DreamJob

Behind the scenes

This week in DREAM JOBS we describe the work of a TV presenter

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1 Have you ever dreamed of presenting the Olympics on TV or interviewing celebrity figures like Paris Hilton or Jude Law? Do you want a career that's exciting and varied? You do? Then why not become a TV or radio presenter?

2 As a presenter, you'll be working on a wide variety of projects. You may be interviewing guests on chat shows, hosting quiz and game shows, introducing sports or music programmes, or presenting specialist programmes like travel or gardening. If you prefer the serious stuff, you can specialise in current affairs or make documentaries.

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3 Although a presenter's main job is done in front of the cameras, there's a lot to do behind the scenes as well. You'll be expected to plan each show with the producer or director, do research and rehearse your script. You may get to write your own material and you'll probably be involved in online broadcasting, too.

4 Personality is important in this profession. You've got to be confident and outgoing, and able to interact with the audience. Ambition and motivation are very important too, along with excellent presentation skills and a good voice. Problems are bound to arise while you're on air and quick decisions will be called for. You'll need to be able to think on your feet and stay calm under pressure.

‘Life as a presenter can have its down sides'

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5 Life as a presenter can have its down sides. If you're on a short contract, as is normal, you'll be in and out of work quite frequently. Hours are sometimes unsociable, too. Getting up at 4 a.m. is tough, as is working late at night while your friends are out partying! And working conditions can be trying at times: while most TV studios are comfortable, working outside often involves spending time in all kinds of weather and situations.

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6 But these are minor worries, according to presenter Emma Johnson. 'l host a radio breakfast show and it's really exciting,' she says. 'I never know what to expect. I leave for work with my day planned out, but often something big will have happened by the time I get to the studio. I just say, "OK, I'll change my plan and report on that instead."

There are some nerve-racking, situations but it's what I like best about the job.' She meets plenty of celebrities, too. I'm interviewing a top boy band later today and this time tomorrow I'll be flying to Hollywood to meet actor Russell Crowe,' she explains.  Although Emma loves her job, her big ambition is to work in TV. 'My present contract runs out next month,' she says. I'm going to have a holiday, and then I'll be knocking on the door of my local TV company.'

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7 Emma got into presenting through her acting background, but there is no set route into the profession. Some presenters have university qualifications, while music show hosts have often been performers themselves, or may have worked as DJs in clubs. For entertainment shows, presenters often have an acting background and audition to present the show.

8 Competition is stiff in this field, so if you're starting out and you want to get noticed ahead of other applicants, proof of practical work experience is essential. Producing a student newspaper is one way to get 10 experience, as is volunteer work on a hospital or student radio station. Specialising in a certain area, like sport or music, can be useful, too. It looks good on your CV and marks you out from the rest of the crowd.

9 Want to know more? GetFamous.com is running a 65 one-day TV presenter course next month. Experts will teach you all about the world of TV presenting while you try out your skills in front of the cameras!

Multiple Choice

According to the writer, a presenter should be:

• Prepared to stand a long time

• Able to stand cool in a crisis

• good at preparing speeches

• available to travel abroad

Multiple Choice

What can you do, according to the writer, to get ahead of your opponents?

• Learn to write a good resume

• Do something to get your name on the news

• Become an expert in a particular subject

• Become a talented sportsperson

Multiple Choice

What appeals most to Emma Johnson about her job is the fact that:

• It's hard to predict what will happen

• She gets to meet a lot of people

• There are plenty of chances to travel

• She doesn't need to prepare anything in advance

Multiple Choice

According to the writer, part of a presenter job is to:

• prepare the scenery

• help to work the cameras

• look for new talent

• practice the show in advance

Multiple Choice

The writer states that the majority of people who host radio or TV shows

• are employed for shorts periods of time

• earn a great deal of money

• especialise in one type of programme

• work a fixed number of hours

Multiple Choice

What does the writer encourage young would-be presenters to do?

• experience life in a hospital

• spend a lot of time studying newspapers

• offer their services to a local broadcasting group

• watch a lot of programmes aimed at students

Multiple Choice

What is the main problem with getting started in this career according to the writer

• you have to come from the right background

• a lot of people are struggling to get the same job

• there is no way into the job for ordinary people

• applicants must have a drama or media training