With her international background, her eloquence and her unmistakable charisma, Marianna Evenstein is a sought-after presenter in the event and media sector.
Whether she is chairing large conferences, moderating panel discussions or reporting in front of the camera at Deutsche Welle, she always brings elegance, professionalism and versatility to the table.
Born in New York and now firmly rooted in Berlin, Marianna combines the best elements of different cultures. Fluent in English, German and Russian, she manages to inspire a global audience. Thanks to her journalistic experience and her precise eye for detail, she creates the perfect setting to make any event or discussion sustainable and lively.
Let’s take a look behind the scenes of her career with her and find out what drives her to keep setting new standards in the world of moderation.
Marianna Evenstein in an interview
How did you decide to become a presenter and what sparked your interest in this profession?
My interest in moderation arose from my work as a journalist at Deutsche Welle, where I learnt how to communicate complex topics in an understandable way and lead exciting discussions. I quickly realised how much I enjoy interacting with experts and leading discussions – especially when it comes to bringing together different perspectives. As a moderator, I think it’s just great to have conversations that really make a difference.
What qualities and skills do you think are the most important to be a successful moderator?
For me, the most important qualities for a successful moderator are empathy, strong communication skills and the ability to make complex topics understandable. As a moderator, it is also crucial to create a pleasant atmosphere and react flexibly to unexpected turns in discussions.
How do you prepare for a moderation and what strategies do you use to remain flexible during an event?
I prepare myself primarily by thoroughly researching the topics and speakers and thinking about questions that address different perspectives. During the event, I listen attentively so that I can react flexibly to unexpected turns of events. It’s about controlling the flow of conversation, picking up on new ideas and remaining calm and focussed at the same time, even when things get spontaneous.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career as a presenter?
My main piece of advice would be to be genuinely curious about the world and the people around you. Learn as much as you can, be open to new ideas and perspectives and don’t be afraid to ask questions. And above all, don’t take yourself too seriously! A bit of humour helps you to stay relaxed even in difficult moments. Of course, good preparation is important, but it is just as crucial to remain authentic, listen carefully and react calmly to every situation.
How do you deal with difficult or unexpected situations during an event?
Live events are always a bit spontaneous, and that’s exactly what I love about them – there’s always something unexpected that makes the event exciting. Humour often helps to lighten the mood and get everyone talking again. It’s important to remain flexible and keep an overview, even if something doesn’t go according to plan.