or Iskolar ng Bayan as they say, who once dreamed of being here and now I am one of those who made the wisest decisions. Being a UP student is indeed the greatest way to make our lives in the future a notch higher. That is why this day, we commemorate a very special moment, the 12th Anniversary of the University of the Philippines Mindanao. Let us celebrate together and hope for more fruitful years coming ahead. Good morning and God speed.

Inaugural Address

This is my sample Inauguration Speech. I got 67 over 70 with this. I lack proper posture and my intro wasn't that right according to our professor. Here it is.
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To my colleagues, co-journalists and mentors, I stand before you to take the oath of the presidential office in our organization, the Philippine Society of Campus Journalism. With wisdom, bravery and humility, I heart fully accept the responsibility and privilege to handle everyone for the betterment of our services to the public, especially the budding campus journalists.

It’s definitely a great honor to have everyone of you believing and trusting in me. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude, in behalf of the newly-appointed officers, to our adviser Ms. May Ann Jumuad who put us to where we are now. We assure you that we will exert extra effort in unleashing primal energy to sustain the prestige and success left by the previous administration.

It’s difficult to search for the perfect words and speak especially when you’re at the height of your emotions. When I gave Ms. Jumuad my confirmation on her appointment to me as the president , up until this moment, I am still processing the thought of what I have decided. It’s not an easy task , isn’t it? That was why I refused at the beginning. I was so afraid to take on the challenge. This is an up a notch chance to prove my skills.

When I had the time to think through things that was going on, I realized that if I don’t grab the chance, I will never ever have another chance to share my passion and expertise to others anymore. So when Ms. Jumuad talked to me again about the same matter, I answered my immediate and resounding yes. I accepted it, and I know you’re there to help me out. We are team. Right isn’t it?

I had high hopes on helping other aspiring campus journalists achieve their dreams, and now we’re here for them, as big as life. That’s our priority. Sharing others what we have learned. So, in the future, they will be continuing our duties. Let us all together pull everything off for a better society.

I let go of my inhibitions just like everybody else did, and that made a significant turning point in our lives. Just like saying “I took the road less travelled and that has made the difference”. Let us encourage everyone to call the shots- to do what has to be done for the good. We ought to strive hard enough to retain the accomplishments handled with care by good hands. We must not fail each one of us especially the ones we are serving-the public. We are one and we are all in this together.

On a lighter note, I am pleased to tell you that the office is starting to plan about the publication office that will produce the master pieces of our professional and aspiring journalists. That highlights the year 2009 for all of us. We will all work hand in hand to show that we, the journalists, can do for our fellow men.

I remember way back then when some of my classmates and I joined press conferences to compete with the other schools in the city. That was one of the memorable moments of my life. We attended workshops and seminars, and felt like we wore the chosen ones. We were pressured but that was a nice feeling though. I just laugh at the thought of it, because journalism isn’t about fame. As journalist, we write to express, not to impress.

All of those experiences have always remained seared in my memory. From then on, journalism has been my world. I’m glad I’ll be sharing the rest of my journalistic years ahead with everyone. I believe that this union will be bound by our passion and eagerness to succeed. We will work together as one. If we may fall, let us work things out in peace and unison to put everything back to how it should be. We must strive to finish the tasks we are in. To God be the glory. To everyone, Godspeed.

In the midst of my speech

We had our first speech in COMA104. Introduction of a guest speaker, that is. I chose Ms Evelina Ayson as my "as if" keynote speaker for my "as if" seminar on Social Psychology. I was trembling on the stage but of course I tried so hard not to make it so obvious. I was tensed because in my two years in college, that was the first time I spoke again in front of a crowd. Well, they're not totally just a crowd, they're my classmates. Despite the shaking hands, I did my best though.
Someone got so rude when it was my turn to speak. I don't really know if she did it on purpose but I think she acted so bad. Our professor warned us beforehand not to go out the room when the speech is going on. But she went out. I really think she hates me. I'm not an idiot to not even notice it. I got hurt, I must admit. Really hurt, that I can't stop thinking about it. It's hard to attend a class when you know one or some of your classmates dislike you. I don't want to sound over reacting but that played on my head, even until this moment.