PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & WELLNESS – CAMERA-READY CONFIDENCE: POLISHING YOUR ON-SCREEN PRESENCE
When I was first asked to serve as a spokesperson for an organization, my initial thought was, “Well, I have always wanted to be on TV…” quickly followed by, “But wait…how do I actually do this?” Thankfully, I had six weeks to prepare and the guidance of an incredible media training team with decades of experience. Their support was invaluable, and I’m excited to share some of the key lessons I learned from them with all of you. More than anything, I’m grateful for the professional growth those early opportunities sparked. Over the next four years, I went on to serve as spokesperson for four different organizations, and it became one of my favorite parts of working at a public affairs firm in Austin, Texas. There’s no better teacher than experience, and with every interview, I sharpened my skills, built confidence, and mastered the art of clear, strategic communication – and you will, too.
Lights, camera, action – let’s get into it!
Just like with public speaking, one of the most important rules for a successful on-screen interview is knowing your audience. Is this for a local, statewide, or national outlet? Is the reporter familiar with your organization or with you as the spokesperson? Will the interview be live or pre-recorded? These are all crucial questions that shape how you prepare and how you tailor your key messages.
Speaking of key messages, it might seem obvious, but being the expert on your subject is essential. If you fully understand what you’re advocating for or against, and know exactly who you’re representing, you’re already well ahead. Everyone has their own preparation style, so it’s important to find what works best for you. Personally, I’m old-school: I need my talking points printed out so I can highlight, make notes, and rearrange them. Whatever your method, the goal is the same: to internalize your key messages so thoroughly that you can deliver them confidently, even on the fly. Strong prep makes for a strong interview.
Now, let’s talk about your on-screen presence. If the interview is happening over Zoom (as many are these days), make sure your audio and video are working properly, and that your background is clean and distraction-free. Good lighting is key. Natural light or a ring light works great and consider blurring your background if needed.
When it comes to appearance, keep the focus on you, not your outfit or accessories. Avoid busy patterns and loud jewelry. For makeup, aim for a polished version of your everyday look: groomed brows, a few extra coats of mascara, a touch of bronzer or blush, and a bit of lip color. This certainly isn’t the time for a dramatic smoky eye! It’s about enhancing your features, not distracting from your message. Keep your hair off your face so you’re not tempted to touch or fidget with it. Speaking from experience, during one interview with brand new bangs, I spent half the time trying to keep them in place. 10/10 do not recommend!
Wardrobe-wise, when in doubt, throw on a blazer. I used to keep a simple shirt and blazer in my office just in case an impromptu interview popped up. When you feel like your best self, it resonates on camera.
And finally, showtime! As mentioned earlier, being well-versed in your subject matter is the best foundation for handling any question that comes your way. Reporters are counting on you to provide strong, clear soundbites that shape a compelling segment and engage their audience.
Most journalists are happy to share a few questions or general topics in advance. It’s completely appropriate and shows professionalism to request them. One way to ask is: “To ensure we make the most of our time, please let me know if there are specific questions or topics you’d like to touch on.” This helps you get organized and signals that you’re invested in making their job easier.
On-air tips:
- If you’re asked a question you don’t fully know the answer to, it’s perfectly fine to say, “I don’t have that information in front of me, but I’m happy to follow up after this.”
- If you’re asked a question that could harm your client or cause, use a technique called bridging to refocus. Pivot to your talking points with phrases like, “What’s most important here is…” or “The key issue is…”
- Whether live or pre-taped, pay attention to your cadence. Speak at a clear, steady pace. Watch for filler words like “um,” “like,” or “actually,” which can be avoided with practice, especially in front of a mirror. For pre-taped interviews, if you stumble, simply pause and restart.
- Be mindful of hand gestures and facial expressions. Use natural movement but avoid distracting motion. If needed, hold your hands together out of frame. Stay relaxed, expressive, knowledgeable, and personable.
- Finally, if you’re asked, “Is there anything else you’d like to add?”- always, ALWAYS say yes! Use that moment to reinforce a key message, correct a misconception, or highlight a point you didn’t get to earlier. It’s your last chance to leave a strong impression, so you should take it.
On-screen interviews can feel intimidating at first, but trust me, they get easier (and even enjoyable!) with time and practice. The most important rule? Know your stuff. The good news is: if someone’s asking to interview you, it’s because you do know your stuff.
Take a breath, speak with confidence, and don’t forget to enjoy the moment. Interviews are a chance to showcase your knowledge, elevate your message, and connect with a wider audience. Own it! In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “All the great speakers were bad speakers at first.”
You’ve got this.
