HOW TO MAKE A COMMENTARY

WEEK 8
The effectiveness of a commentary requires audience analysis
and visitor expectation.
HOW TO MAKE A COMMENTARY
Required Requested

Informational Optional

o the name of the o includes all the o through interactive o part of the commentary,
tour guide, driver, basic information guiding, guests ask to be more entertaining
or coordinator given including the questions and the tour includes good jokes,
guide is duty-bound to interesting stories,
should be part of history, facts and
answer these trivias, legends.
the introduction figures whether on requested information
and greeting. a running tour for clarification.
 
Factors to consider in Guests Analysis:
 Nationality and country of origin
 Age and gender
 Socio-econimic status and educational attainment
 Special interest
 Occupation and profession
 Reason for the visit and tour
 How long is their visit?
 Have they been here before?
 How much do they already know?
 Where else have they been?
 Where else are they going?
 Some Tips for Effective Commentary
carefully research, studied and selected encompasses several or all areas of
information based on the type of tourists. concern about a certain topic discussed.

Relevance Varied
Accuracy Structure Objectivity

information should be brief, consice facts presented should have a in all presentation the objective
and simple, easy to understand. form, the beginning, the middle, should be clear, not being subjective.
and the ending.
 Steps in Delivering a Commentary
 SMILE, GREET , INTRODUCE yourself and the driver
 Brief the guests about the tour for the day
 Review the inclusions and exclusions of the tour
 Give the location and distance, traveling to the destination
 Tell them what to expect from the tour
 Announce comfort stops
 Give necessary precautions
 Don’t forget to point the important landmarks along the way
 
 Tips for an Effective Commentary
 Begin with a smile, greeting and introduction
 Deliver information in a manner that would interest the guests
 Add sense of humor in your commentary
 Remember that people join a tour to be entertained with facts
and stories about the place, and appreciate the things they
actually see
 Face the group, not a few
 Speak clearly and slowly ( especially for a larger group)
 Tips for an Effective Commentary
 Voice should be audible
 Practice eye contact
 Prepare yourself for questions to be asked.
 Take control of your breathing and try to emphasize important words
 Use synonyms in explaining ( when necessary)
 When mentioning a name, repeat it or spell it
 Maintain silence, if the need arises.
 Tips for an Effective Commentary

 Listen carefully to questions and other concerns.

 Never argue with the guests.
 Always end your tour by thanking the guests for
joining the tour, and visiting the country.
Sample Commentary for
TRANSFER IN (arrival)
from the airport to the
hotel:
1. GREET with a smile and welcome the guests
2. INTRODUCE yourself and the driver
3. BRIEFING on the following:
• Philippines overview
• Location and distance
• Climate – weater patterns
• Currency – bills, notes and coins
• Time difference – Philippine time VS GMT and local time
• Electricity – voltage in the hotel
• What to wear
• Modes of transportation
• Restaurants local cuisine and specialty restaurants
• Shopping centers – what to buy, where to buy
• Offices and banks – time and day of operation
• Tipping culture
• Briefing on the next day’s activity/tour/movement
• Meeting time and place for next day’s tour.
 
THANK YOU!
Any questions?

DNSALAMANCA@YAHOO.COM