The Top 6 Tips for Acing Your First Live TV Interview

Television remains a trusted source of information for millions. As such, it is a valuable platform to showcase your expertise, promote products, or address pressing issues.

According to a provider of media training in Dubai, a live television interview can be a powerful way for your business to connect with a broader audience and boost your credibility.

A live TV interview also brings a human element to your brand, giving the viewers a chance to see the face behind your business. This gives the audience assurance that you have an honest, legally operating company.

Additionally, guesting on a live TV show ensures your message can reach and influence a more diverse audience.

When you successfully ace your first live television interview, you can reap all these benefits, which will do wonders for your business and your individual credibility.

Showing Your Best Self During a Live TV Interview

Since it’s your first time to be interviewed on live TV, you may feel nervous, which can cause you to say a few wrong things that can put you and your business in a bad light.

You can avoid this and be your best self during the interview by following these tips:

1.     Prepare well for the interview.

As soon as you know you’re getting interviewed, make sure you understand the topic to be discussed. Ensure you know it inside out; do additional research if needed, even if you have to talk about your products or services.

Think about the biggest, most important questions you might be asked and the best answers you can give. If you or someone from your team sent a pitch for the interview, read it and use the information from this document to prepare your responses.

Ask the show producer or your PR staff, if you have one, to help you prepare for the interview. You can also work with a trusted media training provider to get ready for this important event.

By working with these experts, you can get an idea of the different interview situations you should prepare for and how to navigate them smoothly and successfully.

2.     Avoid overpreparing.

Although you need to prepare for the interview, you must be careful about being too prepared for it.

Studying and memorizing plenty of information and preparing numerous answers can lead to information overload and make you feel more stressed and anxious. During the interview, you might end up confused about the details and unable to recall the responses you prepared.

Memorizing your responses can also make the interview look scripted and rehearsed, which can affect the spontaneous, natural feel that viewers look for in unscripted shows.

As such, when preparing for the interview, focus on how you can make the messages you want to share memorable. Also, avoid thinking of too many questions you need to anticipate.

Keep in mind that you’ll only be interviewed for several minutes, which means you won’t be asked many questions. Preparing plenty of responses may end up being a waste of time.

3.     Practice making eye contact and holding your posture correctly.

Your first live TV interview can be nerve-wracking. However, you can hide any anxieties you have and appear confident by mastering eye contact and the proper posture beforehand.

Proper eye contact and posture are subtle elements that communicate confidence, professionalism, and approachability. These are essential traits that help you make a great impression.

While practicing for the interview, focus on maintaining natural eye contact with the interviewer rather than looking directly into the camera when speaking. This helps you connect with the audience through an authentic and engaging conversation.

Remember to avoid darting your eyes around or staring too intensely. Think of the interview as a friendly chat to appear natural.

Also, practice sitting up straight, but stay relaxed. Plant your feet firmly on the ground and use open, confident gestures when appropriate.

Good posture conveys self-assurance and keeps your energy high, so ensure you maintain the right posture during the interview.

4.     Speak to the host before the interview.

Everyone can feel uncomfortable speaking with someone they just met. You can avoid showing this discomfort on live TV by meeting and talking with the host before the interview.

Speak with them off-camera for a few minutes to familiarize yourself with them. You can also ask them what questions they have prepared for the interview to determine which of your prepared answers suit them.

If you’re an MC presenter or a professional often dealing with live audiences, you’ll know how crucial this rapport-building step is for ensuring a smooth and engaging conversation.

You may also want to ask the host or producer about their editing processes. Even though you’re going on live TV, the show may still be edited, which means you may be able to request a pause, cut or re-shoot if you don’t like your answer to a particular question.

When you know that you have this option, you can reduce your worries and the pressure to be perfect during the interview.

5.     Have a plan for responding to questions you can’t answer.

Although you anticipated several questions, you may still be asked one or two you may have difficulties answering. You need to have a plan for handling this situation so that you can show off your best side during the interview.

If you find yourself in this situation, remember to pause and avoid rushing to answer. Ask the interviewer to repeat the question to have a few additional seconds to think about your response.

If you can’t think of a good or accurate answer, pivot to a related topic you’re confident discussing. This will keep the conversation flowing and reinforce your expertise.

6.     Stay calm, confident, and positive.

Throughout the interview, focus on staying calm, collected, and confident even if things don’t go perfectly.

Before going on air, take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves and center your thoughts. Remind yourself that you’re here because of your knowledge and expertise to boost your confidence.

Remember to smile and stay positive if you’re asked a tricky question or something unexpected happens. If you remain affable and confident in these instances, the audience will focus on how you handled the situation more than the issue itself.

Keep in mind that a calm and positive attitude makes you appear professional and relatable and helps make the interview a success.

A successful live television interview can boost brand visibility and position your business as a thought leader in your industry. With enough preparation, you can leverage this opportunity to take your company to new heights.