A Day in the Life Of a TV Presenter (How to Be a TV Presenter)

According to www.channel4.com these are the key things to practice:

1. Reading out loud: Ahhh the presenter’s saviour. The Autocue. A key skill is reading a script aloud from a computer screen. The trick is to look like it’s all coming off the top of your head.
2. Learn to ad-lib freely: Try deviating from the script, unless you’re practicing reading the news. You are supposed to be communicating, NOT reading. This is a crucial skill when doing live TV.
3. Check out your on-screen persona: Try to get hold of a video camera and take a peek at what you look like on camera. Don’t be surprised if the lens shows a different image of you than you expected. Compare how you look and act on screen with other presenters. Start by just talking to the camera about yourself.
4. Dress for success: It can help you to build an image. Make sure you feel comfortable and look the part.
5. Use props: Try using everyday items when you practice presenting: a photo, brochure, toy. Presenters often use a prop so if you can feel it home talking to a camera with any prop then you’re off to a head start.
6. Earpieces: Presenters typically wear an earpiece so that the Producer can communicate directly with them. They will speak to you while you are talking which can be off-putting. At least practice wearing an earpiece so you get used to the feel.
7. Interviewing Technique: You can try your hand at interviewing with a friend. Keep the interview lively. If it’s bland, then it’s boring.

Last, but by no means least: BE YOURSELF! Don’t develop a different personality just for the camera. This is likely to just make you look fake and unprofessional. Viewers will quickly see through it.

Everyone has their own style, so just let it happen, In fact capitalize on it! smile and enjoy it. Have confidence in yourself and let your personality shine through. Now, with all this in hand GO ON!! What’s stopping you?

You could try and get yourself an agent if you are seriously thinking about pursuing this as a fulltime career. If the agent is excited by what they see they may take you on. Don’t be too disappointed though if that life-changing phone call doesn’t come through too soon. This is a long shot for an unknown aspiring TV Presenter. If you have the drive though you can make it!

Good luck and I hope to see you soon… On the box!