Marissa Jöbstl is a TV and event host, sports scientist, and former elite athlete. As a former vaulter, she understands performance, precision, and mental strength from personal experience—in 2009, she won the silver medal at the European Championships and later coached athletes on their journey to the top of the world rankings.
Today, Marissa Jöbstl combines her athletic expertise with a professional media and stage presence. She hosts sporting events, galas, health events, business events, international symposia, interviews, talks, and on-air programs. Her focus lies in the areas of sports, performance, health, motivation, personal development, business, and interpersonal interaction.
With empathy, charisma, quick wit, and natural authenticity, Marissa Jöbstl confidently guides audiences through programs, builds rapport with the audience, and brings content to life. She embodies a style of hosting that effectively combines professionalism, emotional presence, and humanity.
Interview with Marissa Jöbstl
How did you come to become a host, and what sparked your interest in this profession?
After my career as a competitive athlete (vaulting), I had the opportunity in my subsequent professional role to conduct my first interviews with athletes and to host press conferences, sports galas, and international symposia. From that point on, hosting has been a passion of mine. This was followed by many events in the sports, health, and finance sectors, and then the move to television. What fascinates me most are people and their stories. Creating personal spaces and experiencing the moments that arise from them—that’s what I’m passionate about!
What were the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career as a presenter, and how did you overcome them?
Since I have a very positive attitude toward challenges, I’m always open to them—they hold the greatest potential for personal and professional growth. But if there was one particular challenge for me as a host, it was probably that there were people in the industry who wanted to tell me that I couldn’t do something or that something wasn’t possible. I overcame that quite simply—with my unshakeable belief in my abilities, discipline, and a whole lot of humor. And in the end, I made it happen.
What qualities and skills do you consider most important for being a successful presenter?
Definitely empathy, quick wit, flexibility, and humor. Empathy and humor serve as icebreakers and build trust. Quick wit and flexibility demonstrate competence and experience. The combination of all these qualities creates an environment where people feel comfortable and respected, and where confidence shines through. That’s exactly when spaces emerge where genuine connections are made and events become unforgettable. Apart from that, a successful host must be eloquent, charismatic, and always professionally prepared—but I consider these qualities a given anyway. Success is evident when you get booked again!
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or challenging event you’ve hosted?
It wasn’t an event, but it was certainly one of the most challenging experiences of my hosting career. My task was to conduct an interview with a man who had suffered a severe blow of fate at a young age and had now found a way not only to deal with it positively but also to give something back to people through his work. This interview lasted nearly three hours and required a great deal of tact to keep it professional while still allowing emotions to come through. For me, it was a moving and challenging experience for which I am very grateful.
How do you prepare for a moderation, and what strategies do you use to stay flexible during an event?
For me, the beginning of my moderation—the opener—is probably the most important part. It sets the tone for how the entire moderation will unfold. That’s why I invest the most energy into it. To do this, I spend a lot of time in advance getting to know my clients and their event. Listening, paying attention, and keeping an eye on the details! A clear structure—and thus a common thread—is crucial for me to maintain focus and clarity throughout the entire presentation. In between, there’s always room to react to the unexpected. Staying authentic and human helps me the most here.
What are the most important trends and developments in the field of moderation and event management that you’re currently observing?
The closer presenters are to the audience, the better. Natural communication, authenticity, and confidence are increasingly taking center stage—moving away from perfection and simply “reading from a script.” The integration of live chats, live streams, and digital interaction allows participants to become part of the event experience and helps lighten the atmosphere, especially at hybrid events. In event management, the trend is undoubtedly shifting from the “event” to the “experience.” This is always achieved when emotions are stirred.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to a career as a host?
A certain amount of talent—or perhaps even a natural gift—is a huge advantage. The ability to speak freely, eloquence, and a certain ease in front of a large audience are essential building blocks. A forced or stiff presentation style is immediately obvious, since as a presenter you inevitably draw attention to yourself. So, you should generally feel comfortable on stage or in front of the camera. The more diverse your experiences, the better your flexibility in responding to situations will develop, and the more self-confidence you’ll gain. Recordings, live streams, on-air and off-air hosting, in German and English—try everything and figure out where you really excel. But the most important thing is—take an interest in people, stay curious, and don’t let challenges or setbacks get you down. Practice makes perfect!
How do you handle difficult or unexpected situations during an event?
With my conviction that I can handle any situation professionally—and with plenty of humor 🙂