10 Things That Might be Holding You Back as a Host (series)

Inspired by a recent Virtual Hosting hangout with Shay Holland, creator of the Facebook group, HOSTS IN LA, and her guests Casting Directors Barbara Barna Abel and Sean DeSimone, I'm sharing some Hosting tips that were originally designed for my class at the esteemed Creative Studios of Atlanta before our return to California. While these tips will always be free, a follow on Instagram would be greatly appreciated as I grow that reach. Thank you! 

As I write this, the COVID 19 virus is at an all time high, leaving us at home, isolated, bored, scared, and sedentary. If you are a TV Host, or any media type for that matter, now more than ever it's imperative to keep your skills in peak condition. That's right, I said imperative, and I'm not being sardonic either. You see, whether your platform is TV, radio, streaming, podcasts, YouTube, or IG, the job of a Host or Reporter is to be a messenger; a conduit for information. But as the great media philosopher Marshall McLuhan once said, "The Medium is the Message"  ...and let's face it Hosts... we are the medium (or part of it anyway) and the world needs information (and lighthearted nonfiction) now more than ever. 

The inspiration for this series was originally to help the "farm league" of hosts online who are tech savvy, but perhaps not as polished as they could be. Please note: these tips are not for the Veteran Host, but still may bring a commiserative smile to their face. Not "rules" per se, these are a collection guidelines picked up over 25 years from TV executives, CDs, producers, focus groups, and my own observances. I welcome all comments!

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