In Studio TV Appearance

TV Interview Techniques
For TV interviews, whether in-studio or on-location, the format can range from a one-on-one interview, to a multiple guest panel discussion. The following tips will help you before, during, and after the interview.

Confirm Details
- Find out as much as you can about the appearance ahead of time.
- Confirm if the program is live or taped and if it will or will not be edited.
- Consider the program format (talk show, news, variety, panel, call-in). If a panel, find out who the other panelists are and points they will be making.
- Ask if there is a studio audience and audience make-up (specialized, general).
- Find out the interview length. The shorter the interview, the more critical it is that you condense your main messages into sound bites of 10 to 20 seconds.
- Ask the pre-interviewer what their expectations of you are; what type of angles on the topic at hand are they looking for? Make sure the opinion you have to offer is one in which they are interested.

Focus on your key message(s)
Think about what you want to communicate to the audience ahead of time.Write down your key messages in advance. Draft concise, to-the-point statements, or "sound bites" that highlight these points.

- During the interview, take the opportunity to re-state these messages.
- Think about the one quote or message you want the audience to remember.
- Use analogies, related stories and personal experiences to help everyone understand your point of view.
- If the interviewer or reporter is coming to your location, create a visually enhancing environment to help emphasize your message. Use props or stage a working environment.

Prepare
Prepare prepare prepare! Even a bit of preparation will go a long way towards having an effective and compelling interview.

- Fill out the Interview Prep Form available on our website.
- Role play in advance.
- Practice delivering your sound bites and examples in a mock interview with a colleague or friend - or even in front of a mirror.
- Practice delivering each of your answers in less than 20 seconds.
- Prepare for worst-case questions.
- Keep an eye on current events related to your topic, especially if the story is breaking news.

Make Yourself Comfortable
If you are comfortable during the interview, you and your messages will come across much more effectively. Try some of the following to help put you at ease before and during the interview.

- Arrive at least 30 minutes early for interviews held at a studio.
- Arrange to meet the interviewer or reporter before the program whenever possible, and ask how you will address each other during the program (i.e. first name basis?)
- Adjust and test any equipment before the program begins. If you are speaking into a microphone, maintain a distance of at least six inches.
- If it is a long interview, ask for a glass of water on the set. Avoid cola, chocolate, dairy.
- Choose a comfortable chair that doesn't swivel.

Follow Best Interview Practices
A few essentials for giving a great interview.

- Be yourself. Be natural.
- Speak in lay terms. Don't use any technical language or industry jargon.
- Assume that you will be on the air for every second of the program. (Don't make a gesture or say something you don't want broadcast.)
- Assume that anything you say to the reporter could be brought into the interview, even if it's a casual remark made during a pre-taping chat.
- Keep the real, at-home audience in mind.
- Direct your remarks to them.
- Look at the reporter, not the camera.
- Limit your answers to about three sentences.

Avoid Bad Interview Practices
Try to avoid the following.

- Don't look at the monitor during the interview.
- Don't speak for someone who isn't present.
- Don't let any misleading statements trap you.
- Avoid nervous habits.
- Never fill in "dead" time; that's the interviewer's job.

Remember that TV is pictures
Unlike radio, TV is a medium of images. Your visual appearance can help with the success of the interview; a few simple things can make a big difference.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Bright, solid colours look best on camera. Avoid small, busy patterns or shiny fabrics. Don't wear overpowering scarves or ties. Avoid wearing large, dangling, shiny jewellery.

- Makeup, powder, and lipstick will help you avoid looking "washed out" by the bright lights.
- Comb your hair.
- Check your appearance on the TV monitor beforehand, if possible.

Avoid confrontation
A negative, nasty tone can kill an interview. Try to remember the following, and you will be able to handle any negative situation that can arise during an on-air discussion.

- Don't get into an argument.
- If the reporter's tone turns nasty, don't match it. Stick to positive statements and messages.
- Never become defensive or angry. Maintain your composure at all times
- Keep to your own agenda by answering each question with a direct factual statement followed by a relevant key message.
- Don't be afraid to admit mistakes. A useful phrase is: "What I can tell you is..."

Never say Never
- Never say "no comment."
- Never offer any information "off the record" or "just between you and me."

Evaluate yourself
No interview is ever perfect. It's good to evaluate your performance so you continue to improve. Ask your friends and colleagues for feedback. Ask them what they thought your main point was and compare that to the key message(s) you intended to project. Did you sound conversational?