A Conversation with Shannon O’Dowd

The television host and presenter shares her secrets to getting the job.

Shannon O’Dowd is a TV host and spokesperson who has been in the business for over a decade. In addition to her on-camera career, O’Dowd is also a media training/on-camera instructor. She works one-on-one with clients to help them create genuine, authentic experiences as hosts. Below, O’Dowd shares some of her secrets for success, and how to adapt to the current times by nailing your online auditions.

How did you get started in television hosting?

I was on a television series as a series regular and our show was canceled during the writer’s strike. I started auditioning for commercials and ended up auditioning for a Sunsweet Raisins commercial as a testimonial trying raisins. They liked my read and asked me to audition for the spokesperson. I booked it, and ended up doing their commercial/radio spots for a year. I loved talking to camera, and I was hooked!

What do you wish people understood about your job?

Hosting is not about being your “idea” of a host, spokesperson, or reporter. It’s about being yourself, and conveying the information (whether that’s scripted or banter) in a genuine, connected, and engaging way.

How does hosting…