Congratulations! All your hard work has paid off and now the media is coming to you as an expert. Your key messages and pitch must have had just the right information at the right time. After the initial excitement has died down and the day of the interview is fast approaching the key question becomes, “Now what?”
Follow these tips to prepare yourself and ensure a star turn.
Look the Part
You want to convey your authentic self, so wear what you would to an important meeting. Creative types should look creative – you don’t have to look conservative. However, you don’t want to distract from your message, so be wary of dangly or flashy jewelry. Wear everyday makeup; don’t overdo it. Both men and women should use face powder to eliminate shine on face and scalp.
Stay away from narrow stripes, herringbones, and thinly-striped, high-contrast plaids – these can start to “vibrate” on-camera. Large patterns are okay but don’t wear something too diverting. Leave your glasses off, if you can. If not, consider getting non-reflective lenses. Never wear tinted glasses or glasses that darken in bright light; your eyes should be visible.
Nonverbal Communication
Remember you’re communicating with more than just words. Be aware of your non-verbal cues and what they convey. If you are interviewed in a standing position, don’t shift back and forth; stay still. If you are seated, lean forward a little and don’t cross your legs. You want to come across as approachable and interested.
Look at the interviewer, not at the camera (unless told to do so). Maintain eye contact as you answer questions. Doing so makes you look confident, knowledgeable, and trustworthy.
Always remember that you are on-camera and wearing a microphone. Until that microphone is taken from you and you leave the studio, don’t do or say anything you wouldn’t want to be broadcast. When the interview ends, stay until the interviewer or producer indicates that you can leave the set.
Be yourself…plus a bit more
Be enthusiastic. Project your energy and the excitement and passion you have for your message. Use gestures, especially if that’s natural for you. Be a bit larger than life and you will grab the viewers’ attention.
Confidence is directly related to preparation…so decide on the messages you want to convey and prepare them. You can bring notes, but don’t have them in your hands during the interview. You’ll want to know your content so well you could say it in your sleep. This will allow you to be more spontaneous and less “dry” in front of the camera. Your audience will appreciate it.
Pay attention to these three areas and you’ll have a successful experience in front of the camera. Remember, the reason you were asked for the interview in the first place is that you’re the expert – you already know the answers to the questions you’ll be asked. So relax and have fun.
Want to learn more about interviewing for the media? Contact Barbara Nienaltowski, media consultant and award-winning television producer. info@theokeefegroupusa.com
