What you must know before your next TV interview
You may feel confident about your talking points, but do you know how to handle props or behave during split-screen shots? This author shares his top tips.
Appearing on television can feel odd.
In one of the stranger (but more common) formats, someone will escort you to a closet-size booth where you will speak into a camera whose technician is hundreds of miles away.
This article will arm you with 10 logistical and technical details you should know before appearing on TV:
1. Arrive early. Avoid unnecessary stress by allowing plenty of extra time before your interview. That buffer will be valuable if the producer, makeup artist or crew is running behind. Plus, you may meet some interesting people in the green room (the room where you’ll wait for your interview).
2. Bring makeup. Most major networks and some large local stations provide a makeup artist. Ask in advance whether you will have access to one, but bring your own makeup and hair products just in case.
3. Look in the mirror. Do a final check before your interview. I’ve seen guests with lipstick smeared on their teeth, chunks of food stuck between teeth, and even an open sore.
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