Ready for Your Close Up? TV Interviews in Covid Times

Throughout the last year, we’ve become used to our daily TV news viewing offering an insight into bookshelves and backdrops of homes throughout the land.

Where once upon a time broadcasters might have sent crews to workplaces, asked pundits to attend their station, or positioned ‘local perspective’ interviewees in regional studios, that’s no longer the case in the age of Covid.

Instead, every mainstream TV channel has been sharing content of Joe and Jane Bloggs giving their pandemic story from a bedroom, attic office or garden seat.

While it’s likely that the television crews will naturally start moving back toward a geographically mobile model again when restrictions fully lift, it’s worth bearing in mind that this recent passage will have offered a shift in what producers and researchers now consider viable when they plan their daily news output.

This means, of course, that it’s a great opportunity for more entrepreneurs, representatives, thought leaders, and those with real ‘human interest’ stories, to take their place on the small screen.

In light of that prospect, here’s some top tips for maximising your success in a TV interview:

Understand the Expectations

Get it 110% clear what time you’ll be on, which online platform the broadcaster would prefer to use, and who is initially calling who.

Plan Your Points

You won’t want to be seen reading a script, but you’re being called for this interview for a reason. Jot down three key points that you’re keen to focus on, and embellish on those.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t leave it to chance to find out live on air that your headphones and connection are lousy. Call a friend and run through a mock scenario first.

Book Bragging and Other Backdrops

You don’t have to sit in front of an amazing library of literary greats, but it’s worth bearing in mind what will be in shot behind you. If that’s a door – make darned sure it’s locked and that no-one is coming in!

Fashion Fail?

It’s not necessary to wear your best suit or gown, but have a think about what a certain colour or print might look like on screen. Some items will look particularly brash or clashing, while slogans on shirts should be considered a no-no.

My Name Is…

A small but important point, is what your on-screen identity is. Some broadcasters screen your screen without removing your Skype or Zoom idea. Better that it’s your ‘real name’ rather than your partner’s loving nickname!

Focus Focus Focus

You’ve probably seen it for yourself, but all too many people focus at their laptop / tablet screen, rather than at the actual camera. To be sure you’re looking at the TV audience, always focus on the camera.

Follow Up and Thank You

When it’s all over, be sure to drop a line to the person who set up the interview. Remind them of a link to your website if it’s appropriate that their own website might want to refer to yours, and make sure you let them know that you’re happy to talk again on this and similar topics.

If you’d like more help with broadcast and print interviews, drop us a line at deborah@lexiaagency.co.uk