TV TIPS FOR PRINT PEOPLE
How to succeed as a “talking head”

An increasing number of newspapers are requiring their reporters to "do television" these days, often without any preparation. There are plenty of good reasons to do these "talking head" interviews, but not everyone does them well. Here are a few tips that can help. Contact us if you'd like to arrange for a newsroom workshop on this topic.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

• Know the program and host
  Is this a news program or a “shout fest?” Listen closely to the “pre-interview” questions for clues to the approach.
• Know the plan
  Are you the only guest? In studio or remote? Live or on tape? Ask if there will be a “set-up” piece, and whether any tape will be used during the segment.
• Assess the results
  Ask for a tape or record it yourself and watch your appearance afterwards. Get feedback from colleagues. Learn as you go.

KNOW YOUR STORY

• Have a clear focus
  TV is all about the nut graf. Decide on the two or three main points you want to make about your story.
• Say it, prove it
  Use details and anecdotes to reinforce points after you have made them.
• Consider the audience
  Don’t underestimate their intelligence, and don’t overestimate their knowledge.

TELL YOUR STORY

• Be brief and direct
  Speak in short, complete sentences. Be conversational. Don’t overload your answers with acronyms, facts or “official-speak.” Define your terms.
• Stick with what you know
  Respond to questions based on your reporting. Avoid being drawn into a debate or speculation.
• Correct misinformation
  Be polite, but do it. And if you goof, correct yourself. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know something. Tell what you do know.

LOOK GOOD

• Know where to look
  If you’re live, look directly at the camera unless told otherwise. Avoid “shifty eye.” Ask for a monitor to check the framing of the shot, and to see video used before or during your segment.
• Dress for TV
  Avoid white, large or small patterns, flashy jewelry, dangling earrings. You want the viewer to pay attention to your story, not your accessories. Comb that hair!
• Makeup matters
  If you’re shiny, you may look nervous. At a minimum, use some powder. If they offer to make you up, accept it, but don’t let them “paint’ you.