8 - Those Who Can, Do

Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. Those who can't do or teach get jobs as reporters. Or so the saying goes.

Well, in addition to working full time as a TV news reporter for two different television companies, in the (very little) spare time I have left over I also teach at a local University.

It's on one of the "Media" degree courses, which are actually much maligned within the industry. I think Editors like a person to be a blank page to write on.

My job is to teach the Undergraduate and Postgraduate students how to write broadcast news.

I don't really think I am a natural teacher. I am more of a doer. And trying to break down how I do a thing that comes relatively naturally to me has been a fascinating experience. Helping them to learn has also taught me long forgotten tricks. And they certainly ask a lot of questions and make you think!

It's hugely enjoyable, and it's also made me less complacent.

Lots of my family and loved ones come from a scientific ilk, and by comparison, I just "write and talk a bit for a living." They do incredibly intellectual things, that have the parameters of right and wrong answers to help define their skills and intellect.

But teaching has reminded me that I do have a huge range of skills to offer. They just aren't as obvious as the ones that a doctor or an engineer has.

The ability to put people at ease very quickly. To make small talk, and draw the best out of people. To talk with authority on a wide range of topics, off the cuff. And so on.

Oh and to be the source of celebrity gossip at dinner parties for my friends. Apparently that's what they are most impressed by anyway...