She finds it amazing that, even today, people get thrown in the deep end, which is why she is passionate about mentoring the younger generation. Here are some of the ways a live television presenter can prepare: • Learn to control breathing and the timing of words; • Discover which words are perfect for filling time; • Endlessly dissect footage of yourself; • Develop empathy for people in a short period of time – you will interview well if people trust you; • Read body language and be sympathetic. One of the more difficult things to overcome for a television personality is the cringe factor when analysing performances on film. “I hate the sound of my own voice, and when you watch yourself back on television, you pick up on all sorts of idiosyncrasies that you didn’t know you had,” says Johanna. “It’s so funny doing reality television and the contestants find out what they actually sound like. They say, ‘do I really do that?’” Live broadcasting, however, is something Johanna compares with performing as an elite athlete, as it puts her under the same type of pressure. She is a veteran of six Olympics and one Paralympics coverage, and while she will miss the next Winter Olympics, Johanna has already signed up for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. “I love doing live sport first and foremost,” she says. “I love the challenge of thinking on my feet and getting one shot to do things right. It aligns closely with competing in elite sport.” HOME IMPROVEMENT: NOT JUST A JOB The problem for Johanna, the sports lover, was that the network needed to get more value out of one of its star performers, so the producers asked what else she loved. “I said, ‘I love entertaining, cooking and gardening,’ and they said, ‘perfect, then you can take over the role as host on Better Homes and Gardens and also Auction Squad’.” After Auction Squad came House Calls to the Rescue, and in 2005 she took over from Noni Hazlehurst as Better Homes and Gardens host. “I absolutely love the show and love the team,” says Johanna. “It is a positive show, and I am proud that families gather around to watch it. It is a show that is part of peoples’ routines and has a place in their hearts across the generations.” Her current side project, House Rules, broadcast its fifth season finale in July, when Gold Coast couple Aaron and Daniella beat their rivals, and good friends, Kate and Harry. “Those two couples are so gracious and respectful of each other, and are very appreciative,” Johanna says. “For me, the one thing that Australian’s don’t like seeing is ungrateful people – when they see people appearing ungrateful on camera, they don’t react well. “Daniella and Aaron are two incredibly grateful people,” says Johanna, adding that they are a “divine”, what-you-see-is-what-you-get couple. The show had a new team behind the scenes this year and a revamped format, which was taken on in an effort to improve the early-season ratings. In the past few years, House Rules has started slowly, but as a result of the rejigged format, it was the number one rated reality show in its early weeks and Channel 7 recommitted to another season. “It was nice, because often there is that pit of fear in the stomach early in the season when MERCEDES-BENZ PARRAMATTA 10 FEATURE