Indy Barends shares some trade secrets

Becoming a teacher is a new experience for broadcaster- presenter Mendya Brata, better known as Indy Barends.

"I have no basic experience in teaching besides being an entertainer," she said on Tuesday in her office at PT Indo Mugi Pratama (IP Entertainment) in Central Jakarta.

Born in Bogor on Jan. 15, 1972, Indy has been teaching public speaking courses at IP Entertainment since April.

She has been teaching senior high school and college students, as well as married women who aim to be entertainers or host events.

"As their teacher, I always urge them to consider me as a friend who is ready to share experiences, instead of as a lecturer. Apparently, it works," said the Jakarta-based Hard Rock FM radio announcer.

Indy does not worry about her new job disturbing her other professional activities.

"I still broadcast the morning show with Farhan on Hard Rock FM at 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. from Monday to Friday. I always do the program unless I'm sick. On the weekend, I can still do other jobs as a Master of Ceremonies, voice-overs for commercials or hosting TV shows," she said.

Her lessons include tips on work behind the screen; script writing; make-up techniques; and how to speak in front of audiences.

Each of her students pay Rp 1.500.000 (US$145) for the three- week long course. -- JP