Do You Have Any Tips For Entrepreneurs Appearing On Camera?
Question: Do You Have Any Tips For Entrepreneurs Appearing On Camera?
I'm about to be interviewed about my company in a live video for a local news station. I've never done an on-camera appearance before. What should I keep in mind? Thoughts?
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Jennifer Buonantony is CEO of Press Pass LA and PPLA Social & PR. She has over fifteen years of experience working in the entertainment industry, including script development, TV and film production, talent management, and social media and public relations.
Answer: Keep It Simple
There are a few media training tips and tricks that are really great for on-camera interviews, especially if it's something you aren't used to doing regularly. They may sound simple, but it's great to review them and give yourself a quick self-check before starting.
Appearance
You want to look professional, but wear something you can feel both comfortable and confident in. There's nothing worse than feeling anxious about your appearance before you even start the interview! Avoid wearing patterns or stripes as well as solid white and red, because they don't play well on screen. Make sure your hair is neat. Wear a bit more makeup than everyday, and include translucent powder to avoid shine. Don't overdo jewelry; it can be distracting.
Composure
It's best to sit up straight and lean slightly forward in your seat to avoid looking too casual or slouched. Speak slowly and clearly, and maintain natural eye contact with your interviewee. Keep your arms and hands on the table or at your side (not crossed or clenched), and include natural hand gestures while speaking — but don’t wave your arms around!
Content
If you ever feel stumped by a question, lose your train of thought, or just don't want to answer, it's good to have a few go-to phrases than can help buy you time to collect your thoughts or pivot the conversation. This is especially helpful for live interviews. Some examples are: “That's a really great question," and "While that's a great point, what I'd really like to talk about is such-and-such."
Finally, remember to be yourself and to smile!
