Are you doing your first television interview in the studio? Are you training a client to do it? Here are 12 keys to a successful appearance.

I assume, of course, you’ve already done your homework. You have become familiar with the program you will be on. You have prepared memorable messages that the audience will find interesting. You have a clear idea of ​​what your goal is when conducting the interview.

Following these tips will allow you (or your client) to feel safe and in control from the moment you leave your home or office until you return. Having that confidence will help you stay focused on interacting with the interviewer to get your message across to the audience.

1. Find out at the station when to arrive at the studio. Then take an additional 15 to 30 minutes. You want to have enough time to go to the bathroom, put on makeup, settle in the green room (the room where guests wait until interview time), and watch part of the program.
2. From the time you leave the studio until you return home, assume that everything you say is being recorded. I’m not trying to make you paranoid. Well actually I am! In a world of video cell phones, anything you say could be made public. So when you’re not at the interview, just say the things you’d like to hear on the air.
3. Wear summer or weight clothing for all seasons. Even though it may be snowing outside, inside under the lights it will be warm enough.
4. Shortly before continuing, check your appearance. Otherwise, an off-center tie or stray strand of hair that glows in the light can be more memorable than you say.
5. Spend your time in the green room for one more review of your messages, then relax. Shortly before your segment, do facial exercises to relax your jaw, cheeks, and forehead. Smile!
6. Once you are on set and “miked”, you will be prompted for a sound check. Instead of responding with the usual “tests, one, two, three”, try this: provide your name, your organization, and something interesting about the topic you are discussing. For example, if you were doing an interview on public speaking, you might say, “I’m Lou Hampton from Speak to Lead dot com here with the answer to one of the most frequently asked questions from speakers:” What do I do with my hands? ? ‘”
7. When you are welcomed to the show, keep your eyes on the presenter, unless you have been instructed to look at a specific camera. Smile; brightens the face by lifting the cheeks and forehead. Once the interview begins, keep your focus on the interviewer throughout the interview. If there is more than one person, keep an eye on who is speaking. The “illusion” of television is that viewers eavesdrop on a private conversation.
8. Begin your first response with the name of the interviewer.
9. Be enthusiastic about your theme! Don’t expect viewers to get excited if you aren’t.
10. When the segment is over, stay seated and focus on the host until they tell you that you can get up.
11. Thank the right people, pick up what you have left in the green room, and leave the study.
12. On the return trip, think about what went well. Then think of anything you can do differently the next time you are interviewed.