There was a report in the paper yesterday about presenters over in RTÉ been given a guide on how to tell newsreaders exactly how to deliver their words in "proper" English. Who'd have thunk??
So this morning, Gift Grub decided to see how the news has gone down around Montrose, and it seems as though some of their top broadcasters are bricking it at the thought. I guess it's turrah to individualism.
Joe Duffy opened the lines, with Gaybo as his sidekick (well he is rather meticulous) and they have a list of words to test everyone's elocution. It's very specific, so if the tone, pitch or lilt are even the slightest bit off, a buzzer will sound and Gaybo shall correct them. He's all about "the soft 't'".
Brendan O'Connor and Dáithí Ó'Sé have abandoned ship already (they never stood a chance in fairness), so first up was Ray D'Arcy who's attempt at the word "donkey" makes him sound more like Shrek.
DWTS judge Brian Redmond has excellent verbal skills, bar one word, "bu, I cannot use me bu", then our own Matt Cooper gives the lads a call, and finds out that his word ('Last' or otherwise) articulation isn't so articulate #Sahurday
Whereas, poor aul Bertie nearly blows the machine with his "b,b,b,b,b,b,b,b,b,b,b,b" babble.
Thankfully, president Michael D hits up the phone line to deliver a perfect blueprint as to how all RTÉ clientele should conduct themselves, "it is incumbent on people to speak correctly, using their native vernacular of course". An absolute masterclass from the big man.
Joe finishes off with our favourite deliverer of local diction, "Waterford hurling legend, John Mullane, take it away..."
You can listen in full here:
For more Gift Grub, tune into The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show every weekday morning from 7am.
