I don’t know which is more intimidating: the lights and the camera, or knowing hundreds of thousands of people will see you. Either way, doing television interviews gives people the heebie jeebies.
You’re worried about looking and sounding good, right? Sometimes the key is looking like a complete idiot first.
Go ahead and laugh, but I’ve used this technique more times than I can count. This and other nuggets of wisdom are what I shared in a media training for one of my favorite non-profits, Foundation Communities. They invited me because most of the staff were intimidated by news cameras. But given what they do (financial and housing help for low-income folks, including helping the homeless into a permanent place of their own), it’s worth it for employees to face their fears. For non-profits, especially, news interviews mean free publicity!
So whether or not you’re with a non-profit, these ideas will help you nail that interview.
Be confident
- Realize people want you to succeed. When you’re watching tv, you’re not waiting to see if people flub. You want to hear what they have to say, right? Same for you.
- Know your message. Prepare, but don’t memorize. When you memorize, you end up focusing on your performance rather than your message. Prepare by knowing the 5 W’s (who, what, where, when, why), and How.
- You’re the expert! The reporter is looking to you to tell them what they need to know. Also, for live and look-live interviews, have a pre-conversation with the reporter. That way they know what you know, and you know what they know.
- Tell ‘em what you do know. When you don’t know an answer, acknowledge the question (“That’s a good question. I’ll look into that.”), and offer something you do know.
If you’re still working on the confidence thing, fake it till you make it using these tricks.
Pull it together
- Energize. Don’t underestimate coffee. And the little trick you’re still making fun of me for above is legit. I picked it up from the National Press Photographer’s Association. Shake your hands vigorously for 30 seconds — just maybe not in front of people. Look alive! But not too much…
- Relax. You’ll never go wrong with a few deep breaths. To relax your facial muscles, open your mouth and eyes really wide, then clench them shut. This also may be best when no one’s watching.
- Use props! Show something or someone. Pick something up. This is especially effective during live interviews, because it gives the camera something to look at other than you. You may be good lookin’, but you’re still a talking head.
- Coffee and breakfast. Especially effective during early morning live shots. There’s no faster way to warm a grumpy news team’s heart and get them on your side. Trust me.
In part two of Tips for surviving a television interview, I’ll tell you how to get through the conversation once the camera is rolling, and some basic logistics of being on camera. Till then, I shared mine; what’s your favorite way to wake yourself up?
4 Comments
3:07 pm
Another tip is to be working with a talented, enthusiastic reporter like Amy – she really puts you at ease. Trust me, I’ve donned a hospital gown and bandages on live TV for interviews with her!
4:39 pm
I don’t know Jenn — I think that jar of brains (cauliflower in a jar… brilliant!) was your good luck charm. If only every day were Halloween.
3:18 am
i miss that face
10:56 pm
Haha… which one? The one that’s flailing around trying to get energized? Or the one that pulled it together long enough to be on camera for a couple hours every morning? Thanks, Todd.