Have you always dreamed of being a TV presenter? Have friends, family and/or work colleagues said you’d be good on telly?
Is it tricky to know where to start? Here are five top tips to start you on your journey.
Have a Story to Tell
This could be your life and work experience so far, a hobby or something you are passionate about and/or expert in. It could be from working as a researcher, or a print or broadcast journalist. It could be working in the sports, fashion, music, food or medical world. A few presenters make it on looking good and an ability to read autocue well – but they are rare.
Dr Zoe Williams, a practicing GP in London, former Gladiator and presenter on BBC TWO’S TRUST ME I’M A DOCTOR
Check out Presenter CVs
Take a look at the CVs of some of the presenters you admire. Wikipedia is a good place to start. Most presenters have a core expertise, but are always prepared to try new things. Kate Humble went from being a TV researcher and then presenter on TOP GEAR to presenting wildlife (SPRINGWATCH), then travel/adventure (THE SPICE TRAIL) and now rural life through her own farm ( BACK TO THE LAND).
Kate Humble, SPRINGWATCH presenter.
Keep Learning
Your journey to become a presenter will likely have more serendipity than other careers. There will be twists and turns, and routes you didn’t plan to take, but which may help get you to where you want to be. Financially, it’s not something you can rely on until you are well-established. Carve out ways to ensure you can keep earning and learning. Keep your passion/expertise nourished, but also be open to new areas.
Miranda Krestovnikoff, studied zoology at Uni, started as a TV researcher, and is now a conservationist and currently presenting on BBC ONE’s THE ONE SHOW
Decide What Sort of Presenter You Will Be
There’s a bit of a divide between what the TV world calls factual presenters and studio-based ( usually) entertainment presenters. The two seldom overlap, although in the UK the BBC and ITV occasionally use presenters for both types of shows – but only when the presenters are really well-known. For example, Paul O’Grade, also known as Lily Savage, on ITV’s FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS, or comedian Sue Perkins when she co-presented THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE-OFF. When you start out it’s best to be clear which area you want to focus on as a presenter.
Sue Perkins
Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage
Get Training in Skills That Get You Noticed
Factual presenters are there because they know and/or have experienced stuff, as well as being able to present. A great way to start you on the presenter track is to get training and advice from a TV professional. This needs to focus on your performance, and your story – or editorial. Then you can create YouTube clips and other assets to get yourself out there and get noticed.
Only a very privileged few walk straight into a presenting job. Most presenters work on other relevant projects while they chip away to get presenter work. And most presenters have training – from a professional on the inside.
Do get in touch to talk about training that’s cost- effective and tailored to what you need – whether you’re a complete beginner or already on your way to being a presenter.