It's not as easy as it sounds to get paid to speak. Announcers use a variety of abilities, whether they are voicing a commercial, anchoring a TV newscast, or hosting a radio show. 

You need acting talent, for example, to record voice-overs in films and advertisements, because even if you're not seen on camera, you're still playing a role. Disc jockeys are entertainers who intersperse scheduled music and advertising with jokes, interviews, and current events. Deejays, while not actors, are often high-energy performers. Newscasters must be able to read clearly and authoritatively. A background in journalism or writing is generally essential because they frequently compose their own copy. To operate a control board or make recordings, technical knowledge and computer abilities are frequently required. 

A pleasing voice and strong diction might get you started, but making a career as a professional announcer can be difficult. Because much of the job is done in real time, the ability to think on your feet is essential. Most announcing jobs do not require a college degree, but colleges or technical schools with in-house TV or radio stations provide an ideal opportunity to create the all-important demo tape. 'Your tape is your resume,' as the phrase goes for on-air gigs. 

The field is more competitive than ever, thanks to the continuous consolidation of media companies. Announcers typically begin their careers in tiny markets for extremely low pay and on erratic schedules. Some small businesses are also forced to sell advertising time for their programmes. However, when their skills grow, they will be able to graduate to higher-paying professions in larger marketplaces.