Posted:
by QW+ staff writer
Five Things No One Tells You Before a TV Interview
At QW+, we have seen how powerful it is when feminist experts take up media space. We’re always especially amped when our experts appear on TV.
But we get it: being invited for a television interview, while exciting, can be absolutely nerve-wracking. It is a moment where your voice can reach out to millions. Done properly, it gives women+ a chance to challenge stereotypes, shift public discourse, and demonstrate thought leadership with authenticity.
And no matter if you’re a first-time guest or a seasoned media contributor, the basic trick is the same: prepare, practise and practise some more. And once you’ve got that under control, here are five additional things worth knowing before you’re under the TV spotlight.
1. You were invited for a reason
We all have imposter feelings, and if we’re honest, we all know that they lie. You’ve been invited to be on TV because your knowledge and insights matter. Regardless of whether your expertise comes from research, lived experience, or community work; it is what you bring to it that gives your story power. When the nerves start talking, remember how much more you know on your subject than the people who are watching TV. You have a chance to help them learn more – how great is that?
2. The goal is connection, not perfection
TV rewards genuine warmth far more than perfection and polish. Your audience will not remember every statistic, but they will remember if you seemed like a friendly, warm human being. A great trick around this is to build a mental image of one person who would really benefit from hearing what you have to say. Then, when you’re on camera, speak as if you are speaking only to them.
3. Anchor yourself before you start
A surge of adrenaline can make your voice shake and your mind falter. But it’s easy to overcome a fear response with breathing and grounding. Before you go on air, plant both feet flat, breathe out slowly and remind yourself of your key message. Have a very clear idea of the first sentence you’re going to speak, and imagine yourself doing it with confidence and warmth. Let that one clear sentence take you forward – the rest will be so much easier.
4. Hold your space
Some interviewers interrupt or try to steer your answer elsewhere. You have every right not to let this happen. It is always fine to pause and say, “That is important, but I would like to finish my point.” Staying calm protects your authority. A short pause can look confident too.
5. When it is over, reflect once and move on
Many experts replay every moment they were on TV and worry about what they should have said. Don’t do this! A much better idea? Write down one thing that went well and one thing you will try next time. TV presence is a muscle. Each time you use it, you get stronger.
As a QW+ expert, have you been on TV? Email Hello@quotethiswoman.org.za and tell us how it went!