Whether it’s a live event, motorsport stage or digital conference: Tobias Witton feels at home wherever people come together to listen, experience and exchange ideas. With his keen sense of language, timing and atmosphere, he not only moderates events, but also creates real connections – between stage and audience, between content and emotion. In doing so, he brings a mixture of professionalism, ease and pedagogical depth. We spoke to the qualified teacher and passionate presenter about stage moments and the art of good conversation.
“Words connect” – Interview with event presenter Tobias Witton
How did you decide to become a presenter and what sparked your interest in this profession?
I was a student teacher at the Ruhr University in Bochum and wanted to earn some money on the side. So I created a profile on the website of a large marketing and event agency to get promotional jobs. One day, I received a request from the agency “looking for young presenters” for STIHL TIMBERSPORTS (sports woodcutting). I became this young presenter after a selection process in 2015.
I completed my studies (German and business education) and my traineeship at a grammar school, during which time I worked diligently as a presenter for STIHL at events and trade fairs. I realized that I enjoyed these stages even more than the classroom. No matter which stage, for me it’s always about motivation, empathy and imparting knowledge. Immediately after receiving my 2nd state examination, I became a full-time freelance presenter.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in your career as a presenter and how did you overcome them?
Two years after deciding to pursue a career in moderation as a full-time job, we were all hit by the coronavirus crisis. Almost all live events were canceled and I was very happy about the customers I was able to support as a webinar host.
Nevertheless, I naturally wanted to do more and thought about what else I would enjoy doing. I called two garden landscaping companies and was already working as a “lawn mower” a week later. My job was to keep the green spaces of my employer’s customers tidy. This job was brilliant for me, because even as a child I loved mowing the lawn. I was also allowed to work outside, usually in the best weather, and I was still independent as I had my own little car with a flatbed and my tools. The fact that I occasionally had coffee and cake with “my new customers” was the icing on the cake.
As Corona was tough, I worked as a substitute teacher the following year. This time, however, not at a grammar school, but at two elementary school. It was a great and very important experience for me.
What qualities and skills do you think are the most important to be a successful moderator?
Honesty: I want to be honest. In everything I do. Especially in the business world honesty is the most important basis for long-term and good cooperation. Honesty creates trust and trust in turn is the basis for good results. I have been working for one client I have been working as a moderator for a client for a very long time and we have reached a level of cooperation that that opens up completely new possibilities. Our mutual trust means that we can calmly manage even very large events together. We can react to new challenges so flexibly that the flexibly so that the audience benefits. For me, this collaboration is a good example of example of appreciation in action and I enjoy it.
Authenticity: Being authentic as a presenter is a key success factor for me. A basis for being able to be authentic is very good preparation. Only if I know exactly what it is about and what the goal is, who I may be speaking to on stage and who is in the audience I can act and present authentically. A good degree of spontaneity is also important for me. It is particularly important during audience interaction or Q&As, to feel the vibe and use it positively for everyone present.
Skills: Receptiveness and structure are essential. As a moderator, I have to be able to process information quickly. This applies in general to the preparation of meetings and moderations and especially for live communication.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or challenging event that you have hosted?
I was particularly impressed by the moderation for a Japanese tire manufacturer at a trade fair. There I had the honor of performing on stage with Ken Block, one of the world’s most famous motor sportsmen, to talk to him and spontaneously convince him to do a round of “Schnick-Schnack-Schnuck”. He joined in the fun and the Japanese management and I were delighted.
Presentations for the NFL and FIA are other highlights in sport. In the area of politics and panel discussions, I have very fond memories of moderating the WHU Forum. In a talk with Peter Altmaier (former Federal Minister of Economics), he went from the politics of Europe to the fish stocks in the Deutsches Eck (Rhine, Moselle, Lahn) near Koblenz. I deliberately interrupted Mr. Altmaier in order to give the other guests from the European Parliament and others a chance to speak and received praise from him afterwards for the “good and correct interruption”.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career as a presenter?
Set moderation priorities, do authentic marketing, network well and, above all, have fun on stage.
How do you deal with difficult or unexpected situations during an event?
Unplanned and surprising situations can always occur. From a power cut, to the speaker not coming on stage after the introduction, to serious sports injuries to athletes in competition.
It’s important for me to keep calm, pick up the audience first and bridge the gap if necessary. In exceptional situations, I get feedback from the director or other steakholders. A power cut has twice given me the chance to demonstrate my rather loud voice and entertain the audience.