I have been asked this question many times, so here are my full and unedited thoughts…
Of course you can practice in front of the mirror, or you can spend hours watching other presenters and copy their styles; you can have make-overs to look good and you can even do a presenting course BUT that won’t necessarily make you a good presenter.
What is required is natural talent, an ability to be completely relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera and primarily be accessible/likeable to the audience. People often complain about presenters being too ‘presentery’. What the viewers want is someone who makes them feel that they are being spoken to by a friend. They want someone they would like to invite over for Sunday lunch with their family or take to the pub with their best mates – Dermot O’Leary, Vernon Kay, Holly Willoughby all have that genuine warmth and appeal.
In the current climate if you’ve got a speciality or an expertise the doors are more easily opened for you as this makes you unique. Only yesterday I had a request for a military medic so if you’re out there call me! Science and history are hot topics at the moment and I know broadcasters are looking for new faces in these categories. Ask yourself what are your hobbies? What are you good at? What do you know a lot about?
Having an agent certainly helps get things started. An agent should help you put a good show reel together which is definitely something you’ll need. A show reel doesn’t need to be of a professional standard. You can do as Gail Porter did – stand in your back garden dressed as Wonder Woman and that can be enough if you have her X factor sparkle and enthusiasm.
The main thing commissioners and producers need to see from a show reel is the following:
-a simple piece to camera,
-walk and talk at the same time,
-perhaps interview someone ordinary and make it exciting,
-co-present with someone
Remember to be completely yourself. That is actually the most difficult thing to do and it will either come naturally to you or you’ll have to put in hours of practising.
I advise most ‘newbies’ to spend every weekend filming with friends so that they learn how to be comfortable and at home with a camera pointing at them. Think of the camera as another friend and always acknowledge that friend!
A good photo is pretty important particularly if you’re not an ‘expert’. It needs to be striking and make me want to get to know you. Again, professional shots are not always the best – if the photo shows character that is much more important.
Once the agent has a show reel they’re happy with together with a decent photo, they will then contact all the producers, commissioners and broadcasters in their little black book who they believe will like the ‘talent’. We can’t magic jobs but we can suggest you to the right people at the right time – it’s all about knowing what’s going on in the industry. With luck, perseverance and patience, you could be the next big thing!
