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"Preparing for your TV Interview"

Written by: Leanne Bucaro

Article Overview: A brief overview of key tips for your TV interview.

"Preparing for your TV Interview"

Fashion Faux Pas
It’s not high style – or anything to get upset about. These are just a few common, well-known faux pas for television. Better to know now than be faced with a situation once you arrive at the studio or at a location with a camera in your face.
Never wear white: a white shirt under TV lights makes you look pale and washed out. Light colors also tend to add pounds to your appearance.
Watch out for your glasses: If you wear glasses, consider non-reflective lenses or contacts for the interview. TV lights may cause an unpleasant glare.
Don't wear white socks: Don't draw attention away from your face by letting light socks or bare legs peek from beneath dark pants.
Avoid loud, gaudy jewelry: Too much jewelry can be noisy. Remember, the microphone amplifies everything, not just your voice. The lights may also cause a glare from large pieces of shiny jewelry.
Don't let your suit coat upstage you: Keep your jacket a solid color or subtle pattern. Also, try sitting on your coattails to keep the collar from rising.
Avoid intense, repeating patterns: Houndstooth, zig zags, checks, and large polka dots on blouses, shirts, and blazers/suit coats make it appear as if the pattern is radiating from the screen.
Squelch the Nervous Habits
When taping a television interview, be aware of your nervous habits--they distract from what you're saying. Don't play with your hair, fiddle with your jewelry or tug at your clothing. Your hands should be well-rested in your lap throughout the interview. Always check the mirror before going in front of the camera. You're less apt to fidget if you know you look all put together. Make sure your teeth are clean with nothing stuck between your teeth! Not good to have the audience guessing what you had for lunch!
Lastly, those Ums and ahs can be very distracting from your message. These are speech habits we have created when we are processing our thoughts. Practice your interview on video with a colleague and remember you can pause for a second before engaging your mouth – in fact it demonstrates poise and confidence which creates a good image for you and your business. Also, remember its ok to use your hands for emphasis only. Don’t talk excessively with your hands as it can be very distracting to the audience.
Relax--You're Ready
It is absolutely natural to be a little nervous before an interview – in fact nervousness can be a help at times as it releases adrenaline. Athletes and musicians use this natural state to help them perform. It can actually help you think quicker and express ideas more energetically. Embrace your nervousness!
Of course, a little nervous is good – but a lot nervous can make you forget things and stumble. A few tips to relax – a little water before you go on camera can help (not too much – because it is tough to leave the studio just before you go on). Deep breathing can help as well. One thing not to drink before a TV appearance is milk and also don’t eat cheese or yogurt as dairy products can create mucous which is not good for clear speech.
Remember one key point – you likely know more about your topic than the host – they also understand that you are not a TV personality – so they will make it real easy for you. If you are well prepared you have little to fear. Have a blast – it can be a great experience – oh and by the way – it is usually very good for business – and that is really what this is all about!
You probably never realized the world of interviewing was so full of potential minefields, right down to the tie or earrings you choose.
Once you've done one or two interviews, you start to learn the ropes. Like anything else, it gets easier with practice. And doing a good job will get you lots more practice. TV Hosts love guests who know how to handle an interview. And now that you've read these tips, you do.
So, when you get the golden opportunity to tell your story -- relax. You're ready.
Always Thank the Host or Producer
After the interview, be sure to thank the host or producer for allowing you to be a guest on their show (the same goes for an interview with a newspaper or magazine reporter). Out of the hundreds of guest ideas that land on their desk, they chose you, and it's best to leave a good impression. Give them a reason to invite you back.

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