主播大秀

How does a TV presenter’s facial expression help or hinder the tone of a programme? Do presentation styles help to engage an audience or get in the way of the story?

These were some of the topics covered in an intensive training session I recently conducted with 14 TV presenters from Cambodia. In a series of practical tasks we also covered fact-checking, broadcasting on location, interview techniques and how to calm pre-broadcast nerves.

Collectively reaching tens of millions of viewers every day, these young presenters have a range of experience, spanning commercial and public service broadcasting. What they share is an interest in engaging young Cambodian audiences on topics including unemployment, sexual health and voting.

Raised eyebrows

We all had to leave our egos at the door, which can be challenging for presenters! 'It's not about you, it's about the story,' I told them. Greeted with one or two raised eyebrows at the beginning of the training, by day three it was clear we shared a desire to engage with audiences in a fair and transparent way that placed the story at the heart of what we do.

Like the rest of the world, the Cambodian media has embraced the digital revolution.

, a 主播大秀 Media Action TV and radio show on sexual health, is a shining example of the power of social media. The show’s co-presenters told me about its 100,000-strong Facebook following.

But underneath this progressive use of technology, Cambodian presenting styles are very traditional and respectful. This can make it difficult to engage audiences, especially with younger viewers. Showing too much personality is frowned upon in Cambodia, the presenters told me, and they were nervous about their manager’s reactions to change. As 主播大秀 journalists we are fortunate to have the freedom to suggest improvements or raise concerns, something I realised we often take for granted.

Through test filming and honest critiques, the presenters learnt how subtle changes to their presentation style, such as facial expressions, more open body language and a true grasp of the story can enhance their relationship with the viewer without compromising their integrity or the story itself.

Responsibility

One of the group summed up what many were thinking: "I feel lucky to do this job but it's a big responsibility, right?”

Right.

Despite our different professional environments, we all share the same responsibility – to place audiences at the heart of what we do. I am hopeful that the talented presenters I met will have the confidence to push boundaries to reach out to the next generation of Cambodians. We're going to stay in touch and I look forward to seeing how things evolve for the team in this exciting country.

Babita Sharma is Presenter, 主播大秀 World News and co-host of the channel's Asia breakfast programme Newsday.

Babita’s training is part of a wider effort by 主播大秀 Media Action to strengthen the ability of its media partners to use radio and TV to improve the lives of young people in Cambodia. Recent projects have included TV and radio programmes on , and .

• Read more about 主播大秀 Media Action’s work in 
• Discover more about the work of 
• Follow 主播大秀 Media Action on  and