Al Jazeera: How to shine on the box

Thomson Foundation trainer, Arti Halai has just delivered a TV Presentation Introductory course in Doha, Qatar. The six-day course covered the changing role of the presenter and developing communication skills.

"Standby...3, 2, 1...cue!" For a TV presenter it is the moment all their preparation, delivery and energy combines to bring their script to life and connect with the viewer.

There were four students on the course, three who were already working at the Al Jazeera English network as output producers and one who was a teacher working in an independent school in Qatar, with no background of how the media industry worked. The students originally came from the USA, UK and Jordan.

Different styles From day one the students were immersed in the studio exercises, playing both guests and TV presenters as we went through a variety of programme formats, so they could experience different styles of presenting and try their hands at dealing with topics from politics to social issues to entertainment.

Some excellent studio discussions emerged particularly around Syria and whether it was time for international military intervention, the impact of the 2022 Fifa World Cup and the growing concern around obesity in Qatar. We discussed the changing role of the TV presenter as they now tend to be more hands on, as well as the influence they have over their programme and as representatives of their station.

This was the first time a TV Presentation Introductory course was being offered in English at the centre. With a smaller group there was the advantage of doing more exercises in the studio as well as time for constructive feedback and individual coaching for each student.

Communication skills Interestingly, when they first arrived, the students werent really looking for roles as TV presenters in the industry, they came more out of curiosity to see what life was like for a TV presenter and what the role entailed. I believe they left stronger in their communication skills and with a clear insight into what it really takes to shine on the box.

Of course, the magic of this type of course comes from the progress that every student can clearly see they are making from one day to the next. The transformation that comes on the day of the final project really shows the journey that each student has taken and how much they have learnt. As a trainer, Arti says "I couldnt ask for a more rewarding experience."

The Television Presentation training course ran from 15 21 February 2013 at Al Jazeera Media Training and Development Centre, Doha, Qatar.

LINK:	http://www.thomsonfoundation.org/news-and-features/2013/03/06/al-jazee...
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