There is no doubt being interviewed on television can be a nerve-racking experience.
Most of us dislike having our photo taken at the best of times so, we all understand why being interviewed on camera can be very uncomfortable. Even more so when the interview is live in a studio.
No amount of mock interviews in your media training or practice at home in front of the mirror can quite prepare you for that very first adrenaline-charged experience.
For the uninitiated, there are lights, monitors, microphones, sound technicians, floor managers, researchers and makeup people coming at you from all directions. Often the hosts are so busy they don’t get to say ‘hi’ until the studio red light has switched on and “you’re on”!
Hopefully, by that time you’ve prepared your key points, taken a deep breath, know your objective and have planned what you’d like to say. But where to look???
Placed directly in front of you is a huge monitor showing yours truly in wide screen. It’s hard not to stare at it. The producer directed you NOT to look at any of the studio cameras but when you take a seat next to the hosts it’s hard not to notice the red lights that go on and off indicating when a camera is being used and when it’s not.
The best piece of advice is (unless directed otherwise) to focus on the person asking you the questions. It’s easier said than done but try not to worry about what’s going on around you.
If you can focus on the host, you are almost guaranteed to be looking in the right direction!
When the interview is over stay seated until you are directed to move. There’s nothing worse than watching a guest trying to leave the set when he or she is still on-air.