Media Interview Techniques
The best way to learn how to handle media interviews is with a professional coach in a simulated TV studio. This is, unfortunately, much too expensive for many entrepreneurs, writers, artists, and others who need to make a good impression in person or on TV.
You have other options:
1. Join a chapter of Toastmasters, who offer public speaking opportunities which will help you become more confident and lessen the fear of speaking in public. Many also offer microphone techniques and instruction about how to prepare your notes.
2. Take an acting class. You'll learn "stage presence," how to project your voice, and get some feedback about how you sound and move.
3. Buy Five Fast Steps to Low-Cost Publicity, which contains comprehensive information about preparing for radio, TV and print interviews, speaking to groups or preparing for a panel discussion, how to dress for TV and public appearances, and how to do your own make-up.
4. Obtain mentoring from a professional speaker and
broadcaster. You'll be amazed how much you can learn via e-mail,
without paying for one-on-one coaching in person.
Contact Bobbi to inquire
about this, stating exactly what you think you need and whether
you're preparing for a specific event or just want to be ready for
future opportunities to promote yourself.
FREE TIPS:
Vocal coach Elaine Overholt (who has taught many Hollywood stars), suggests that you "ground" yourself before you start to speak or sing. This means standing with equal weight on both feet, and pushing your legs into the floor as you square your shoulders. If you then want to angle your body with one foot in front of the other (a graceful stance for a woman), keep your "grounding" and don't let yourself sway back and forth.
Some warm-up exercises:
Yawn, deliberately lowering your jaw.
Shake your hands and feet to loosen tension.
If you have room and privacy, you might want to
jump up and down and shake your
arms.
Even if you're not a singer, it helps to open your
throat if you do some vocal
exercises. Select a two-syllable
word or sound that opens the vocal chords. A good
one is "Meow." Then
sing that down five notes, starting in a comfortable mid-
range. Going down the scale is
better than going up, as the latter can cause your
throat to tighten as you attempt
to "reach" for the next note.
Just before you go onstage, stretch your neck up
and lower your shoulders.
Smile.
SOME QUICK SUGGESTIONS:
Be prepared. Know how to pronounce the name of the person who will interview, how long interviews usually last, and the background color of the set.
Watch and tape interviews with other guests so you will know whether the setting is always the same. It's useful to know if you're going to be sitting on a chair behind a table, perched on a stool, or sitting with your legs in full view. There's nothing more distracting that a woman in a short skirt sitting on a high stool, trying to keep from revealing too much thigh and having difficulty balancing on high heels as she gets on and off the stool.
Wear a color that doesn't clash with the set. Consider black if you're very heavy and want to disguise it, but a better choice, if possible, is dark navy, which is just a bit less harsh. Regardless, have a soft and flattering color close to your face.
Don't apologize or devalue what you're there to sell.
Too many writers begin an interview by saying, "I'm not really a writer," or "I didn't expect this book to sell that well."
Listen to the interviewer's question. If your answer will be too complex or uncomfortable for you to answer, pull one of the statements you've prepared in advance. But otherwise, answer the question, don't change the subject.
Keep your replies the right length. It's awkward when someone answers almost every question with a simple "Yes" or "No," or just a short phrase. But don't ramble on for paragraphs, either. Try to keep answers in the middle range.
An entire chapter of Five Fast Steps to Low-Cost Publicity is devoted to how to handle media interviews of all types. Learn how to handle your own make-up, which colors are most flattering for various skin and hair colors, how to deal with confrontational interviews or those held over the phone, and what to do if the media comes to you.
INTERVIEW TIPS & A SHORTHAND METHOD FOR WRITERS
(when you're the interviewer)
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