Choosing a career path is one of the most challenging decisions many people will make in the lifetime.

However, if you’ve noticed that you’re constantly envisioning yourself as a television host, it’s time to begin the journey to achieving that dream.

Soft Skills TV Hosts MUST Have

Communication

As a TV presenter, it is important that the clarity of your speech is great. This ensures that your audience is able to comprehend what you’re saying.

TIP: Practice speaking to strangers and familiar people regularly to improve your communication skills.

Ability to read fluently

As a TV host, you need to be able to read a teleprompter. Therefore, you NEED to be able to not only read accurately but at a reasonable speed and with relevant expressions.

TIP: Practice reading aloud, articulating each and every word.

Ability to Improvise

The TV hosts that are a cut above the rest are usually able to think on their feet. If the teleprompter shuts down, the show must go on… smoothly.

TIP: When having a conversation with someone, try not to plan your responses to their statements or questions while they’re speaking. Instead, listen intently to what is being said then respond spontaneously when they’ve finished expressing themself.

Confidence

Be confidently YOU! TV hosts need to be able to make their audience feel comfortable. In order to do this, they must first be comfortable with themself.

TIP: Avoid talking down on yourself at all costs! Use daily affirmations to constantly remind yourself of how badass you are.

Interviewing Skills

Many TV presenters are required to interview guests. As a TV host you need to be genuinely interested in knowing more. This will drive you to ask questions that will bring the conversation and interview further.

TIP: Interviewing skills don’t only include verbal communication. Practice making eye contact when speaking with persons. This shows that you’re interested in what they’re saying.

Educational Qualification

You don’t NEED a degree to get into TV hosting. However, due to the competitiveness of the field, it may be helpful to do courses or get a degree.

A degree in media, English language or English literature, communication studies, sociology or psychology is usually recommended.

Landing the J-O-B

Once you’ve developed your soft skills and academic requirements, the next step is finding the job. Here are the next three steps to becoming a TV host:

Create your resume

Your resume should look both creative and professional. Ensure to include all the relevant qualifications you have that will make you an excellent TV host.

Contact persons in your field of interest

Media related careers require lots of marketing and networking. Use your social media to market your self and build your personal brand.

Also, don’t hesitate to use your social media to contact influential persons in your field of interest and offer yourself as an intern. Being able to put an influential person on your resume may help you to land bigger jobs.

Audition

Your foot is finally in the door! You have your first audition. It’s time to showcase your best self. Focus on the camera, stay connected to your audience throughout the audition and most importantly, BE YOU!