Legal Publicity Relations Consultants
Alyn-Weiss and Associates
Special Tips for Television Interviews
1. Appearance is key. Be positive and friendly. Smile.
2. Try to discuss the topic with the reporter/host before the camera rolls. This may help him or her ask more intelligent questions.
3. Use the reporter's name.
4. Give short answers, no longer than 10 to 20 seconds.
5. Keep gestures small and in front of you.
6. Look at the interviewer, not the camera, and maintain your focus. Looking back and forth between the interviewer and camera makes you look "shifty."
7. Accept makeup if offered.
8. Be the translator and interpreter: Talk in terms the audience will understand and avoid jargon.
9. Wear solid colors; no loud patterns, distracting items or jewelry.
10. Maintain eye contact, especially during tough questions. Don't look down or askance, or touch your face.
11. Speak in complete sentences.
12. Reporters may ask the same question more than once to allow you to "sharpen" your answer. Don't get flustered, take advantage of the offer, but also make sure you make the point you want to make.
Click any of the following for additional information:
What To Do When a Reporter Calls
Realities of Dealing With the Press
Ground Rules for Dealing With the Press
Assume You're On Record When Talking to the Press
7 Words or Phrases That Should Never Appear In a News Release
9 Rules of Crisis Communication
« Return to Dealing with the Press main page
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