Congratulations; you have been invited to appear on a television news segment! Now what? Read on for the 10 do’s and don’ts Serendipit’s PR team recommends to ensure your next TV interview is the best one yet. Good luck ?

DO be the bona fide expert

Remember that you are the one in the room with the most knowledge on the topic you’re speaking about. This is your chance to share your expertise to educate the public on the topic at hand. With that being said, be confident and never doubt yourself.

DO prepare

Whether your interview is an hour or two minutes long, it is essential to properly prepare for your appearance. Make sure you are clear about the subject and think carefully about the key messages you want to convey. There is no need to memorize a speech - you want your interview to sound natural and unrehearsed.

DO know your audience(s)

Take the time to research and understand the program’s audience ahead of time and tailor your messaging accordingly.

DO dress the part

Wear something that is comfortable, yet sophisticated. Avoid loud patterns and stick to solid pieces in bold colors that complement your skin - never wear white. Don’t wear excessive jewelry and double check that your tie isn’t crooked, as these could serve as distractions to viewers.

DO provide short, concise answers

When it comes to TV, your answers need to be concise and to the point because the interview is fast paced and news segments typically aren’t long. You’ll be surprised how quickly the time goes.

DON’T be late

Schedule plenty of time and arrive at the studio earlier than you need to. Being there ahead of time will help you relax, get accustomed to the environment and think through your key messages.

DON’T use “ums” and “ahs”

Take a deep breath before you begin speaking. Your breathing and speaking should be steady and calm so you have time to think about what you are saying. Pause when necessary, but try not to fill the silence with those awkward “ums” and “ands.”

DON’T ignore your body language

While you might be nervous during your interview, do your best to appear confident.  If you are seated during the interview, sit up straight and relax your shoulders. If standing, do your best to avoid swaying. Keep your hand gestures to a minimum. Make an effort to keep your hands by your side or in your lap if they begin to wander on their own.

DON’T look into the camera

Rather than looking into the camera, maintain eye contact with the interviewer. You can reference the camera and smile when you are first introduced, but the rest of your interview should feel like a one-on-one conversation.

DON’T forget the three C’s

Use the three C’s to give your best interview. Concise. Conversational. Catchy. Speak clearly and not too fast. Be honest, don’t fudge the facts, don’t predict or speculate. Assume nothing is “off the record”. Smile, be enthusiastic and have fun!

Now, get out there and shine.