Quality Of Life Trainings, Inc. Success Tip

Public Speaking Success Tip

Category: Public Speaking
In the Spotlight: When You Are Being Interviewed by Broadcast Media

Being interviewed by the media is an outstanding opportunity to get free publicity for your business. This Success Tip gives you insight into what to expect.

For those who thrive in highly stimulating public speaking situations, being a guest on a radio or television program is like a thrilling roller coaster ride. The “thrills” vary from show to show. The whole point of these programs is to gain and keep listeners and viewers. The job of the host is to make the show (and you) interesting, exciting, and on some call-in shows, controversial.

It is always a good idea to ask the following questions prior to your appearance:

Who is the target audience?

Will this be a call-in program?

Will there be a live in-studio audience?

How long is the program?

How long is/are the segment(s) I'll be on?

Who is the host?

Will I be able to get a tape of the show? (You'll want to review this tape to see how you'll improve your performance the next time.)

To whom should I forward the topic information and questions?

You will probably be asked to provide some background information on yourself, your company, and questions for the host to ask you. Offer this information if your contact does not request it. This will give you some control over the content of the interview.

There is a caveat to the prepared questions. Don't expect the questions to be asked in the order that you list them or phrased the way you wrote them. The host will be following his or her agenda, based on what he or she thinks will interest the audience. You may find that the questions you are asked bare little resemblance to the questions you provided.

When preparing your comments and answers to your suggested questions, try to convert your thoughts into short sound bites. Especially on radio, it is easier for people to grasp the meaning of short sentences rather than long, drawn-out answers.

Arrange to be in the studio rather than a call-in guest. As with other communication situations, it is easier to convey meaning and understand the other person's comments when you can see their facial expressions, body language and gestures.

During the actual interview, be prepared for interruptions, especially if you are a prolific speaker. The host is trying to keep the show going at a pre-determined pace. There are even times when the host is in direct contact with the producer of the show by means of an earpiece. In this situation, the producer is giving the host additional questions to ask. The host has to keep his or her thoughts straight, pay attention to you, and incorporate the producer's comments and questions into the interview. In some cases, the host is excited about the topic and a great conversationalist. Interruptions from this type of host are indicative of his/her desire to participate and contribute to what you have to say.

The physical environment of a television studio is not as it appears on the screen. There will be several lights shining down on you and the host. These lights tend to make people with light complexions look pale and shiny. To complicate matters, unless you are on national television, you will probably be responsible for your own makeup. Ask a makeup artist for tips and apply the makeup prior to arriving at the studio. The lights are also very hot. A trick of the trade: Wear shorts rather than your suit pants or skirt if the television audience will not see your legs and there won't be an in-studio audience.