What happens when people with no experience in sports commentary are asked to step into the role for the first time?
This question shaped the atmosphere during ABC International Development's (ABCID) Future Voices Program, when eleven participants, including myself, from Australian, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand came together in one shared learning space.
Our backgrounds varied, ranging from journalists and media practitioners to those who had never imagined becoming sports commentators. Here, everyone shared the same ambition — to learn.
Participants were challenged to become commentators for Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup Group A matches featuring Australia, South Korea, Iran, and the Philippines. In this process, the trainer's role was crucial.
Peter Longman — a commentator, producer and former Head of ABC Sport — brought a practical approach shaped by his experience covering major events such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
In his interview, Peter emphasised that opportunity is key. "You've got to give people the opportunity to experience it [commentating]. Some people will enjoy it, others might not, but the experience itself is valuable."
During class practice, participants often felt unsure and out of their comfort zone, but on the field with Peter, everything changed. I found I had to focus fully on the game, remember players' names and numbers, and speak in real time. There was no time to overthink. Surprisingly, that was when I felt more alive.
Being a commentator requires confidence, quick thinking, and courage, with discomfort becoming part of the learning process.
Peter stressed to us that ability is shaped through process. "Preparation, passion, and accuracy are the key things," he explained, adding, "The biggest mistake beginners make is not preparing well. If you don't prepare, it shows."
The training also addressed representation and delivery. "It doesn't matter if they're male or female. They're just a good commentator or a very good commentator," Peter stated, emphasising the importance of more diverse voices.
Dinesh, a participant from Malaysia added, "It's not just about facts. It's about how you deliver them."
Ultimately, Future Voices not just about producing commentators, but about creating space for new experiences and expanding personal boundaries for the next generation of Southeast Asian media leaders.
ABCID's Future Voices is designed to deepen Australia's regional connections and foster a peaceful, prosperous Southeast Asia, supported by the ASEAN-Australia Centre.
Originally published on ABC International Development.
