In my opinion, improvising at work is not advisable, so I do not understand why so many people trust on it. Sometimes things go well, despite risk and success involved, I might state that after a proper preview and test things go might better.

In all recorded or live shows the so-called “work or test table” is needed. Probably, many colleagues from abroad ignore or underestimate this term; however, while they have systematized as part of the radio workers, they realize how effective it can be.

A lot of people from radio reject theory in a radical way, and I agree in case it is not closely connected to practice. Theory is the result of practical experience, of a carefully watched experience, so it is a mistake to set theory before practice. In the case of the test table, the practice confirms the theory.

I have noticed some radio staffers such us announcers, program directors, live programs radio producers are used to come to their workplaces just five minutes before the program goes on air. The agitation, the time dedicated to greetings plus the moment of thinking what to do, make they feel as if they were on a tightrope, while hesitating about purposes of the task to be developed. 

On the other hand, there are some radio professionals who come on time, 30 minutes before the program going on air. This period of time is enough for them to take a break, grab the script and have a contact with their work colleagues in order to analyze some aspects, go into details and rehearse the program content. Before starting, the announcers should read the script or notes silently, be informed on the program objectives suggested by the producer-director, mark the words difficult to pronounce and change them if needed, make clear any doubt, and then read aloud as it would be on air.

During the test table, the producer-director should inform the announcers on the purpose of script notes and texts, the atmosphere that will prevail on the program, its leading thread and the impression intending to be given to the audience.
Perhaps someone could reject this view by saying that a live show needs no script, but just a framework of the script. Although the announcers improvise, they must prepare themselves first, which is called at the radio as “intentional improvisation.” If the program includes guests such as musicians, writers or specialists, the test table is essential. They have to prepare themselves before and during the program.

To get informed previously on the program topic is really important, as well as to know about the person to be interviewed. The guest must be present at the test table in order to talk about the probable questions, and ask for suggestions about possible aspects to tackle in the program.

If the test table is carried out without rush and the program topic is well known, we can be sure that everything will be fine. Hurriness, improvisation and unreadiness before a program goes on air are not advisable, as I stated before. Improvising in general is something valid, mainly when the announcer has a cultural background, but doing so as if it were a star on the program might lead to imprecision, disaster and foolishness

The test table application is the most advisable thing for the program health and the prestige of those taking part on it.

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