A TV host's personality needs to be driven by charisma. Good communication, friendly nature, attitude to work hard, and listening patiently are some of the qualities one needs to possess to be successful as a TV host. A TV host needs to have an unbiased opinion need to be informed on various aspects related to the show. There is a need to be tolerant as one has to interact with all kinds of people.
They need to make sure to be in the studio on time. They need to rehearse scripts and follow the instructions of the director and producer of the show. They need to make the program interesting with their charm and glamour. Some shows like talk shows on news channel require knowledge of politics, so the need to be aware depending on the kind of TV shows they are hosting.
A communications or a journalism degree from a good accredited university is of the essence of this job. Most networks or new organizations will only consider hiring you if you have a degree in the field. Courses like broadcasting or even media studies are offered at almost all accredited universities today. You can also do some other courses in public speaking or drama that will help in the entertainment field.
As mentioned before, being a good conversationalist is important. You should be able to communicate well as well as listen to what is being said by people on your show. You should know how to handle a sensitive issue on air or make a very uninteresting topic a raving one.
After your course in the field, it is of utmost importance that you get yourself an internship with a major network or even the cable news. Often, such companies hire from within their own interns so if you get an internship at a major company then go for it. Some very highly estimated internships might be unpaid but they are great experience and exposure on a resume. And you will be on the luxurious receiving end after you are done.
When it comes to career prospects, you can be assured that once you are in the limelight there is usually no turning back. Being a TV talk show host means becoming a celebrity at least locally if not nationally. But then again, if you have luck like Oprah Winfrey or Ellen DeGeneres, then you can be well assured you will soon be under the international eye. To get there could be quite a long process involving hard work and consistent efforts.
Your income is solely dependent on how successful you are. If you are great at your job then with the national or international recognition comes the added advantage of a fat pay packet and other special privileges. You, after all, will be one of the major faces of the network you work for.
Now that you have a guide on how to become a host on TV, you can start working on that resume by applying for a course in the field of your choice as it is the first step to putting your name on the list of future TV show hosts. It is also the first thing that will get your resume noticed by producers. An internship or other hosting jobs, even if they are small time jobs is another great added advantage. And make sure you do a self assessment of your attributes so you can figure out what type of TV show job you can do successfully because each TV show is different.
