Many people out there want to make it in the world of presenting, so we got success story Sian Welby to share her top 10 tips for those hoping to pave their way into the industry...
Credit: Chris Parkes
1. Get the basics right first- before you start job hunting make sure you have everything sorted. Professional photos, a strong showreel, website and contact details ready to hand out. In this industry you can NEVER be on the back foot.
2. Be you - don't try to copy someone else's style or accent or act like you think a presenter acts! You're not an actor, you're you. TV producers want to see a real person coming across, so it's very important you are comfortable in your own skin. I once watched a Geordie girl change her accent in an audition. It blew my mind. She thought she sounded great, she sounded ridiculous!
3. Trust your instinct- these days content lasts forever. This makes it especially important when it comes to choosing jobs. Always make sure you take a job that heads you in the right direction and won't come back to haunt you later. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
4. Make sacrifices- when I left school I didn't get any help or advice about how to break into television, but I knew I couldn't afford do anything half-heartedly. I was so panicked about wasting time, I felt that going to uni would have stolen 3 years from me, when I could be trying to make it. In fact I was so worried I would miss out on a potential job opportunity I didn't have a holiday in 5 years!! You need to be prepared to put a lot of work in.
5. Never be late- you're better being an hour early than even a minute late. It doesn't look good. People are busy, time is money and you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
6. Learn names- it's always a great skill if you can remember names. You will meet a lot of people along the way, and many of them will meet you again later down the line. It's a small world and awkward "hellos" are the worst! Top tip is to repeat their name after they say it in an introduction and then associate that name to a celebrity or character with the same name.
7. Do your homework- if you turn up to a gig or audition unprepared it shows. Research who you're talking to, the company, the people, bring notes, props anything you might need to make your situation easier and impress the people you are meeting by doing something extra. If you get handed a script while you're waiting, go to the toilet and read it out loud in the mirror. You don't want your audition to be the first time you've heard it come out of your mouth.
8. Get a tough skin- You will have a lot of rejection. Don't take it to heart. You need to learn to roll with the punches pretty quickly and if it helps, believe in fate. That's what gets me through. If I get a job, I was supposed to, if I didn't, I wasn't. Simple. That way you'll never get bitter or jealous and you'll have the energy to keep going; rather than falling into a never ending cycle of screaming "WHYYYYYYYYY?" to yourself with a glass of wine in one hand and your face in a family bag of Doritos.
9. Make tea- When you do finally get your break, don't let it change who you are; your manners your respect for people. Sadly I have heard stories about presenters who have changed with fame. Remember your journey, where you came from and who makes you look good. From the runner to the director, it's a TEAM effort to produce a good show. If you are still making cups of tea for crew members when you're at the top of you're game, you'll stay there.
10. Be patient- It's a tough old industry, based on skill, circumstances and a little bit of luck. It can take time to build your career, make the right contacts and gain respect. If you expect success overnight then you're in it for the wrong reasons and if you get impatient you'll make rookie mistakes. Play the long game. It's harder, but pays off in the end.
For news and updates, check out @SianWelby on Twitter and Instagram.