The Hispanic Child Support Resource Center Nuestros Hijos, nuestra responsabilidad
Training
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Tips on Speaking to the Media / Television

Studies have shown that within the first 30 seconds of watching a television program, viewers form an impression of the person being interviewed. Both factual and emotional factors affect their judgment.

Content, style, and appearance matter. How you package and deliver your message is critical to achieving your objective. Here are some tips to help you make your first 30 seconds…and beyond…positively memorable.

Message:

  • Be crystal clear on exactly what you want to communicate.
  • To help your audience absorb your message and alert them that you are about to say something important, use phrases such as, “The most important factor is,” “There are two key issues,” “The critical thing to remember is.”
  • Unless the reporter specializes in child support issues, most reporters won’t know about the issue as well as you do. So, be patient with their questions. Show them you appreciate their interest on the issue by offering them valuable information such as Web sites they can go to for learning more about child support, other experts you may trust such as community leaders, etc.
  • Some reporters would probably ask you if you know someone who went through the child support system and who will be willing to talk to them about it. Be prepared to answer that question by checking with your caseworkers. Remember, the story is not about you; it is about the people who are being affected by the issue.
  • It doesn’t matter whether your interview is 60 seconds or 60 minutes long. Communicate everything you need to in the first 30 seconds. Spend any additional time expanding your basic points.
  • Never say anything you’re not sure of.
  • If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification.
  • Stick to your main points and don’t get side-tracked by the interviewer. It’s more important to communicate the points you want to get across than it is to answer the interviewer’s questions.
  • Handle any negative questions with grace and professionalism. Don’t be arrogant or defensive. In responding, don’t repeat negative language and bridge to your message as quickly as is feasible. Remember, good reporters will ask you tough questions. You need to be ready to answer those questions to the best of your abilities. Remembering your main points and practicing them before the interview will allow you to do that.

Delivery:

  • Always look the interviewer in the eye, speaking directly to him/her and ignoring the camera.
  • Let the staff fasten your microphone…and then forget about it.
  • Avoid jargon.
  • Speak in short, clear, complete sentences. TV quotes are an average of eight seconds and the interviewer’s questions may be edited out.
  • Don’t stare at the ceiling, floor, or walls when answering a question.
  • Use personal examples and stories as much as possible.
  • Use proper grammar.
  • Speak confidently and with conviction.
  • Unless the interview is live, it’s okay to ask if you can restate something that you may have said incorrectly.
  • Be yourself! Don’t affect a particular style or on-air voice.

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Body Language:

  • Open your eyes and avoid squinting.
  • Gesture naturally but avoid nervous, repetitive gestures like drumming your fingers or bouncing your foot.
  • Be very aware of your posture. Don’t slump or tilt back in your chair or shift your weight around. Keep both feet on the floor.
  • Assume you’re always on camera. Don’t look bored or detached from the conversation.
  • Maintain eye contact with your interviewer.
  • Don’t twirl your hair or fidget with pens, coins, or glasses.

Clothing:

  • Choose an outfit that communicates your professionalism. For purposes of the media interview, you are the expert on the interview subject. You want people to remember your message…not what you’re wearing.
  • Remove eyeglasses, pens, keys, coins, and other distracting items from pockets.

For Men:

  • Avoid white or deep yellow shirts, which reflect light and show up too brightly on camera. Also avoid dress shirts with narrow pinstripes, which tend to flutter on camera.
  • Avoid fabrics with complicated patterns such as checks, plaids, close stripes, and tweeds.
  • Avoid neckties with bold patterns like plaids and polka dots.
  • Dress shirts should be light blue, beige, pink, or gray. Opt for regular collars; button-down collars tend to look wrinkled.
  • Suits should be dark blue, gray, or brown. Single-breasted suits are the best style for most men.
  • If you are not wearing a suit, choose solid colored clothes in navy blues, medium blues, grays, and browns.

For Women:

  • Avoid bright white, yellow, and red suits that are too vivid on camera.
  • Avoid white blouses that reflect light into the camera. Choose blouses with open or V-neck collars that contrast with your suit color. Turtlenecks should be avoided because they shorten your neck.
  • Avoid fabrics with busy patterns such as checks, polka dots, and tweeds.
  • Choose to cover your arms. If you go sleeveless, your arms will appear much lighter on camera than your made-up face.
  • Camera-friendly suit colors are navy blue, gray, purple, burgundy, raspberry, teal, emerald, and forest green.

Color:

  • Blue…from navy to medium to light…is the color most flattering to all skin tones and colors.
  • Solid white and solid black clothing make skin tones look harsh.
  • Bright reds and oranges sometimes “run” on camera.

Makeup: Yes, this is for both men and women!

  • Do wear makeup. For women, foundation, translucent powder, blush, eye shadow, and lipstick keep you from looking washed out in the bright camera lights.
  • For men, apply translucent powder, in a color close to your skin tone, to any bald spots, receding hairlines, shiny noses, or foreheads. Shave before the interview, especially if you have a “5 o’clock shadow.”
  • Bring a tissue or handkerchief to dab any perspiration.

Accessories:

  • Avoid shiny jewelry, which reflects light back to the camera. A better choice is something matte, like pearls.
  • Avoid jewelry such as multiple bracelets or chains, which can clank and rattle and brush against your microphone, creating noise.
  • Avoid dangling earrings that sway as you talk, distracting viewers.
  • Choose simple, solid colored accessories without bows and ruffles.
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Last Update: March 26, 2009 3:00 PM