How Best to Handle Being Interviewed Live on TV
An estimated 65 million people in the US – and many more around the world – watched the recent televised debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Whilst there may be differences of opinion as to who came out on top, there’s one thing that both candidates have in common – and which neither of them is likely to admit: being quizzed live on TV is not necessarily the easiest of scenarios to navigate successfully. In fact, it can be extremely stressful.
And when stressed, all of us – including Presidential candidates – can say something that, on reflection, would have been better not said.
With this in mind, we asked our Media Specialists at Connect for advice on how best to handle being interviewed live on TV. Amongst our team are a former BBC TV and radio presenter, as well as a former reporter for the Wall Street Journal and Managing Editor for the Dow Jones Newswires.
Now whilst its highly unlikely that anyone reading this will find themselves in a Presidential debate, being interviewed live on TV is a regular occurrence for many, especially those in leadership positions.
How Best to Handle Being Interviewed Live on TV
If you fall into this category – or are likely to be so – here are some invaluable tips:
1. Prepare
Before the day. Be absolutely certain of your key message. Include relevant stories and sound bites. And above all, prepare to be brief. (maximum 30 seconds for a response)
Before the cameras roll. Tell the reporter you have a scoop and ask if they’d like to hear it. They always say ‘yes’! (scoop for a reporter is either something brand new, or your insight on something already in the public domain)
Before you speak. Pause. Think first before you talk. What to say, or not to say. To be brief. To show you’re listening. And critically, to imply that it was a ‘good question’. (avoid saying those words ‘good question’. Not only is it such a cliché, usually doesn’t sound genuine, and can be seen as being patronising. Also, if said to one person and not the other, might be perceived as a put down for the other).
2. Answer the Question
If you know the answer and are comfortable to speak about it: get straight to the point and be brief. Those prepared stories and soundbites will be a huge benefit
If you don’t know the answer or are not comfortable to speak about it: state briefly why you’re unable to do so (not knowing, not the right person, confidential, not yet ready, or words to the effect: ‘that’s an interesting point, but if we look at it from another perspective…’ or. ‘I think we need to step back and look at this…’
If it’s a potentially sensitive issue which you have to directly address: express concern/empathy at the very start. Not agreement or an apology (unless you’ve done something wrong). An understanding, acknowledgement, of the importance of the issue being raised. Then describe - briefly, no detail – what’s happened, and perhaps what’s going to happen. Finally, if appropriate, to include some perspective - that there are some positives/learnings to be gained from what’s happened.
3. Stay in the Positive
Don’t repeat negative statements/sentiment raised by the reporter. (and they will – negative news is often more interesting!). Just remember that all the reporter wants is a story – have your positive ones ready
Maintain composure: unfair though it may be, reporters can look good if they get aggressive, but this is not the case for the interviewee. Stay calm. (watch Hardtalk on BBC to see interviewees reacting angrily and not coming across at all well)
4. It’s free advertising
Be sure to mention the name of your company or organisation, rather than ‘we’, ‘us’, or ‘our’. Not only is it good marketing, it adds clarity. (but only use the name if in a positive context)
Finally – never lie. Never guess. No one can know everything. If you don’t know, say so. It reinforces Trust. But to get it wrong, to simply make it up, can totally undermine your Credibility. Unless you have concrete evidence that immigrants are really eating people’s pets, it’s best not to mention it.
New on the blog:
Presentation Skills Myths and Realities #6
Photo credits: Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street, Dick Thomas Johnson, Gage Skidmore, CC BY 2.0 - CC BY-SA 3.0
An usual question: what do wise men, bears, pigs, strikes, friends, Truth, and a guy called Tom all have in common?
Here’s a clue: Aristotle, Julius Caesar, and Tony Blair are also in the same category. In case you’re still puzzled: they all invoked the Power of 3.
Our Managing Director Mark Loasby debunks presentation myth number 6 on the blog this month:
Myth 6: The Power of 3
New on the blog: Tales from the Media
Powerful and Moving Video Statement from the Princess of Wales
In this month’s tales from the media we take a look at the incredibly moving and powerful video that the royal household released to announce the end of the Princess of Wales’ Chemotherapy treatment.
Instead of the usual press release or statement delivered to the camera as is tradition, we received a personal video that takes a secret, private glimpse into Catherine and her family’s life post treatment.
An insightful look at what’s capturing our attention this month from Connect’s Ex BBC Newsreader and Presenter, Rebekah James.
Powerful and Moving Video Statement from the Princess of Wales
Digital Communication Mishap of the Month
A bit of distance between the camera goes down well…
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Warmest regards,
The Connect Family
