How to Look Like a Pro on TV
If you’ve landed the big TV interview that you’ve been chasing for months, congratulations!
It’s important to know key interview techniques to help you (your CEO, boss, or client) look confident, poised and comfortable in front of the camera. Most of these tips can apply when you record video segments for your website, blog or Social Media networks. .
Here are five tips to help you prepare and succeed:
1. Pretend the camera isn’t there. Sit comfortably in a chair and act as if someone at a party casually asked you about your new project. Be casual, knowledgeable and clear. Ignore the camera/crew and speak directly to the person who asked the question.
2. Wear dark solid colors. Ask your contact person the color of the set so you don’t clash. Avoid stripes, busy patterns and accessories that can be distracting.
3. Prepare your answers by thinking and speaking in sound bites. You may not know the questions that will be asked, but make a list of what you anticipate and formulate short, punchy responses that are 30-45 seconds in length. Use simple language. Don’t confuse the audience.
4. Tie in a real-life example or short anecdote to pull in the emotional piece of your story. You may be a wiz on the funding of your new project, but viewers are more interested in the impact it will have on people and the community (value to them). Put a face on your story.
5. Smile and relax. Television is a visual medium. You may be a “Talking Head” for a portion of the segment with the camera panning wide at the beginning or end. Use your body, gestures, eye contact and a strong voice to deliver a clear, confident and compelling message.
The next time you watch an interview or see a video, take note of the positive and negative things you see. Learn from other people.
Communications
Quote:
"There is nothing so annoying as to have two people talking when you're busy interrupting." - Mark Twain
