Journalist: Kendall Gilding
Kendall Gilding. Kendall is an Australian journalist, television presenter, host, MC and ambassador. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from the Queensland University of Technology, and started her career with the Seven Network in her home town of Cairns in 2011.
She’s currently the presenter of Channel 7’s afternoon news across Queensland and has been a guest news reader on Channel 7’s Sunrise and the Queensland 6pm news bulletin. She’s also worked on live coverage of sporting events including Davis Cup Tennis, Magic Millions and Stradbroke Race Day.
Kendall is passionate about business, leadership, communication, news, influence and women. Family is her number one priority and her greatest joy in life. She’s been married to Timothy, a music teacher, for 10 years and has two children - a daughter named Olive and a son named Moses.
Growing up did you always picture yourself working in television?
I knew I wanted to be a television journalist from the age of 14. Once I’d set my sights on the industry, I did whatever it took to make it a reality.
What are some of the skills needed to be successful in the media industry?
Everything is about people. I would say listening skills are the secret to being successful in just about every industry.
Speaking of skills, your ‘newsreader voice’ – how do you learn to do that?
I did months of voice coaching while I was still in university. I knew it was an easy and proactive way to refine my skills before graduating that might give me an edge over others when it came to applying for jobs. My voice coach – Nev Roberts – was a former TV presenter. Just like how singers are taught to project from their diaphragm, I was taught to speak from my chest – not my head.
What does a ‘typical’ day look like for you?
Every single day is different. I’m a young mum, so juggling the demands of a baby and a toddler. I often have meetings in the morning, wardrobe fittings sessions, hair appointments, whatever needs to get done. I’m always on Mount Coot-Tha by around midday. I do a read through of our 4pm bulletin, check my emails, then I’m straight into hair and makeup. Once ready I head to the studio to pre-record an update. Then I’m in the newsroom working with the producers and refining the bulletin before jumping back in studio to do the show live from 4-5pm. Depending on the day – I also chip in and help write a story for the 6pm news.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
I really loved working on Channel 7’s breakfast show Sunrise. I have been fortunate enough to fill in as a newsreader and it was always great fun.
What is it you love about interviewing people?
Everyone has a story to tell. I count it a privilege to share them.
Can you give us your best three pieces of advice for girls wanting to get into journalism, particularly television presenting?
Always dress for the job you want, not the job you have. (You never know when you’ll bump into your future boss)!
Overprepare, then let your personality do the rest!
Be willing to work hard behind the scenes – 90 per cent of what we do isn’t seen by the viewer.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In Sydney working in morning television. Still happily married to Timothy. Raising our two beautiful children.
And what would you tell your younger self?
It doesn’t matter where you’re from, whether your parents had lots of money, or if you graduate from university with really high marks – if you have a dream chase it! You can be anything you want to be!
What’s your view on paid/unpaid work experience?
It’s a critical key to success in my industry. Most of the young journalists get a foot in the door by being willing to learn through unpaid work experience. That often leads to paid work in the newsroom and then a position in one of our regional offices. You need to learn to walk before you run.
Franc’s Fast Five
Favourite subject in school? English
Running or yoga? Neither – walking!
What word do you have a hard time pronouncing? Australia. (A News Director once told me I say it funny, so now I question myself every single time!)
Books or movies? Books
What is your favourite type of weather? Winter sunshine