Hey there! So, you've got an upcoming TV interview, and you're starting to feel a little nervous? Don't worry, you've got this! The most important thing is to be confident in yourself and your expertise. Remember, you were chosen for a reason, because you're knowledgeable about your field and have a lot to offer.
Chances are, you've talked about your area of expertise a million times before in one-on-one conversations, so this isn't any different. Even with all the bright lights and cameras, nothing can take away your knowledge and authority. Keep that in mind and you'll be able to stay calm and focused during the interview. Just take some time to prepare beforehand, and you'll be good to go!
Getting Ready for Your TV Interview.
Listen up, folks! If you're getting ready for a TV interview, you better be prepared. Don't just assume that being an expert in your field is enough. You gotta do your research on the network, show, and topic that will be covered during the interview. This will help you get a sense of the questions you might get asked. Let's say you're a psychology whiz and you're gonna be interviewed on an NBC affiliate network during prime time for a segment called "An Insiders Look on the Negative Effects of Advertising on Youth." You can expect some tough questions with a liberal bias designed to make a case for the story. So, come with some solid statistics and facts to back up your point of view. Be ready to make your case under those guiding principles.
View Past TV Interviews by Station, Show, or Segment.
If you wanna be ready for your TV interview, you gotta do your homework. Look for similar segments on the network, show, or interviewer to get a sense of what kind of questions they might ask. You don't wanna be caught off guard, do you? But, while you're there to back up their story with facts, don't forget about your own goals. What do you wanna get out of this interview? How can you slip your own agenda into your answers? Make sure you use every second of your on-camera time to your advantage. Then, brainstorm some questions they might ask about the topic you'll be discussing and practice, practice, practice! Get a buddy to ask you those questions and prepare your answers. Put in the work, and you'll be ready to crush it on the big day.
The Best Tips and Tricks to Use During an Interview on TV.
Here are some tips from our expert squad to help you ace it when the cameras are rolling. First off, it's all about making a personal connection with your audience. Otter PR Publicist and veteran TV news anchor, Ryan Bass, says that being relatable is crucial to effectively deliver your message. You gotta connect with your interviewer and audience, and one way to do that is by maintaining eye contact. Don't be lookin' off to the side like you're lost, that's just gonna distract everyone from your key message. "Eye contact is really gonna be key," says Bass. Even if you're doing a virtual call, make sure to look directly at the camera to create that feeling of connection with viewers.
Distractions should be limited.
Let's talk about how to limit distractions during your TV interview. One thing you can control is your appearance. Keep it simple, go for solid colors, and make sure you look neat, tidy, and clean. And if you're doing a virtual interview, same goes for your surroundings. Make sure your background is clean and simple, so viewers can focus on your key messages instead of getting distracted by all the stuff on your bookshelf. Bottom line: keep it simple, keep it clean, and keep the focus on you and your message.
The importance of personality in TV interviews.
Being on camera can be tiring, but don't let it get to you. When you're on camera, your emotions and actions may not be as noticeable as they would be in person. So, it's important to be expressive and exaggerate your movements a bit. Don't worry, you're not overdoing it. Your personality matters in TV interviews. It's essential to smile, use facial expressions, and hand gestures to create a friendly and relatable presence that viewers can connect with. But, be careful not to get too comfortable on camera. Sit up straight and on the edge of your seat to maintain energy and confidence throughout the interview.