10 Tips For TV Interviews

10 Tips For TV Interviews

The opportunity to appear on TV is, in most cases, a valuable one for promoting yourself, your product or your company. However, to get positive results requires planning, preparation, and practice.

Below are ten tips to help you prepare for your on-air moment.
The below tips assume a “friendly” interview. Should you need to address a crisis situation or front a hostile interview I would always recommend media training in advance.

1. Background information
Always ask the reporter why you have been selected, whether anybody else will be appearing with you, and the kind of questions to be expected.
2. Prepare your Messages
Prepare in advance, do your research. Prepare maximum three messages that you would like to deliver and the call to action you would like to give – what would you like the audience to do or think after you have been interviewed. Practice being concise, don’t ramble – being prepared with help with this.
3. Non-verbal communication
93% of the message a TV audience gets from you is non-verbal so be aware of your facial expressions, body posture and hand movements. Practice at home by filming yourself. Remember to smile!
4. Be confident
Easier said than done perhaps, but, try to calm your nerves so you can get your message across clearly. Try not to think about the viewing audience and just focus on having a chat with the interviewer and feel comfortable answering their questions. Unless told otherwise, look at the interviewer, not at the camera. Lights are often bright in the studio. It feels uncomfortable, but it is normal. If you are prone to getting a dry mouth, ask for a glass of water.
5. What to wear
As a general rule I suggest never wearing white, black or small prints. For men, a white shirt under a dark blue jacket works well. For women consider wearing a bright singular color. Avoid glittery jewelry or jewelry that may jingle as you move as it is distracting. I usually recommend taking one extra change of clothing. Wear clothing appropriate for the interview – if your interview is to do with your

role as a sports coach, wear sports clothing, if to do with business, business attire.
6. Hair and make-up
Most TV stations will do your hair and makeup for TV because the lights wash you out. This is so for both men and women. You can check with the producer beforehand to see if this is the case.
7. Take an example
If you are promoting a new product, take it with you if possible, or offer pictures to the producer to screen.
8. Ask for the link
Some TV shows can give you a link to the interview which can be useful for your web site, social media etc. Ask if this is possible.

9. Practice!

10. Practice!

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