Talking Books, Newstalk, Sundays 7am.

Lapin

As a big reader of books I like tuning into this programme although not always at the ridiculous time it goes out.

If only they could put Global Whinge with Dil Wickermanhater out at this time instead and give Talking Books that slot.

One aspect of the programme really grates with me though is the way host Susan Cahill reads scripted material or excerpts from books.

Each sentence seems to be broken down into mini sentences of of two or three words. It sounds like there are a number of full stops in every sentence as she carries on from one word to the next as though it has no connection to the word that preceded it.

It also sounds as though each sentence was prerecorded several times with the best bits of each stitched together later on.

And so we get - A voice - That sounds - Like - A human version - Of - One of those - artificial - Voice simulators - Used by people - Such as - Stephen - Hawking.

It is only when reading that she sounds like this. When interviewing guests her speech flows freely with lovely clarity and articulaticy. It sounds very strange to the point of being annoying.

It's almost childlike in the manner of learning to read or an adult learning English, but I reckon a child would be corrected for speaking like this. I've never heard anyone else speak/read like it.

Despite it, i do enjoy the programme. It deserves an extra half hour and a better time slot.

Mycroft H

Lapin wrote: »

As a big reader of books I like tuning into this programme although not always at the ridiculous time it goes out.

If only they could put Global Whinge with Dil Wickermanhater out at this time instead and give Talking Books that slot.

One aspect of the programme really grates with me though is the way host Susan Cahill reads scripted material or excerpts from books.

Each sentence seems to be broken down into mini sentences of of two or three words. It sounds like there are a number of full stops in every sentence as she carries on from one word to the next as though it has no connection to the word that preceded it.

It also sounds as though each sentence was prerecorded several times with the best bits of each stitched together later on.

And so we get - A voice - That sounds - Like - A human version - Of - One of those - artificial - Voice simulators - Used by people - Such as - Stephen - Hawking.

It is only when reading that she sounds like this. When interviewing guests her speech flows freely with lovely clarity and articulaticy. It sounds very strange to the point of being annoying.

It's almost childlike in the manner of learning to read or an adult learning English, but I reckon a child would be corrected for speaking like this. I've never heard anyone else speak/read like it.

Despite it, i do enjoy the programme. It deserves an extra half hour and a better time slot.

I hear it coming home from nights occasionally. Her speech is a bit off putting, almost like a text to speech programme.

Its about the only speech based programmes on at that time of the morning (7am Sunday)

Redhenrun

I hadn't realised Newstalk had a books programme and it looks like I've just missed it. Hopefully, I'll be up as early next Sunday.

Yep, a switch around for that Global Village programme would be a very good idea.

Lapin

Redhenrun wrote: »

I hadn't realised Newstalk had a books programme and it looks like I've just missed it. Hopefully, I'll be up as early next Sunday.

Newstalk have a great listen back feature so you can catch up with previous programmes. I like the calendar making it quick and handy to pick the dates and times of shows I want to hear!

http://www.newstalk.com/player/listen_back

Redhenrun

Thanks for that, Lapin. Also took me directly to Newstalk live, which is always a good thing. Love Talking History too, so going to have fun with the Listen Back feature for that.

Loafing Oaf

Lapin wrote: »

As a big reader of books I like tuning into this programme although not always at the ridiculous time it goes out.

If only they could put Global Whinge with Dil Wickermanhater out at this time instead and give Talking Books that slot.

One aspect of the programme really grates with me though is the way host Susan Cahill reads scripted material or excerpts from books.

Each sentence seems to be broken down into mini sentences of of two or three words. It sounds like there are a number of full stops in every sentence as she carries on from one word to the next as though it has no connection to the word that preceded it.

It also sounds as though each sentence was prerecorded several times with the best bits of each stitched together later on.

And so we get - A voice - That sounds - Like - A human version - Of - One of those - artificial - Voice simulators - Used by people - Such as - Stephen - Hawking.

It is only when reading that she sounds like this. When interviewing guests her speech flows freely with lovely clarity and articulaticy. It sounds very strange to the point of being annoying.

It's almost childlike in the manner of learning to read or an adult learning English, but I reckon a child would be corrected for speaking like this. I've never heard anyone else speak/read like it.

Despite it, i do enjoy the programme. It deserves an extra half hour and a better time slot.

Totally agree with this, find her almost unlistenable when doing scripted stuff. Btw the book show is now on regularly at 9 p.m. Sundays, replacing Coleman at Large.

Ol' Donie

Is it in the 9pm slot permanently? Shame Coleman's show is gone, I was hoping they'd just replace him.

(Sorry, bit OT)

Loafing Oaf

Ol' Donie wrote: »

Is it in the 9pm slot permanently? Shame Coleman's show is gone, I was hoping they'd just replace him.

(Sorry, bit OT)

Seems to be, World in Motion in the second hour. We tend to forget with the PK recruitment that NT is still run on a shoestring, and if a presenter leaves they're likely to see if they can get away without replacing him...