During a broadcasting school tape critique session in the '90s, I discussed a TV talk show host's recent debut with the instructor.
I told her, "The show is decent, but the host spends too much time undercutting that by talking about how nervous he is and how he's not sure how they'll manage to fill time."
I agreed with the instructor's response.
"Yeah, when you host a talk show, that kind of talk should be kept to a minimum," she said. "When I watch a talk show, I think, 'I'm sitting here in my living room, and he's making good money hosting the show. He must have some skill that I don't have, so why he is on TV apologizing repeatedly for the show?'"
It's OK to admit nervousness or uncertainty now and then, but hosts who do that too often on their own shows invite the question, "Why are you hosting the show, then, if you don't have confidence in your product?"
