Simple question on commentary

[Flat in Fifth]

Disagreement with one of the other trainers today.

Approaching roundabout which has roads entering at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o clock.

Keeping it simple.

If I'm doing commentary, "approaching roundabout 4 exits"
Him, "Approaching roundabout 3 exits"
Me "What do you say if you want to go through 360 degrees then?"
Him, "Approaching roundabout 3 exits, intend to go all way round and return on current road in opposite direction."
Me "Approaching roundabout 4 exits, plan take 4th exit."

As they say in union negotiations, registered a failure to agree.

Adjudication and comments muchly appreciated.

[Flat in Fifth]

Thanks chaps, and now going to print this thread and show it to the other cantankerous old bugger.

[Flat in Fifth]

Galileo said:

Flat in Fifth said:

Disagreement with one of the other trainers today.

Approaching roundabout which has roads entering at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o clock.

Keeping it simple.

If I'm doing commentary, "approaching roundabout 4 exits"
Him, "Approaching roundabout 3 exits"
Me "What do you say if you want to go through 360 degrees then?"
Him, "Approaching roundabout 3 exits, intend to go all way round and return on current road in opposite direction."
Me "Approaching roundabout 4 exits, plan take 4th exit."

As they say in union negotiations, registered a failure to agree.

Adjudication and comments muchly appreciated.

I found your commentary confusing, but understood what he was saying. From an amateurs point of view.

OK understand that, but it's snippets extracted and taken out of context. The boys and girls knew what I was on about.

Follow the small bit I said above with a commentary about the plan to deal with the island, observations on traffic all around, lanes, position, speed, gear, continued obs of traffic all around and in circuit etc, signals, mirror checks, bla di bla.

[Flat in Fifth]

ashes said:

I have always been put off from taking an advanced driving test by the commentary - I find I get very distracted if I have to verbalise all that is going through my mind. I find the same thing when I ride horses - I can't give comment on what I am doing while I am doing it.

I think this may be to do with the way people absorb information - anyone else have this problem and how can it be dealt with?

What I ask people is to start with calling out every sign they see.

Most people can cope with that plus it gives a clue as to observation.
Then add in signs that are not official road signs.

eg Direction sign to building site.

Then add in observation links.

Sign building site, possible lorries, and mud on road.

Then add in other things.

Surface change, left wheels on repaired surface, possible uneven grip.

Then add in what you will do.

Approaching bend, grass / hedge clipping, possibility cutter round bend, mirror, nobody behind, will slow down and position well out.

Practice Practice, even without formal training amazing how observation and a plan develops.
You WILL find that you can't keep up. Which might mean that you are going a bit quick.

edited to add following,
To me the key is to be concise, which is where I had the failure to agree with one of the others and I guess was the point of starting the thread. On a much earlier thread Vonhosen gives a far better description and breakdown on this than I can.

PS Took ages to type this got 50 gazillion interruptions so if it doesn't make sense, apologies.

Edited by Flat in Fifth on Wednesday 11th October 13:20

[Flat in Fifth]

7db said:

Obviously the pinnacle of commentary is to still drive like a hooligan and be able to talk about it...

Definitely like your style.

Obviously a somewhat provocative comment follows.

What 7db should have said:

Obviously the pinnacle of commentary is to still drive like a hooligan and be able to talk about it whilst simultaneously :cough: honing one's skills...

Now is that my coat?