TV interviews are
different from those done for print or radio. In TV interviews your appearance
can be just as important as your words. Here are some general tips:
Ask the reporter
ahead of time what s/he plans to
ask you. This will give you a chance to think of what you want to say
before the cameras start rolling. The location of the interview could reflect
on the story, so if you have a choice, suggest a location you're comfortable
with.
Always maintain eye contact
with the person you're speaking to. This could be one reporter, several
reporters, or a studio audience. But avoid looking at the camera - just pretend
it's not there.
Whether you like it or not, people
will judge you on how you look, so try to look professional and tidy. Avoid
wearing anything that could distract the audience from what you say, such as
extremely bright clothing, busy patterns or large jewellery. Sit still or stand
still. Try not to fidget in front of the camera - small movements such as nail
biting or foot tapping are magnified on screen. Sit with your hands folded in
your lap and both feet planted on the ground. No swivel chairs or rocking
chairs!
Speak in short,
concise sentences. If you answer
reporters clearly, they're less likely to edit your statements - and
maybe cut out important points. Remember, the average interview clip in a news
story is only 7-15 seconds!
AFTER
THE INTERVIEW
Follow-up. Thank the journalist for the interview and for the opportunity to talk
about important work that will be of interest to their readers/viewers.
Offer to do a ‘fact check’ of the story before it is published – this gives you
a chance to correct any errors of interpretation as well as fact. Make it clear
to the journalist that you would be available for further clarification should
they be needed.
Share
the story with others. Post
on your organisational website all stories that have published/broadcast
with appropriate links to the media where the story is featured. Coverage of
your research carries weight and adds credibility to both your work and your
organisation. Remember that journalists often look for story ideas that are
published in the media – so your one published story could lead to others.
