Because few of us are under lights and camera on a daily basis, doing a TV interview can be nerve-wracking. With these few easy tips, it can be relaxed, effective, and even enjoyable.

  • Make sure your dress is professional and conservative, like a job interview. Don’t forget hair/grooming.
  • Avoid wearing very bright colors or attire with bright lines; TV news equipment sometimes distort these in ways that are distracting to viewers.
  • When standing in front of the camera, turn your body to the side just a bit so you are NOT facing the camera head-on. This makes you appear warmer and more inviting to those watching at home.
  • Make sure your posture is straight and erect. Avoid leaning forward toward the camera.
  • If a reporter is interviewing you in person, look at the reporter. Do not look into the camera. Think of the interview as a conversation between you and the reporter - ignore the camera.
  • Relax and be yourself.
  • Gesture with your hands. Don’t put them in your pockets, cross your arms, or stand with your arms at your sides. Gesturing with your hands will make you appear more natural.
  • Unless the interview is live, if you make a mistake, feel free to stop and ask if you can repeat yourself. But if you are being interviewed live on the air, simply correct yourself and move on.
  • Don’t forget to repeat your most important points or whatever you want viewers to take away from hearing you at the end of the interview.