Julia Bauer is a top moderator for conferences, meetings, galas and events, professionally moderating live, digital and hybrid events in German and English. With a background in economics and extensive experience abroad, she now lives in Cologne and Switzerland. She works for WDR, the auto motor and sport channel and presents a wide range of news and travel programs.
She inspires with her competence and cordiality and has impressed on international stages as well as at numerous hybrid and digital events. As a media and rhetoric trainer, she supports specialists and managers and teaches at WHU Vallendar and FOM Cologne. Julia Bauer has been voted “most popular presenter” several times and is one of the top presenters in Germany.
Interview with Julia Bauer:
1. How did you decide to become a presenter and what sparked your interest in this profession?
I studied economics and diplomacy and worked for international companies as well as the United Nations and the German Embassy in Bangkok at the beginning of my career. I quickly realized that I simply don’t have the patience for internal politics. I like clear announcements and relationships and love to deliver perfectly even under time pressure. So I used the experience I had gained to become a journalist. First behind the camera, then in front of it. The rest is history 🙂
2. What qualities and skills do you consider to be the most important to be a successful moderator?
A generally broad knowledge and in-depth knowledge in the respective specialist area. Spontaneity and quick-wittedness are only possible if you know what you are talking about and can react to statements made by others on stage.
3. Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or challenging event that you have hosted?
A lot has happened during almost 15 years of TV and event moderation: An audience member suffered a circulatory collapse at a summer event location and I had to ask the guests to call an ambulance. Speakers had coughs or hoarseness, and once I had to suppress a coughing fit myself and cut my presentation short so that I could leave the stage.
The most challenging experience for me was when a client spontaneously decided to have an event planned entirely in English held in French: Two hours before the start. I can easily switch between German and English – but technical terms from the automotive world in French? I had to sweat and google a lot before it started. But this event also went off without a hitch… 🙂
4. How do you prepare for a moderation and what strategies do you use to remain flexible during an event?
I generally speak freely, working only with bullet points. This means that my preparation consists more of research than scripting. This helps me to be quick and authentic on stage and to react at the right point.
5. What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career as a presenter?
Content is more important than “gloss and glitter”. Being a good presenter does not mean being the center of attention. It is much more about having the overall flow of an event or program under control and giving speakers or contributions a proper framework and space.
6. How do you deal with difficult or unexpected situations during an event?
Remain calm and authentic, act in a solution-oriented manner. Some mishaps in the rundown or in the technology can be skillfully covered up, others cannot. So if, for example, a speaker gets a coughing fit, simply give them a break and adjust the sequence spontaneously. Live is live – and human.
Are you looking for a top presenter for your event? Book Julia Bauer at Premium Speakers: 1 (704) 804 1054 or welcome@premium-speakers.com