This week I’m giving you three ways be a great, and gracious, co-host, which is something a lot of on air talent struggles with because they want to be the center of attention, all the time. But if you can keep that impulse in check, and you’re willing to be a team player, you AND your co-host will both have plenty of opportunities to thrive and ultimately that makes for great TV. So, here we go …

One: Look at your co-host when they’re talking. It sounds simple, but watch TV, and watch how often it doesn’t happen. You need to be actively engaged and invested in what they’re saying. Otherwise, it can look like you don’t care, and you’re merely waiting for your chance to speak again. To me, not being present when your co-host is speaking is a sign of disinterest and disrespect.

Two: be an active listener. It’s not enough to look at them when they talk, you need to actively listen to what they’re saying. If your co-host is making a point, follow it up when it’s your turn to talk. Even if you had a different idea as to where you wanted the conversation to go, you need to be open to acknowledging where your co-host has taken it and run with it. If you ever take an improv class, that is one of the first things you’ll learn. It’s a technique called “yes, and” and it means go with the other person’s plot line and add to it.

And three: always remember, it’s not a competition, it’s a partnership. If your co-host is flourishing in a particular moment, let them have their moment. In fact, you should support that moment by encouraging them to keep going. In that instance, think of yourself as a point guard, and your great passing is setting them up for a slam dunk. Of course, you should expect the same in return so you have your chance to be Lebron James.

Stay present, and I guarantee, you’ll both have plenty of chances to shine. If you’re an aspiring host, anchor, or video blogger and want to work on your on-camera techniques, just contact me and let’s get to work.

Have a great day,

Dave