Are you doing your first in-studio TV interview? Are you coaching a client to do one? Here are 12 keys to making the appearance a success.
I presume of course that you have already done your preparation. You've become familiar with the program you'll be on. You've prepared memorable messages that the audience will find interesting. You have a clear idea what your objective is in doing the interview.
Following these tips will enable you (or your client) to feel confident and in control of the situation 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 from the station when you should arrive at the studio. Then give yourself an additional 15 to 30 minutes. You want to have plenty of time to use the restroom, have make up applied, get settled in the green room (the room where guests wait until it is time for their interview), and observe part of the program.
From the moment your leave for the studio until you return home, assume everything you say is being taped. I'm not trying to make you paranoid. Well, actually I am! In a world of video cell phones, everything you say could become public. So when you're not actually in the interview, only say things you would be happy to hear on the air.
Wear summer or all-season weight clothes. Even though it may be snowing outside, inside under the lights will be plenty warm enough.
Shortly before going on, check you appearance. Otherwise, an off-center necktie, or a loose strand of hair shining in the light, may 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 face exercises to loosen up your jaw, cheeks, and forehead. Smile!
Once you are on the set and "miked," you'll be asked for a sound check. Rather than replying with the usual "testing, one, two, three," try this: Give your name, your organization, and something interesting about the topic you will be discussing. For example, if I were doing an interview about public speaking, I might say, "This is Lou Hampton of Speak to Lead dot com here with the answer to one of the most frequent questions speakers ask, 'What do I do with my hands?'"
When you are being welcomed to the show, keep your eyes on the host, unless you have been instructed to look at a specific camera. Smile; lighten up the face by raising the cheeks and forehead. Once the interview begins, keep your focus on the interviewer throughout the interview. If there is more than one person, keep your eyes on whoever is talking. The "illusion" of TV is that the viewers are eavesdropping on a private conversation.
Start your first answer with the interviewer's first 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 keep focused on the host until you're told it's okay to get up.
Thank the appropriate folks, gather whatever you left in the green room, and exit the studio.
On the ride back think about what went well. Then think about anything you might do differently the next time you're interviewed.
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