Legendary sportscaster Dick Enberg returns to CMU

1957 Central Michigan University alumnus Dick Enberg told approximately 150 students at the Sports Management Association Professional Development Conference on campus Saturday “you never know where your path is going to take you.”

 

“I’d never been in a radio station before, and I landed the job as weekend disc jockey,” said Enberg. “As students, your preparation now will allow you the versatility and adaptability to make choices that may not necessarily be part of what you had planned, but what others present to you.”

 

The ‘power of the pause’ in controlling an audience and getting your point across was one of several pieces of advice the legendary broadcaster shared with students. 

 

“Pause, take your time, say what you’re going to say but don’t hurry through it,” said Enberg. “The fact that you have taken time gives the impression that you are thoughtful in your response.”

 

Enberg’s advice proved to be beneficial to many CMU students.

 

“Mr. Enberg showed the value of controlling the room with a pause,” said Elizabeth Schneider, Romeo senior. “You don’t always have to be talking, the power of the pause really shows the value of what you’re talking about.”

 

Other lessons Enberg shared from a lifetime in broadcasting included keep your eyes wide open for opportunities, do your homework and never forget to say thank you -- two words he described as free and not used enough.

 

Preparation and perseverance brought Enberg’s career full-circle when doing his homework and research landed him in an interview with his boyhood idol, baseball-hitting legend Ted Williams.

 

“You have a dream, you have an idol and with preparation and perseverance you can bring it all the way around,” said Enberg.