Lights! Camera! Action! 6 Tips for Broadcast Interviews
Live TV interviews are a daunting experience for many people. The immediacy of the situation can be exciting and enthralling but it can also be extremely challenging. Even relatively ‘safe’ interview situations can deviate and meander into unknown territory – and the pressure can mount quickly.
Get a broadcast interview right, however, and the results can be remarkable. It is a great way to be seen as an expert in your field and to get you and your company’s brand out there among your stakeholders (your children will also ask you if you’re now a “celebrity” and whether you might be on the next series of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here).
Moreover, if you’re good you’ll be called back for more. Broadcasters like, and need, good market commentators.
Interviewing on camera takes a special skill set. You need to enjoy it. You need to practice. And you need to be wholly confident on the subject at hand.
As someone who has been interviewed on TV (albeit a few years ago as a banking journalist/ commentator) and is now a professional media trainer, there are some simple techniques for success:
- It’s very important to prepare
- Watch the show/ programme you’re going to be on beforehand – know the format
- Remember key points and any supporting data
- Answer in relatively short, precise sentences – avoid jargon and technical language
- Smile, be engaging, be natural – do not gesticulate, wave head/ hands around too much
- And, importantly, look smart and professional
Finally, if you can, watch the interviews back and see how you can improve and change. I, for instance, never wore this hideous grey jumper again…
Media training, Tips for Broadcast Interviews, video interview tips