Investigating Presentation Roles & Techniques

Phillp Schofield

Role

TV Presenter

Verbal Techniques

Phillp uses mainly informal and relatable word use, typically going for a comedic tone due to usually presenting talk shows.

Phillp has an English accent.

Visual Techniques

Phillp tends to be animated and expressive when he is talking, using his hands a lot.

Always looking clean and semi formal, usually wearing suits.

Context

Phillp records all his shows in a professional studio environment with a camera crew and usually a live audience.

Ant and Dec

Role

TV Presenter’s, Producers and Actors

Verbal Techniques

Ant and Dec use informal language, rely on each other to act as a comedic duo and present together.

Ant and Dec have English accents.

Visual Techniques

Ant and Dec usually direct body and language towards the audience, but also use body language towards each other as to not isolate either of them.

Typically wear formal clothing, but can also switch it up to match the aesthetic of whatever show their presenting as well.

Context

Ant and Dec are almost always presenting to a live audience on a stage, and on the occasion preforming in a full studio.

Stephen Fry

Role

Comedian, Actor and TV Presenter

Verbal Techniques

Stephen uses mainly a formal way of speaking, but tosses it up to informal when presenting comedy.

Stephen has a strong posh English accent.

Visual Techniques

Stephen wears mostly formal clothes, mainly suits.

Stephen uses a lot of hand movement to convey his words.

Context

Most of Stephens shows are filmed in a TV studio.

Stephen Colbert

Role

TV Show Host and Actor

Verbal Techniques

Stephen uses both formal and informal language, as he tends to approach serious and light topics.

Stephen has a southern American accent, but he taught himself to speak in a general American accent because of stereotypes of southern American characters in TV shows.

Visual Techniques

Stephen tends to wear semi casual suits in his shows.

Stephen mainly employs a lot of body movement and speaks with a lot of energy.

Context

Stephen’s films his shows in a professional studio.

Ellen DeGeneres

Role

Talk Show host, comedian and actress

Verbal Techniques

Ellen uses informal language and down to earth humour.

Ellen has an American accent.

Visual Techniques

Ellen dresses formal casual, typically suits.

Ellen uses exaggerated facial expressions and hand gestures to carry a joke.

Context

Ellen films in a studio full with an audience typically.

Oprah Winfrey

Role

Talk show host

Verbal Techniques

Oprah uses mainly formal language, sympathetic down to earth approach.

Oprah has an American accent.

Visual Techniques

Oprah dresses formally, typically dresses or blazers.

Oprah uses her hands and body to make her audience and guests feel more comfortable.

Context

Oprah films in front of an audience in a studio.

Compare and Contrast:

Ellen DeGeneres & Oprah Winfrey

Ellen and Oprah are both TV talk show hosts that became two of the most successful women on television.

Despite Oprah’s long running talk show now being off the air, she is still a massive influence in the industry and is the wealthiest African American woman in America, worth a billion dollars.

Ellen is well on her way to becoming just as prolific, being the first openly lesbian TV personality and a multi-millionaire.

Both Ellen and Oprah are similar in their personal lives and in their talk shows. In their personal lives both their parents divorced when they were quite young. They went to high school and both then onto collage. They both interview famous and regular people, helping viewers in rough situations often. Ellen and Oprah both film in a professional studio in front of an audience. On their shows they also have lots of giveaways.

Oprah and Ellen have loads of differences as well. Oprah grew up in an abusive environment, whilst Ellen did not. They both present themselves very differently on their shows.

Ellen’s talk show persona is a lot more casual and upbeat, as she attempts to go for a more comedic tone. She dances with her audience and playfully makes fun of her guests occasionally. Ellen’s style gives her a lot more freedom to say what she likes.

Oprah’s talk show persona is a lot more professional and laidback than Ellen’s. Oprah takes on a understanding and kind tone when speaking to people who are speaking about their hardships. She connects with her audience through her motherly vibe. Oprah’s style has gained her a very trustworthy and dependable opinion of her.