Ellen DeGeneres
We have all watched the popular talk show hosts like Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah, Conan O’Brien, Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa, and have all dreamt to be like them. Then you think, “I could never make it big like them, so why bother?”
Don’t sell yourself short! With a Communication degree and targeted courses and internships, you can be on your way to being a successful talk show host.
Whether you dream of being a talk show host or not, if you possess the following characteristics, this might be the path for you:
- You love talking, and can talk clear
- You’re opinionated, a hard worker, and friendly
- You have a charming, charismatic personality and confidence
The perks of being a talk show host are great too! You have the opportunity to discuss the issues that you are most passionate about and even have the privilege of talking to celebrities.
Now that you are drawn in to this career path, you might be asking yourself, “How do I get started?” It is actually quite easy to find your starting point to work your way to the top.
For those individuals who are out of college, it is best to start at your local television or radio station. Even better, you don’t need to live in a major city like New York or Los Angeles to succeed. There are plenty of opportunities in surrounding cities and towns for you to get started.
For those individuals in currently in high school or college, it is best to study or major in Communication. While in school, it is best to take courses that focus solely on the different aspects of television or communication. Examples of relevant courses to be considered include:
- Public Speaking
- Broadcasting
- Interpersonal Communication
- Journalism
- Drama
It is also helpful to work at the campus radio or TV station or even intern at a local station in surrounding towns to gain experience and contacts. It is very important to be realistic and to remember that you will be working odd hours, either early morning or late at night. You won’t start at the top, and most likely will start as the errand or coffee runner. You will be in charge of completing the dirty work, but if you keep a positive outlook, you will be working your way to the top in no time.
Regardless of what courses you choose to take, it is vital that you keep up to date with the latest news, especially the news that corresponds to the issues you are passionate about and/or discuss on your talk show. In the entertainment industry, contacts will be the most important thing to have. These connections will allow you the opportunity to interview qualified individuals on your show.
Being a talk show host does not just extend to television, though, as you can be a radio host with purchased airtime, or a radio talk show host who discusses empowerment, celebrities, politics, business, and many other topics.
Remember, follow your dreams, keep a positive attitude, and do not be discouraged to work your way to the top. Dreams do not come easy. For more tips on becoming a successful TV talk show host, enjoy the short video below with TV talk show host Donny Deutsch.
Main Author: Alison Lewis
Contributing Authors/Editors: Daniel Janis, Linsey Morse, Kevin Mandeville
