What does the job of a columnist involve? D.M:
The job of a columnist is to appear on a television set alongside a presenter and discuss/exchange views on various topics, giving your opinion or asking questions on the topic of the day.
D.P:
My job consists of collaborating, talking, and sharing my opinion on current affairs topics covered during the program Le Chœur des Femmes.
How do you organize your work? D.M:
I write my comments and questions before going on set. On set, I participate in the conversation with the other columnists.
D.P:
I comment on the various topics covered during the program and share my opinion. My comments, which can be serious or offbeat depending on the subject, are thoroughly researched before the program in order to provide viewers with as much relevant information as possible.
I also try out new activities so that the public can discover them. Among other things, I've had to try out jobs such as mechanic, dog breeder, etc.
In your opinion, what are the main qualities you need to have? D.M:
You need to know how to write a column, do your research, express yourself and make yourself understood, be comfortable in front of the camera, and listen to the other columnists
. D.P:
This job requires skills such as
eloquence, good diction, curiosity, quick wit, listening skills, and team spirit. How does one become a columnist? D.M:
There is no academic path. I didn't even know I would end up as a columnist one day (laughs)
D.P:
As for me, I have a bachelor's degree in international business and a certificate in advertising from Montreal, Canada, where I lived for 14 years. This background has allowed me to be open-minded and exposed to different cultures. This allows me to be more tolerant when discussing certain topics. I also had to improve my public speaking and posture through coaching.
Do you work with a team? Do you collaborate with other departments? D.M:
Yes, I work in collaboration with the entire team of columnists as well as the editorial team.
D.P:
Obviously, a program like this can only be made possible through well-coordinated teamwork. So, as a columnist, I collaborate a lot with the editorial team and the various contributors to the program to make it as rich as possible. Not to mention the entire technical team, without whom the program would not be of such high quality.
What are the most positive aspects of your job? What
are the main difficulties? D.M:
Being able to give your opinion without taboos and to discuss different topics and learn new things is particularly interesting. The pace of filming is sometimes intense…
D.P:
The best aspects revolve around people. For me, it's really the fact that I've been able to meet people with extraordinary, interesting stories. But also being able to work with so many talented people, starting with the editorial team, the columnists, and the entire technical team.
The main challenge is not to take the opinions of certain contributors, which can be shocking, too personally. Sometimes, certain topics speak to us so deeply that they shake us up. You have to be able to take a step back.
Was there a professional event that made an impression on you? D.M:
My first time as a columnist! I had rehearsed my opening greeting in my language (Mina) several times, I knew it by heart, and then when I was given the floor and looked at the camera, I completely stammered.
D.P:
We had an activist, Didier Awadi, on the set, who made a deep impression on me with his messages and actions for Africa. It made me realize that we all have a part to play, however small, in making things happen on our beautiful continent.
Can you tell us about the "Women's Choir"? What are the ambitions of such a program? D.M:
The program is aimed at African women: we tackle all subjects, without judgment and without taboos! We launch debates, without necessarily sharing the same opinion, but always with respect for others. When I joined the Chœur des Femmes team, it was as a "parenting specialist," which is basically my field of expertise.
D.P:
Le Chœur des Femmes is a TV show made by modern African women, aimed at men and women of all ages, but above all, it is without taboos.
The aim of the show is really to help people start conversations about topics that are difficult to talk about among ourselves, or even within our families.
The program wants to prove that African women are capable of producing quality programs on topics that affect a large part of the population. Another ambition is to ensure that the show's reputation extends beyond our borders.