Television Interviews
Whether you are on a live talk show or being taped for the local evening news, the following tips will help you make the most of a TV interview.
Television Interview Helpful Hints
- Pick the Right Spokesperson: First and foremost, your spokesperson should be someone who understands the issue and your organization’s position well. Ideally, your spokesperson should have some experience.
- Master the Sound bite: A sound bite is a quote or succinct one-liner that summarizes an idea in a colorful but simple manner. Be brief and direct. Avoid jargon, use analogies, and be personal by explaining how the issue affects this particular audience.
- Know Your Show: Before you have your interview you should watch several episodes of the talk show or news broadcast to familiarize yourself with the show and with the types of questions your interviewer might ask. Ask ahead of time about the overall format of the show, including whether your interview is taped or live and if there will be a studio audience. If you are on a talk show, find out if there are other guests and the order of appearance and familiarize yourself with their affiliations and positions.
- Know Your Message: Before the interview, know the main points you want to make. Anticipate questions but do not over-rehearse because you want to sound natural. Steer the interview toward the points you want to make, and always try to bring your comments back to your main message.
- Reiterate Your Points: Make an effort to repeat your major point over and over, especially in taped interviews. Remember that portions of the interview may be edited, and you don't want to risk having your main point edited out. Take advantage of pauses in the interview to make your point. You have a right to complete your answers, so if you are interrupted, politely and firmly insist on finishing your answer. Request clarification if you are asked a question you do not understand, and do not fudge facts and figures. Bring visuals along if they will help make your point more memorable.
- Pay Attention to Body Language: Movements and mannerisms can seem magnified on television - avoid exaggerated hand movements, fidgeting, or saying "you know" or “um" repeatedly. Look at the interviewer, not the camera. Use moderate hand gestures, smile and nod.
- Assume You Are Always On Camera: Even if you think the camera is focusing on someone else, act like you are on camera at all times. Do not say anything, even jokingly, that could be taken out of context or picked up and used out of context. When you are in the studio, assume the cameras are always rolling.
- Dress Carefully: You don’t want your attire to garner more attention than your message. Dress in solid colored, simple suits or dresses. Avoid light colors, busy patterns, sparkling or noisy jewelry and heavy make-up.
|
|
