Appendix F: Preparing for TV and Radio Communication
The underlying principles described throughout this guide will stand you in good stead as you prepare to communicate online, as discussed in Chapter 28, or on television or radio. These latter speaking situations do present some unique challenges, however.
On television, you are at the mercy of reporters and producers who will edit your remarks to fit their time frame. Therefore, before your televised appearance, find out as much as you can about the speech situation—for example, how long you will be on camera and whether the show will be aired live or taped. You may need to convey your message in sound bite form—succinct statements that summarize your key points in twenty seconds or less.
Eye Contact, Body Movements, and Voice
Knowing where to direct your gaze is critical on televised appearances, as is controlling body movement and voice. The following are some guidelines:
- Don’t play to the camera. In a one-on-one interview, focus your gaze on the interviewer.
- If there is an audience, treat the camera as just another audience member, glancing at it only as often as you would at any other individual during your remarks.
- If there is only you and the camera, direct your gaze at it as you speak.
- Keep your posture erect.
- Exaggerate your gestures slightly.
- Project your voice, and avoid speaking in a monotone.
To compensate for the glare of studio lights and distortions caused by the camera, give careful consideration to dress and grooming:
- Choose dark rather than light-colored clothing. Dark colors such as blue, gray, green, and brown look better than lighter shades.
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Avoid stark white, because it produces glare.- Avoid plaids, dots, and other busy patterns, as they tend to jump around on the screen.
- Wear a little more makeup than usual because bright studio lights tend to make you look washed out.
Speaking on Radio: The Media Interview
The following are guidelines for preparing for media interviews on the radio. These same guidelines can also be applied to the television interview.
- Know the audience and the focus of the program. What subjects does the broadcast cover? How long will the interview be? Will it be taped in real-time or recorded?
- Brush up on background information, and have your facts ready. Assume that the audience knows little or nothing about the subject matter.
- Use the interviewer’s name during the interview.
- Prepare a speaking outline on notecards or a tablet for the interview. Remember that the microphone will pick up the sound of papers being shuffled.
- Remember that taped interviews may be edited. Make key points in short sentences. Think in terms of sound bites.
- Anticipate questions that might arise, and decide how you will answer them.
- Avoid the phrase “No comment.” It will only exaggerate a point you are trying to minimize. Instead, say “I am not at liberty to comment/discuss. . . . ”