Basic NCS Techniques
¢Listen carefully
¢Note as many calls as possible before acknowledging them
¢Clear emergency traffic FIRST, then priority, h&w, then what’s left
¢Pair up stations and pass them to another frequency to “do their business”
¢Create regular breaks for Emergency traffic
¢BE CONCISE
¢Take frequent breaks
¢Control the tone of your voice
When asking for reports or soliciting traffic, listen carefully! This might seem obvious, but it is easy to miss critical information when operating under the stress of an emergency situation.
For efficiency, note on your net worksheet as many calls as you can before you acknowledge anyone. Acknowledge all stations heard by call, and then yield the frequency to any station reporting in with emergency traffic. Clear all emergency traffic first, then turn to stations with priority messages, and finally to those with routine messages that do not involve the emergency situation.
Pair up stations to pass traffic on another frequency whenever possible. This practice results in net “multi-tasking” and a higher rate of traffic handling.  This is especially true when longer formal messages are being passed, or when a protracted discussion or exchange of information is required.
Break from the routine of message handling frequently to solicit and clear any emergency or priority traffic, the net’s primary mission in an emergency situation. Most participants will catch on to the pattern quickly. If they do not, take time to explain. Things get done much faster if everyone uses the same techniques.
Be as concise as possible. Use the fewest words that will completely say what you mean. This will minimize the need for repeating instructions and messages
Take frequent breaks. While you may not recognize the stress that being an NCS produces, it is constant, and will become evident in your voice. If you are asking yourself when your last break was, you know it is time to take one. Turn over the net to your backup at least every two hours and rest. Do not listen to the net – rest. Once rested, listen to the net for a few minutes before resuming as NCS.
Control the tone of your voice. Be as calm as possible. Tension tends cause voices to increase in pitch, and the net members will detect this change. Use a calm tone and members of the net will tend to remain calm. Remember to speak with confidence and authority. A weak or indecisive demeanor undermines your effectiveness as NCS, and consequently the productivity of the net.