Are you doing your first television interview in a studio? Are you training a client to make one? Here are 12 keys to making the appearance a success.
I assume, of course, that you have already done your homework. You have familiarized yourself with the program you will be in. You have prepared memorable messages that the audience will find interesting. You have a clear idea of what your objective is when doing the interview.
Following these tips will allow you (or your client) to feel safe and in control from the moment you leave your home or office until you return. Having that confidence will help you stay focused on interacting with the interviewer to get your message across to the audience.
- Find out at the station when you should arrive at the studio. Then give yourself an extra 15-30 minutes. You want plenty of time to use the bathroom, put on your makeup, settle in the green room (the room where guests wait until it’s time for their interview), and watch part of the show.
- From the moment you leave the studio until you return home, assume that everything you say is being recorded. I’m not trying to make you paranoid. Well actually I am! In a world of cell phones with video, everything you say could become public. So when you’re not in the interview, just say things you’d like to hear on air.
- Wear summer or all-season weight clothing. Even though it may be snowing outside, inside under the lights it will be warm enough.
- Shortly before continuing, check your appearance. Otherwise, an off-center tie or a loose strand of hair that shimmers in the light can be more memorable than what you say.
- Use your time in the green room for one more review of your messages, then relax. Shortly before your segment, do facial exercises to loosen up your jaw, cheeks, and forehead. Smile!
- Once you’re on set and “recorded,” you’ll be asked to do a sound check. Instead of responding with the usual “trying, one, two, three,” try this: Give your name, your organization, and something interesting about the topic you’ll be discussing. For example, if you were doing an interview about public speaking, you might say, “This is Lou Hampton from Speak to Lead dot com here with the answer to one of the most frequently asked questions by speakers: ‘What do I do with my hands? ?'”
- When you’re welcomed to the show, keep your eyes on the host unless you’ve been directed to look at a specific camera. Smile; Brightens the face by lifting the cheeks and forehead. Once the interview begins, focus on the interviewer throughout the interview. If there is more than one person, keep your eyes on whoever is speaking. The “illusion” of television is that viewers are eavesdropping on a private conversation.
- Begin your first response with the interviewer’s name.
- Be enthusiastic about your topic! Don’t expect viewers to be excited if you aren’t.
- When the segment is over, stay seated and focus on the presenter until you are told to get up.
- Thank the appropriate people, pick up what you have left in the green room, and exit the studio.
- On the return trip, think about what went well. Then think of anything you could do differently the next time you’re interviewed.