Bingo callers have a much more important job than most of us realize. They need certain skills, characteristics and training. Like any other job, being a bingo caller has its advantages, rewards and challenges.

Bingo callers have to keep their audience entertained and alert at all times. They should also add some humour to the game.

Bingo callers must have a certain type of personality and specific characteristics to be successful. Bingo callers should have a great sense of humour; they should be confident and lively and must have the ability to deal with mishaps. They need a natural stage presence and should be outgoing, but careful not to come across as cocky or arrogant. They have to like working with people and be happy to interact with people from different backgrounds. They should have clear pronunciation and must be able to remain calm under pressure. They need numerical skills and should be observant, reliable and responsible. It is very important that they understand all the rules and working practices relating to the game. Computer literacy is also an advantage for candidates who want to pursue this career.

It is the responsibility of the bingo caller to ensure each game runs smoothly. The bingo caller calls the numbers that are randomly generated by the computer and continuously scan the room for winners. He or she handles winning claims, and needs to be able to fill the gaps between games. The announcer calls on average 15 to 20 games an hour!

Training is very important in this line of work. Many employers have in-house training programmes. Most of the time aspirant callers learn from practical experience under the supervision of experienced bingo callers. It is also important that candidates have played bingo before in order for them to be able to understand the game from the player's perspective.

Of course being a bingo caller also has its challenges. Sometimes the work requires that they work long hours and long shifts. One of their challenges is to continually add something new and original to their performance. They need to have new jokes handy and it is always important to keep the game as interesting and fun as possible. Bingo callers have to be happy and cheerful all the time, no matter what their personal circumstances are.

But the rewards of being a bingo caller are far better than the challenges. One of the greatest things about being a bingo caller is that they can create the atmosphere, as well as putting smiles on their players' faces. The greatest reward of all is the salary. A caller can earn up to $10 000 if he or she is experienced!

All candidates need to become a bingo caller is a passion for bingo, a love for people and lots of confidence.