TELEVISION INTERVIEWS –
The essence of television is visual entertainment . If you are seeking publicity ensure your message is news, not propaganda or free advertising.
If you have a choice, take the risk and choose a live interview, one that goes on air as you speak.
A pre-recorded video film can be cut and edited down to a brief clip and could be used out of context. putting you at a disadvantage if an opponent is asked to comment on selected statements.
When you are being interviewed the way you dress, the way you sit, the way you respond to questions are all important.
A handful of tips to help you create a successful television interview
* Before an interview
Don’t drink alcohol before an interview – your viewers will be able to tell.
Wear lightweight clothes – it can be hot under the lights. Pastel-coloured shirts or blouses are more suitable than white.
Be sure what you really want to say.
Check your facts to make sure they are correct. Hard facts can kill speculation.
Relax as much as possible before your interview.
* During the interview
Sit up straight in your chair – don’t slump
If you are interviewed in a studio look at the interviewer not at the ‘live’ camera.
If you are in your office move away from your desk. Stand in front of a suitable background.
Try for a strong enthusiastic start
Be sincere and informative with a little more passion than normal.
Speak with confidence and authority
Imagine you are chatting to one of your friends, so use conversational language.
Avoid jargon and clichés such as; ‘At this point in time….’ ‘ But first I would like to say….’ ‘I think….’
Try to keep to the main points of your planned interview.
Correct any misapprehensions.
If you are asked irrelevant questions, steer the interviewer back to the topic.
* Keep control of your emotions
Don’t become angry under any circumstances!
Pause in times of stress, smile and continue with your planned message.
* Take care
Watch out for difficult controversial questions.
Before you start an interview, prepare draft answers for possible difficult questions.
* Prepare a strong conclusion
Watch your timing!
Aim to leave viewers with a memorable message.
Finish on a strong note with a succinct summary. Your final statement is the one likely to be remembered.
Take care you do not let your guard down when you believe the interview is finished – the camera could still be rolling.
-Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)
“Choose your words carefully – to express, not to impress.”
Source: “Persuasive Ways. ‘Tricks of the trade’ to get your ideas across”. First published by Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand and in Chinese by the Shanghai People’s Publishing House, the Singapore Institute of Management, Kogan Page Ltd, U.K and in Hungarian by Bagolyvar Konyvkiado. Also published as the “Secrets of Persuasion” by Cengage Learning Asia and as an e-book by Amazon.com.
Another Handful of Tips 