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When you appear on television, thousands and even millions of people can be watching. When the opportunity comes to be on TV, you want to set yourself up for a return visit, so set out to be as professional as possilbe. Here are a few steps that will get you ready:
- do your research
- refine your content, delivery and present material visually
- avoid making a faux pas
- present a memorable segment
Do Your Research
Investigating several things well in advance will help make the most of your appearance. What is the format? How much time do you have? How many cameras will be used? Will you be allowed to promote yourself, a product or upcoming event? Is the program live or taped? What is the style of the host?
Researching the host is especially important. For example, I was contacted to tape a segment for a new program, The Martin Short Show. My staff was very excited, but I hadn’t seen him on TV or in a movie and was completely unfamiliar with him. So, before the taping, I rented three movies in which he appeared. When I met him, not only did I recognize him, but I better understood his humor and was able to play off his style. As a result, my spot was used on his premiere show.
Most television segments are three to six minutes long. Be prepared so you are not in the the middle of a point as the music comes up and the credits roll. Talk to the stage director beforehand so that you understand the time cues and floor signals and can end your points as the segment ends. We’ve all seen people who can’t figure out which camera to talk to. The camera with the red light on top (tally light) is the one you should focus on.
Refine Your Content And Delivery
Can you be interesting and passionate and say something with a new twist in six minutes? Divide your segment into an introduction, body and payoff. Make every sentence count. Think in sound bites. Practice your topic in front of audiences and determine the key points for TV. Your gestures, voice and timing all need to be appropriate for television, not the stage.
Obviously, TV is a visual medium, so make use of props whenever possible. Charles Hobbs, who has spoken on time management and prioritizing tasks for many years, thought his topic did not lend itself to visuals. I helped him develop foam blocks labeled A, B, and C to demonstrate the concept of prioritization.
When Dr. Pat Wiklund wanted to stress the importance of emotional support during difficult times we developed a Feel Good Fast First Aid Kit. It included many tongue depressors with emotional challenges written on one side and the solutions on the other.
Learn how to deal with questions and interruptions from the host. Sometimes a host is unprepared or will want to talk more than he or she wants to interview you. Occasionally, the host will give away most of your time to the previous guest and leave you with two minutes. Learn to be graceful and effective in all situations.
Avoiding Faux Pas
One of my first mistakes was unfamiliarity with acceptable procedures. Early in my career I was asked for a media release. I designed my own and sent it out. It was a disaster. A kind reporter suggested that if I was going to make it in the biz, my press release needed to look professional, be in the right format and contain information tailored to the television industry. If you’re not skilled in this area, learn or hire an expert.
Supply the producer with a one-page summary of what you’re planning, so the host can scan it to learn as much as possible about your presentation. You may want to prepare a few key suggested questions that you can share with the producer or host. They may or may not use them but they are there in the event they need support.
The worst mistake I ever made involved promoting a product. When appearing as a spokesperson for Duncan Heinz cookies on The Maury Povich Show, the PR firm pressed me to really promote the product. Wanting to please them, I really pushed the product. The consequences to me were immediate as well as long-term. Maury was upset, the producer was angry, and I never got on the show again. When in doubt, stay generic. I figure one good mention of the product is a safe road to travel.
Present A Memorable Segment
Send your materials in advance and take duplicates. You’ll save the day and the show if the producer or host can’t find them. Get prior approval to promote products or events. Send a card with your toll-free number or website, or event details and ask that it be prepared for the screen. Don’t forget to make duplicates of this, as well.
Over-prepare. Plan more than just one segment. Author Deanna DeLong was once on tour with a new book. On one particular show, she planned for a six-minute TV segment. When another guest didn’t show, the producer asked if she could fill in. By being prepared, she got an additional segment and earned real favor with the producers. When I do a segment it is my goal to serve the show in any way I can to create a memorable and dynamic segment. When I do this I know that I have a great chance to be the “go to person” for that topic. I say that TV stations are in constant need of good material and great guests. Step forward and share your material and talents on TV.
Make the most of your appearance by doing your homework and keeping your energy up. Be sure to smile! You’re on TV!
For more ideas, see Dian's Million Dollar Publicity Program
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