Like anything else, practice makes perfect
It’s funny what a television camera can do to a person. I’ve seen some of the most eloquent and polished public speakers absolutely freeze when being interviewed in front of a television camera. But then again, I’ve also seen the opposite: Folks that just turn into absolute rock stars when the lights go on.
As someone with plenty of television interviews under my belt, but more importantly as someone that has seen some of the very best being interviewed, here’s a short list of how to pull off a great television interview.
1. Know Your Stuff
Study up on whatever it is that you are being interviewed for. Cram if you have to, but make sure that you are prepared. If you show up to an interview unprepared, it will show. This doesn’t mean that you need to prepare like you are defending a dissertation, but you most definitely want to come across as knowledgeable and informed
2. What Is the One Thing You Want to Get Across?
I was once told when prepping for an interview, what are the two to three things that you went to get across? It’s a good piece of advice that really narrows down your focus when prepping for the interview. Rehearse the two to three points you want to get across almost exactly the way they are going to come out of your mouth.
3. Play to Your Strengths
Just like you have a game plan going in to the interview, so does the reporter. A good reporter is trying to break a story and find that angle that no one else is reporting on. It’s possible that the reporter may try to trip you up or get you to comment on something outside of your comfort zone. If that’s the case, don’t be disengeneous by giving a run-around statement that doesn’t answer the question. You are much better off politely stating that you do not know the answer to that question or not prepared to answer at this time.
4. Keep it Simple
For most interviews, simplicity is king. In other words, don’t feel like you need to impress others with your rich vocabulary. No matter the subject, television correspondents and producers place a lot of value in clarity. Don’t string together long and complicated sentences to make your point. Save your speech on existentialism for another time.
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5. Keep an Eye on the Clock
Television interviews are short. Even in a pre-recorded interview when the correspondent is trying to capture a good sound bite from you, keep your answers short. Aim for around 30-45 seconds in every answer. You’ll keep your answers tight and reduce on your tendency to ramble and go off-script. If the interviewer wants you to expand, he or she will ask a follow up question.
6. Dress Conservatively
Leave behind the striped shirt at home and save the flashy neon colors for that 90s party. Stripes and bright colors are accentuated by the camera and will only distract the viewer from whatever it is you are trying to get across.
7. Relax
Take a deep breath right before the lights go on and relax. Try to have fun. Quit trying to analyze every sentence as you are being interviewed to see if you are doing a good job. You can assess the interview later. Stay focused and relaxed and do everything possible to come across conversational.
Like anything, practice makes perfect and doing more of these will make you feel more at ease next time the lights turn on.
Editors note: Israel Ortega has been interviewed by FOX News Channel, MSNBC, Univision and Telemundo on a variety of public policy issues. Among his most notable television appearances include Univision’s Al Punto and NBC’s Meet the Press.
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