Presenter

Description

Presenters host broadcast productions. They are the face or voice of these programs and make announcements on different platforms such as radio, television, theatres or other establishments. They ensure that their audience is entertained and introduce the artists or persons being interviewed.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to presenter:

video jockey presenter
program host
sports presenter
broadcast journalist
broadcasting presenter
senior broadcast journalist
finance broadcast journalist
sport announcer
television presenter
VJ radio presenter
TV presenter
moderator
DJ radio presenter
host
hostess
freelance broadcast presenter
radio presenter
announcer
broadcaster
broadcast presenter

Minimum qualifications

High school diploma is generally required to work as presenter. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Presenter is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Presenter career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to presenter.

news anchor
weather forecaster
fact checker
speechwriter
magazine editor

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of presenter. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of presenter with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of presenter.

Breathing techniques: The various techniques to control the voice, body, and nerves by breathing.
Vocal techniques: The various techniques for using your voice correctly without exhausting or damaging it when changing voice in tone and volume.
Pronunciation techniques: The pronunciation techniques to properly and understandably pronounce words.
Spelling: The rules concerning the way words are spelled.
Grammar: The set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in any given natural language.
Copyright legislation: Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.
Audiovisual equipment: The characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of presenter.

Rehearse role: Study lines and actions. Practise them before recording or shooting to find the best way to perform them.
Follow time cues: Observe the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.
Perform improvisation: Perform dialogues or actions spontaneously or without preparation.
Meet expectations of target audience: Research the needs and expectations of the target audience to ensure the program’s theme meets both.
Consult information sources: Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.
Adapt to type of media: Adapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.
Gather information on theme of the show: Gather relevant information on the theme you are discussing in the show or on the guests who make an appearance in the program to make sure you are up to date.
Memorise lines: Memorise your role in a performance or broadcast, whether it is text, movement, or music.
Follow directions of the artistic director: Follow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.
Develop professional network: Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
Read pre-drafted texts: Read texts, written by others or by yourself, with the proper intonation and animation.
Follow the news: Follow current events in politics, economics, social communities, cultural sectors, internationally, and in sports.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of presenter. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Interview techniques: The techniques for getting information out of people by asking the right questions in the right way and to make them feel comfortable.
Photography: Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.
Lighting techniques: The characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.
Press law: The laws concerning the licensing of books and the freedom of expression in all products of the media.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of presenter. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Consult with production director: Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.
Check correctness of information: Check if the information contains factual errors, is reliable, and has news value.
Proofread text: Read a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.
Interview people: Interview people in a range of different circumstances.
Moderate a debate: Moderate a staged or unstaged discussion between two or more of people. Make sure everyone gets to voice their opinion and that they stay on topic. Ensure that the debate doesn’t run out of hand and that participants are civil and polite to each other.
Compose playlist: Compose a list of songs to be played during a broadcast or performance in accordance with requirements and time frame.
Apply grammar and spelling rules: Apply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.
Adopt a relaxed posture: Adapt a posture that is relaxed and inviting to make the audience watch and listen to you attentively.
Prepare broadcasts: Decide on the time frame, the content, and organisation of a TV show or radio broadcast.
Develop program ideas: Develop ideas for television and radio programs in accordance with the studio’s policy.
Use audio reproduction software: Operate software and equipment that transform and reproduce digital, analogue sounds and sound waves into the desired perceivable audio to be streamed.
Select music: Suggest or select music to play back for entertainment, exercise, or other purposes.
Communicate by telephone: Liaise via telephone by making and answering calls in a timely, professional and polite manner.
Practice humour: Share humourous expressions with audience, eliciting laughter, surprise, other emotions, or a combination thereof.
Work with a voice coach: Receive advice and training from a voice coach. Learn how to use one’s voice correctly, how to properly pronounce and articulate words, and use the right intonation. Get trained in breathing techniques.
Present during live broadcasts: Present live on political, economic, cultural, social, international or sport events, or host a live broadcast program.
Perform market research: Gather, assess and represent data about target market and customers in order to facilitate strategic development and feasibility studies. Identify market trends.

ISCO group and title

2656 – Announcers on radio, television and other media

 

 


 

 

References
  1. Presenter – ESCO
Last updated on August 8, 2022