Hints for Successful Media Appearances

Impression often outweighs substance; however, style alone cannot replace substance. Television is a vain medium.

• Appearance
  • Dress conservatively. Men should wear a dark suit and long-sleeved shirt. Solid color shirts are best, preferably blue, not white.
  • Women should wear a conservative street-length dress or suit. Avoid red or white.
  • Remove loose jewelry or exceptionally heavy rings. Avoid wearing heavy necklaces or bracelets, diamond and rhinestone jewelry, especially earrings or large pins. These objects make great reflectors for the TV lights!
  • Remove name tags, lapel pins and all extraneous articles from jacket pockets.
  • After you are seated and before the interview begins, keep your jacket buttoned and pull it down to reduce wrinkles.
  • Use light studio make-up.
• Aesthetics
  • Talk to and concentrate on the interviewer; avoid darting eyes and the temptation to "see how you're doing," by watching the monitor.
  • Cross your legs at the knee.
  • Keep your head up.
  • Don't slouch or lean to one side. Avoid swivel chairs.
  • When standing, don't rock back and forth.
  • Use your natural hand gestures for emphasis.
  • In 99 percent of the cases, a camera or sound technician will attach a microphone to you. Lavaliere microphones are the ones most commonly used today and are attached by using a tie-clip device. Whenever possible, hide the microphone cord inside your jacket so it doesn't become a distraction. In most cases a technician will assist you. It is important not to touch the microphone or breath into it.
  • If you have a reason for preferring one profile over the other, say so.