3-2-1! You're On! Tips for TV Appearances

Your PR person just called.  She's so awesome, she's landed you an interview or a segment on TV.  What a great get for your business!  Here's a list of things you should know before you go in front of the camera to make the most of your on-air appearance.
• If the interview is at the TV studio, arrive early to take in the scene and familiarize yourself with the distractions such as lighting, cameras and a busy crew.
• Have a cup of water or tea to soothe your throat before the interview.  Avoid carbonation or dairy.
• Expect last minute changes and be prepared to handle them on the spot.  TV almost never goes as planned.
• Always look at the reporter, not the camera during an interview.  Envision that you are having a conversation just with that reporter. Forget the cameras are there.
• Turn your cell phone off.
• If you need notes, put them on a small note card. Don't write out complete sentences on the card, just put bullets points.  You'll talk more conversationally.  If seated, tuck the card under your leg or put it in your seat.  If it's in your hand you may have a tendency to wave the card around and that is distracting to the viewer.
• If seated, position yourself about three-quarters of the way back and lean forward.  Don’t sit back and slouch, it looks uncomfortable.
• Have your hands free for gesturing and your feet on the ground or ankles crossed. This is most comfortable, flattering and the least distracting.
• Avoid crossing your arms.
•If standing, avoid bobbing back and forth.  Firmly plant your legs by standing with your legs slightly apart.  This will keep you from wobbling.

• Use your head, your eyes and your facial expressions to make your words come alive.  So much of communication comes from our body language.  It's okay to gesture.
• Enjoy!  Remember that the reporters are humans too and it is their job to make TV interviews run smoothly.  If you stumble, freeze or falter, a good reporter will take care of you.  Don't get too caught up in mistakes.  Keep going. 
•Keep your answers short and succinct.  Remember, TV interviews go by very fast and at some point the anchor, if you're on set, will have a producer yelling in their ear to wrap up the interview. Don't run at the mouth and force the interviewer to interrupt you to keep the segment on time.   When an interview is taped out in the field, a reporter has more leeway, but keeping your answers short and succinct means you'll sound better and make it easier for the reporter to make you sound your best during the final edit.
 •Don't try to give too much information. Stay on topic. Typically, viewers come away having learned about three points of information.  Just give what's necessary.
•Don't ask the anchor about where to get a copy.  Let your PR person handle that later.
•Smile!!
Remember, an interview is simply a conversation.  Look at it as no different than a discussion over dinner with a new friend about something you're excited about (in this case, your business).