No single speech during the 20th Century shaped the lives of 21st Century Americans as did the I Have a Dream speech on August 28, 1963. It is great to be able to share it with you -- both the video of the speech and the text below. In our Presentation Skills Training session, we often examine aspects of this speech and extract lessons for all more
In our discussions with people undergoing our Media Interview Skills Training, we often find that people who have experienced on-camera interviews invariably are unhappy with the results. They feel that the reporter focused on the wrong thing, that they looked nervous or uncertain, that they stumbled over their words or just generally made a mess of things.
The good news is that all of those observations can help pinpoint specific areas for improvement. It just takes some effort and concentration to make a difference.
Make and hold eye contact. Focus on the the person asking the questions and not on the camera. The more your eyes move around, the more uncomfortable your audience will become. The underlying message is that you are either trying to hide something or you are unsure of yourself. A powerful, steady gaze speaks volumes about your trustworthiness.
Ensure that however you look is aligned with how you want to be perceived. If your message is sober and serious, dress in a dark suit. If you want to be seen as hard working, roll your sleeves up. If your message is fun and informal, you can probably leave the suit at home and wear a golf shirt.
When sitting during an interview, sit up and lean forward slightly when you talk to open up your diaphragm, increase your air supply, prevent you from slumping and make you look engaged in the discussion. Do not relax or let your back touch the back of your chair. You need to be "on" at all times.
You have just a few seconds to sell your story. Studies have found that the average TV soundbite is around seven seconds long. Practice with a stopwatch in front of your bathroom mirror. By practicing out loud you can get rid of audible pauses such as "um, "like" and "you know."
Brainstorm likely questions as well as worst-case-scenario questions. If you spend some quality time really thinking about it, you should be able to anticipate 85 percent of the questions. It's tougher -- though not impossible -- to come up with the crazy questions that come out of left field, but it's worth spending time thinking about them and practicing ways to respond.
Define your key messages and be ready to deliver those messages regardless of the questions you're asked. Acknowledge any questions you're asked, but always bridge back to your key messages during an interview. Also, reiterate those messages if you're asked to provide a sound check or give a closing thought.
Turn off cellphones and Blackberries, spit out the gum, remove coins from pockets, don't hold a pen and ask the technician to turn off the TV set by the camera so you're not tempted to see how you look during the interview. Also, avoid chairs that swivel and rock. They are too tempting, especially when you get nervous.
Spend time beforehand identifying specific examples that help make your message personal. You can help journalists tell their story by using examples, anecdotes and graphics. Telling stories also helps break your conversation into soundbites.
Recognize that anything can happen in TV news, so be prepared and try to accommodate any unexpected changes. Don't be phased if an in-studio interview changes to a satellite hookup or an interview that was supposed to be taped suddenly is carried live. Flexibility is a must.
Be an active participant. Television observes everything, especially posture, energy and facial expression. Watch the delivery of TV news anchors and you'll see how much they accentuate what they say with unspoken cues. If possible, take a brisk walk before going on camera to get your blood flowing and wake yourself up.
Good luck, Marty! Remember to smile and stay positive throughout. If you are energetic and positive, maybe they'll invite you back as an expert in your field.
I am being interviewed on Fox Business next week and it is my first TV interview (especially one on such a big network)! These tips are very helpful. I'll report back afterwards if I can add more experience to this discussion. Thank you very much!
Juli: It's a technique that news reporters use to ensure that they don't sway back and forth. Stand with your feet side by side about shoulder width apart. Then step slight forward with one of them -- six to nine inches. Put most of your weight on that front foot to slightly lean forward. It signals to your brain that you are on, making it easier to recall key points. Reporters use this technique to subtly intimidate the interviewee. You can do the same thing as the interviewee! Good luck!
What a great site, the comments and tips have all made me feel a lot more comfortable about my Monday morning interview... Wondering, I have read about some psoitioning techniques that suggest you lean forward slightly in the direction of the camera... how do you do this if you are standing?
Douglas: Check back in and let us know how it went and offer any additional tips from the experience you think would be helpful for others who read this post. Good luck!
Dan: Thanks for commenting :) I did alright. Of course, nobody thinks they look great on camera, but I definitely kept my head on straight even though I stumbled over a few questions. :P If I could do it a second time, I'd be way better. I'll definitely come back to this page again if I ever need to do another interview. :D
Angela: I'm sure you'll do great. It's okay to be nervous. Your body is trying to tell you to either run or fight. I want you to use that energy to accomplish your goal and deliver your message powerfully and confidently. Please loop back with us and let us know how it goes!
Jill: Good luck and please let us all know how it goes. As long as you know what you are hoping to accomplish, you're a long way toward getting the most out of the opportunity.
Thank you so much for this helpful website. I am doing my first live tv news interview 02-19-07 and this is site is what I used to prepare! Thank you so much for offering this for free and keep up the great work! Sincerely, Mrs. Jill P.M. Wells B.F.A
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Good luck, Marty! Remember to smile and stay positive throughout. If you are energetic and positive, maybe they'll invite you back as an expert in your field.
I am being interviewed on Fox Business next week and it is my first TV interview (especially one on such a big network)! These tips are very helpful. I'll report back afterwards if I can add more experience to this discussion. Thank you very much!
There is so much to think about. It's a great tip to practice with a stop watch. 7 seconds is quick.
great site and great tips!!
Juli: It's a technique that news reporters use to ensure that they don't sway back and forth. Stand with your feet side by side about shoulder width apart. Then step slight forward with one of them -- six to nine inches. Put most of your weight on that front foot to slightly lean forward. It signals to your brain that you are on, making it easier to recall key points. Reporters use this technique to subtly intimidate the interviewee. You can do the same thing as the interviewee! Good luck!
What a great site, the comments and tips have all made me feel a lot more comfortable about my Monday morning interview... Wondering, I have read about some psoitioning techniques that suggest you lean forward slightly in the direction of the camera... how do you do this if you are standing?
Douglas: Check back in and let us know how it went and offer any additional tips from the experience you think would be helpful for others who read this post. Good luck!
Thanks for the tips, I am being interviewed by ch 6 news at my high school tomorrow, and I really appreciate the tips.
Dan: Thanks for commenting :) I did alright. Of course, nobody thinks they look great on camera, but I definitely kept my head on straight even though I stumbled over a few questions. :P If I could do it a second time, I'd be way better. I'll definitely come back to this page again if I ever need to do another interview. :D
These are grreat and helpful tips. I'll be doing an interview with CTV national tomorrow morning at 7 about contacting the ISS. Eek, I'm so nervous!
Angela: I'm sure you'll do great. It's okay to be nervous. Your body is trying to tell you to either run or fight. I want you to use that energy to accomplish your goal and deliver your message powerfully and confidently. Please loop back with us and let us know how it goes!
Jill: Good luck and please let us all know how it goes. As long as you know what you are hoping to accomplish, you're a long way toward getting the most out of the opportunity.
Thank you so much for this helpful website. I am doing my first live tv news interview 02-19-07 and this is site is what I used to prepare! Thank you so much for offering this for free and keep up the great work! Sincerely, Mrs. Jill P.M. Wells B.F.A
very very helpful! I'm doing my first TV spot next week and this is excellent guidance