It’s a Wednesday morning in one of Bryant’s Academic Innovation Center classrooms and Professional in Residence Christian Fauria’s students are gathered in a snug circle running through an improv exercise.

“Guitar.”

“Music.”

“Sound.”

The game, which started a few minutes ago, requires one person to say a word while pointing to a peer. The peer states the first thing to come to mind when they hear that word and passes the new word to another classmate; this process continues until undergrads naturally return to the original word. The task sounds simple, but as the exercise gets underway, students say more than one word, blank for a second when they’re put on the spot, and try to recall the first word they’re attempting to get back to.

All the while, Improv Asylum Comedy co-founder Norm Laviolette stands in the middle of the circle. Laviolette, a guest in Fauria’s class this morning, is helping students to understand how improvisation can aid them in becoming better communicators — allowing them to more effectively collaborate and create with other people.

Fondly referred to as “the secret sauce” by Fauria, improv is valuable to any career but, within the sports industry, it can enhance on-air presence and delivery techniques.

And his students are all for it.

Sports broadcasting: past, present, future  

“Voices of the Game: Expert Perspectives on Sports Communication, Promotion, and Industry” is an offering in the new Sports Industries, Media, and Promotion program within the College of Arts and Sciences’ Communication and Language Studies department.

As a major, the program offers students a competitive edge in the sports and athletic industry by delving into a comprehensive knowledge of sports media, esports, and sports organizations, as well as the economic, legal, and social behavioral aspects of sports. From classes like “Sports Media Production” to “Sport and the Law,” students learn skills that prepare them for graduate programs and sports industry careers.

In “Voices of the Game,” Fauria, a former NFL tight end who won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and worked in broadcasting following his athletic career, makes sure students understand the field’s history, current state, and future.

“I’m dedicated to guiding students through the storied history of sports broadcasting, its vibrant current landscape, and the innovative future ahead — inspiring and motivating them to become the next generation of storytellers in this incredible challenging, competitive field,” says Fauria.

From the impact of sports TV and radio on the sports industry to sports analysis and commentary, Fauria sprinkles insights from his career throughout the course. Undergrads also receive guidance on how to break into the industry, tips for career advancement and longevity, as well as professional standards and best practices on how to handle challenging situations in broadcasting — such as controversy and crisis management.

Networking: the key to breaking into the industry  

Throughout the semester, students build confidence by tackling projects outside their comfort zone — one of them being their final assignment. For this task, undergrads interview someone within the sports industry who interests them. Questions include their role and responsibilities, why they chose that field, and how they prepared for their career. From the conversation, undergrads create a five-minute presentation to share with the class.

In addition to this project, students regularly hear from guest speakers who work in professional athletics, sports organizations, and leading sports media companies. Together, they cover everything from media analysis and brand promotion to sponsorship activation and fan engagement. 

Fauria is even opening opportunities to the broader Bryant community and hosted a panel and networking session on breaking into the sports industry. The late-spring event featured Vice President of Media Relations for the New England Patriots Stacey James, Sports Spectrum Collegiate and Pro Athlete Content Catalyst and NESN Podcast Co-Host Annabelle Hasselbeck, and New England Patriots and ESPN NFL Nation reporter Mike Reiss. Focusing on future careers, Fauria also stresses the importance of using Bryant's Amica Center for Career Education to help locate internship and post-graduate opportunities.

Challenging themselves: applying knowledge  

Back in the classroom, students thank Laviolette for his improv session. When he leaves, Fauria reviews key takeaways from the exercise, such as leading with energy, making eye contact, and projecting your voice.

“You’re trying to draw people in,” Fauria says, adding that you want the person you’re engaging with to feel comfortable with you.

With their class session drawing to a close, students will continue their deep dive into the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of sports media. They’re already critically evaluating sports broadcasts and commentary to assess strengths and areas for improvement, and by the end of the course they will have the ability to craft compelling commentary and the confidence to navigate the industry.

Reminding students of their end of semester project, Fauria fields questions from the class. They have difficult work coming their way, but they are equipped with the tools needed to thrive in sports broadcasting.

“My job is to push and challenge you,” Fauria says.