Sports journalist Taufig Khalil in a Premium Speakers interview
Taufig Khalil is a defining figure in German journalism. With his specialisation in sports reporting and his versatility as a presenter, he inspires both on stage and in front of the camera. As a Bayern reporter for BR and ARD, he has been shaping the coverage of FC Bayern Munich since 2010 and impresses with his in-depth expertise, for example when broadcasting top Bundesliga and Champions League matches.
His motto: ‘I like people and their stories.’ It is precisely this passion that drives him, whether as a presenter, radio reporter or author of books about prominent sports personalities. In addition to his journalistic work, he teaches Broadcast Management at the ISM in Munich and supports students as a mentor.
Taufig Khalil in an interview:
How did you decide to become a presenter and what sparked your interest in this profession?
I’ve always had a lot of fun doing something with my voice and presence and entertaining or informing people in the process. It all started in school theatre.
What qualities and skills do you consider to be the most important to be a successful moderator?
Curiosity, voice, presence, openness.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or challenging event that you have hosted?
Probably the best event I have hosted was the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics National Games in Munich’s Olympic Hall in 2012.
People with disabilities are a special audience and give back an extraordinary energy. Standing on stage together with German President Joachim Gauck and football world champion Paul Breitner in front of 12,000 spectators was also something quite unique.
In addition, the ceremony was broadcast live on television, which also made it something special in terms of logistics and excitement.
How do you prepare for a moderation and what strategies do you use to remain flexible during an event?
Above all, I plan the beginning and the end according to the motto ‘Winning Beginning, End with a Bang’. I rehearse my presentations very carefully and try to recognise any problems in advance when planning. My experience from 30 years of moderating helps me here, because I have actually experienced everything during this time. If something unforeseen does happen, I usually remain calm and react accordingly. My job as a football commentator certainly helps me here, because something unexpected always happens at a football match.
How do you deal with difficult or unexpected situations during an event?
I remain absolutely calm and relaxed, because I can’t change it. I can only try to make the best of it.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career as a presenter?
Anyone who wants to do something like this must not only have the physical presence but also the linguistic ability to finish a sentence that they have started without an accident. It definitely helps if you have already read a book or two or a proper newspaper.
Also: ‘Be curious, be open and work on your rhetorical skills.’