I Want To Get On TV As A Talk Show Host


Susan Haber, TV Talent Manager, TV Show Packager and Brand Builder | Hollywood TV Association Instructor

Oh talk show hosts...how you come into our lives and make us laugh everyday.

It is such an admirable profession, and one that requires a type of person that embodies certain special characteristics. We break down the makings of a world-class talk show host in this blog. If you are looking to get on TV as a talk show host, I would take some notes!

Talk show hosts need to be very skilled in many areas. They may make it look easy, but it is one of the most difficult positions on TV. Below are some of the skills that are needed.

  1. Good timing
  2. Good listening skills – they can’t be thinking of their next questions, but rather they need to listen to the guest and react to what the guest just said
  3. Good social skills
  4. Linking details together and making jokes.
  5. Good segues and transitions
  6. Must be aware of the home audience and the studio audience too
  7. Keep a good flow
  8. Be informed and educated about pop culture, politics, world issues and anything else that would be of interest to the particular network on which the show airs

What type of personality would make a good talk show host?

Every talk show host has something unique and interesting about them. they also have a “style” unto their own. we call this charisma – that something, something that we can’t quite put our finger on, but we love watching and listening to them! have your family and friends told you that you should be a talk show host? they may be right. they may see something there. you may have that “star quality”, that glamour, appeal, magnetism and allure that sets you apart big time!
A good talk show host must be relatable and diplomatic:

  1. Communication is key – you must be able to talk to your audience (if there is one) and the camera (your home viewers) and they must be able to understand what you are saying.
  2. You must stay somewhat unopinionated because you are talking to a lot of different people and you sort of want to please all of the people all of the time.
  3. You must be gracious, polite, yet strategic and clever.

Last, but surely not least…… 

  1. Find your “gift” and build it out/up
  2. Make the most of your personality
  3. Be your very best self
  4. Don’t be afraid to be the exaggerated version of yourself
  5. Your homework - watch and study every talk show host from past and present – whether it is Jay Leno, Dave Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Stewart, Craig Ferguson, Whoopi Goldberg, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Carson Daly, Regis Philbin, Katie Couric, Pat Sajak, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, Oprah, Ellen, Wendy Williams, Howard Stern, Jerry Springer, Joan Rivers – you will learn from each and every one of them.
  6. Have fun!!!


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