Pugliese on PR
Tips for television intereviews
By Tina L. Pugliese, APR, Pugliese Public Relations
Because television is a visual medium, your physical demeanor and the style of your presentation are just as important, if not more so, than what you say. However, the format and restrictions of television interviews also demand a solid command of headlining, blocking and bridging and the other communications techniques.
In any interview situation—but especially in a television interview—preparation, posture, body movement and even where you sit contribute to the success of your interview.
Arrive early and discuss the interview with the reporter before your interview begins. Find out what the reporter wants to learn and what questions they might have.
Never sit between two interviewers. Sitting in the middle places you at a disadvantage, because you must constantly turn your head from one side to the other to answer questions. Sit to one side of two interviewers, especially if they are apt to be hostile.
When you take your seat, be sure you are sitting erect and straight in your chair. Do not lean to one side or the other, or slouch as if folded in the middle.
Keep your eye contact with the reporter or interviewer. Do not glance at the camera while you are responding to an interviewer’s question. The camera should be ignored unless you are told otherwise.
Avoid sudden body movements (such as standing up or leaning back in chair) that may take you out of the camera range.
Keep your answers short and succinct. Avoid technical language and statistics. Instead use anecdotes to convey your message.
Tina Pugliese's columns on public relations appear in Palm Beach Business.com every other Monday. Her previous column can be found here.
Tina L. Pugliese, APR is an executive coach and counselor for Pugliese Public Relations, a communications firm in Boynton Beach, Florida. Pugliese is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America, and is the author of the book, Public Relations for Pharmacists, and e-books, Marketing Your Business for Success, How To Work With The Media, Public Relations Manual — A Guide for Entrepreneurs, and the PR Survival Kit. She can be reached at (561) 889-3575 and by email at Tina@PugliesePR.com. Her web site is www.PugliesePR.com.
Article excerpted from e-book, PR Survival Kit, by Tina L. Pugliese, APR.
