TV
The 36-year-old presenter, who takes over as host for the 2010 ceremony from Sir Trevor McDonald, told Radio Times that there is an "extra edge of adrenaline" from working on live TV.
"The NTA's is a big beast, but I reckon I can handle it," he said. "There's something celebratory about these awards - because it's the public vote - that I love.
"And there's always that extra edge of adrenaline when you're working live - you never get that same buzz with a pre-recorded event.
"Sure, there are bear-traps with a live audience, but the trick is to do your homework, so that by the time you're on air, even though you've got an autocue, you kind of know where you're going."
O'Leary added that he prefers to write his own script for live events so that he knows his stuff "inside out".
The 15th National Television Awards takes place Wednesday, January 20 at the 02 and will be broadcast live on ITV1 from 7.30pm.
More: Dermot O'Leary, TV
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