Avoiding The Ick Factor: 5 Hosting Tips for The X Factor's Khloe Kardashian

The X Factor contestants have music industry mentors to guide them through their live performances, but where is Khloe Kardashian's coach?

The reality show sibling made her live co-hosting debut last week alongside Mario Lopez, and the results were rough and embarrassing at best. With a vet by her side, she could have at least allowed him to do the heavy lifting, but instead she allowed her awkward performance take center stage to the point where it was distracting to the competition at hand. Even she knows she needs work. "I'm anxious to learn and get great! :)" she tweeted afterward.

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As we approach the second week of X Factor live shows (airing Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8/7c on Fox), TVGuide.com would like to humbly offer Khloe some advice based on the performances of other reality show hosts we admire:

1. Stop flirting with Simon! Yes, he was the one who brought up your rather perky blouse issue when he announced, "May I say, Khloé, you're looking very sexy tonight. I think the air conditioning's on high tonight. It's very distracting." But continuing the conversation via Twitter and constantly referring to him as "sexy Simon" is gross, unprofessional and clearly biased toward the man who hired you. What about some love for the other judges? Watch Dancing with the Stars' Tom Bergeron for pointers on how deliver playful banter while avoiding The Ick Factor!

2. Practice reading and speaking This is Emceeing 101, and it's clear that you haven't actually listened to yourself with a critical ear. There is a flat affect to your voice, especially while reading the teleprompter, that comes out as wooden overall. And although there is a live studio audience and much chaos going on, there's no need to yell (which only exacerbates the flat tone). You have a mic for a reason. Ryan Seacrest is a champ at controlling his tone and timing. Not only can he draw out the drama in a simple line like, "This... is American Idol!" but there's a reason why he still has a top-rated radio show.

3. Build rapport with your co-host Take that flirtation you have with Simon and channel it toward Mario. As your partner-in-crime, he should have chemistry with you, not just stand next to you. But there's very little awareness that you guys are even on the same team. No wonder rumors surfaced that you hated each other! He's a pro at what he does, and if you lean on him a little, you'll probably learn a lot.

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4. Khloe-bot, begone! Just because you are not speaking, that does not mean you are not still hosting. Don't just stand there and stare vacantly! Try to master the "listening" face and of course, when in doubt, smile! As an extension of the art of emoting, let yourself be a fan. For example, Cat Deeley gets psyched up just watching the So You Think You Can Dance performances and seems to have a genuine connection with the dancers. Or, think of it this way: All of that engagement you have with your Twitter followers should be a model for how you deal with The X Factor contestants.

5. Bow out gracefully Seriously, sometimes co-hosting isn't the best fit — for the show or the person. Brian Dunkleman (remember him) threw in the towel after the first season of Idol, and during The X Factor's freshman season, Nicole Scherzinger abandoned her co-hosting perch to join the judges, leaving Steve Jones to take control. And see how long he lasted? Hosting isn't an easy job by any means, and making a hosting partnership work (and making both parties feel essential) is an even bigger challenge. Why force it?

What did you think of Khloe's hosting debut? What tips do you have for a good reality show host?

The X Factor airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on Fox.