Before you are eligible to become a volunteer broadcaster for Sun Sounds of Arizona, you must fill out an application and take and pass our oral reading test ORT. The ORT, which includes a 25-word pronunciation test, has several excerpts from newspapers, books, shopping ads and comics. The test takes about 20 minutes and is recorded via computer in one of our recording booths.
How can I prepare for the ORT?
The test is a cold reading, so good sight-reading skills are essential. Although there is little you can do to prepare for the test, you might find it helpful to consider the following list of characteristics by which your test will be evaluated. Good pronunciation skills are essential. Words must be pronounced correctly, and your diction must be clear, distinct, and understandable.
Your reading should...
flow smoothly, free from objectionable disturbances and frequent hesitations.
be appropriate to the type of material being presented. It should be expressive, not exaggerated; relaxed, not stilted.
exhibit a pace which is easy to follow and appropriate to the material being read.
bring the material to life. It should make the listener want to hear more.
Your ORT will be evaluated shortly after you take the test; you will be notified regarding the results as soon as possible. If you do not pass the audition on your first attempt, you may re-take the test at a later date.
If I pass the test, what will I read for Sun Sounds? The current needs of Sun Sounds programming as well as your interests, reading skills and schedule, determine assignment of reading material.
