Tips for TV and radio interviews

Getting exposure on the TV and the radio can be a big dream for many companies. PR is a great place to start, especially for those not wanting to pay extortionate prices to place a commercial advert. 

Radio and television appearances are also great for those wanting to perfectly position themselves as experts in their area of business and talk about relevant topics to gain exposure.

Broadcast slots can allow businesses to deliver messages to a specific, but wide, audience in a quick way. It also lets the audience become familiar with a face, or voice, giving them more trust in the business or product.

So, before you get your glad rags on for the telly or start warming up your vocal cords for a chat on the radio… give this blog post a read!

Get prepared

Studios, both in TV and radio, can be pretty busy and overwhelming to newcomers. If your interview is in person and not over the phone or via a video call, make sure that you arrive early to get accustomed to the surroundings.

The crew or team working on a show put a lot of time planning and preparing their shows and each second is usually meticulously planned. Because of this, they work to very strict timings. If they ask you to be in a certain place at a certain time, make sure you are there.

Broadcast interviews are brief and often speed by in a blink. Because of this, it is important to keep in mind the key messages you are trying to convey. Practice talking through your key points and each time try and make them more concise.

Do some research beforehand on the journalist or presenter you are talking to. Is the show that they are presenting serious? Or have you got room to be a little light-hearted? Who normally watches or listens to the show? Is there anything you can mention specific to the audience? (Their location, interests, or music taste.) 

Anticipating questions can be tricky, but it doesn’t mean you can’t think around the topic you are talking about. Develop a document that incorporates the key messages you are trying to convey about the issue or your business.

What to expect from the interview

If the interview is going to be on television, expect lots of people up in your personal space before you finally make it into the studio. More than likely, a floor manager will come and attach a microphone to your clothing. Sometimes, especially in large studios with lots of bright lights, interviewees are required to wear makeup, regardless of how nice their skin looks, or their gender.It helps you look less washed out under bright lights.

People appearing in front of a camera may be asked to remove or straighten up their jewellery and do jacket or shirt buttons up. Because of the bright lights, loads of electrical equipment, and soundproofing insulations, TV studios are usually very hot, and compact. It is a good idea to dress cool but bring a jacket in case you need it to cover sweat patches at the last minute!

Once microphoned up, make sure that no swear words or cusses pass your lips, anyone in the studio or building will be able to hear you. If a technician asks you to say something to test the mic, count to ten or tell them what you had for breakfast.

Once live, keep answers short and focused. Be concise and make sure you stop talking before it turns into rambling. If you are face to face with the presenter or journalist talking to you, face them and talk at them, not the camera. 

Stage fright? 

It is completely normal to be nervous before a broadcast interview, they are a one chance situation, and if you mess it up it can feel fairly embarrassing. Before the appearance, think positively and visualise a successful outcome.

Remember that you are just having a chat with another human, who walks, sleeps, and goes to the toilet just like you! Focus on what they are asking and what you are talking about. This will help you remain cool and calm, plus you will probably forget about the audience at home or in the studio.

If you want a hand getting placed on the TV or radio, or some media training ahead of landing slots, please get in touch.

© MOTIVE