Hornbill TV journalist Imnatula Jamir addresses a workshop on ‘Mastering On-Camera Reporting: Presentation Skills for Broadcast Journalists’ at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) on August 11. (Photo Courtesy: DJMC PCC)
Hornbill TV’s Imnatula Jamir leads Mastering On-Camera Reporting workshop
PATKAI, AUGUST 11 (MExN): Aspiring broadcast journalists should learn to become comfortable in front of the camera and develop a natural, conversational delivery, Hornbill TV news anchor, reporter and host Imnatula Jamir (Atu Jamir) told students of Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) on August 11.
Imagine speaking to one person rather than thousands of viewers, as this approach can make on-camera presentation more natural and less intimidating, Jamir advised, addressing as the resource person of a workshop,“Mastering On-Camera Reporting: Presentation Skills for Broadcast Journalists” organised by the college’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC).
She noted that nervousness was normal for beginners, but reporters needed to learn to manage it so it did not show during a broadcast.
The workshop covered camera placement, angles and shot sizes, including eye-level, close-up, medium and wide shots.
Jamir explained their applications in broadcast journalism, noting that medium shots are commonly used for live reporting and anchoring, while wider shots can establish locations and provide context during incidents such as fires, rallies and accidents.
She also stressed the importance of controlled body language, advising students to maintain balanced posture, relaxed shoulders and natural hand movements.
The broadcast journalist cautioned against habits such as playing with the microphone, repeatedly touching the face or hair, crossing the arms and unnecessary movement.
On facial expressions and eye contact, she held a reporter's expression should correspond with the nature and seriousness of the story. She advised students to look directly into the camera lens, which she described as representing the viewer's eyes.
She further discussed pace, pitch, pauses and pronunciation, advising reporters to avoid speaking too quickly or too slowly and to use pauses after important information to allow audiences to absorb key points.
The session included practical guidance on live reporting and vox pops, with students encouraged to ask short, clear and open-ended questions, listen attentively and avoid interrupting or dominating interviews.
Jamir also explained the distinction between news reporters and anchors and discussed anchoring techniques including framing, headroom, posture, teleprompter use, facial expressions, voice modulation, pronunciation and transitions.
The workshop featured practical activities and demonstrations, allowing students to explore on-camera reporting, interviewing and video journalism. Students also had an opportunity to ask questions and draw on Jamir's professional experience.
The workshop began with a welcome address by Nzanrhoni Humtsoe and concluded with a vote of thanks by Therali R Kithan.
The workshop focused on equipping students with practical skills in on-camera presentation, broadcast reporting, interviewing and effective communication, while also helping them develop confidence and a natural presence in front of the camera, the department stated in a press release.
