What would you do if you got a call to appear on a national news program? For more than ten years, I have booked guests to appear on television and radio stations. Most are thrilled to do live segments in front of an audience nationwide; some are so nervous they stumble over questions. Some authors are pros on air, while others can be shy and reticent when the camera rolls.
It is crucial to be camera-ready if you are given an opportunity to appear on a major show. Try to get your feet wet by doing interviews in your local area before you approach the major networks. Ask a friend or colleague to record you on video so you can get a sense of what you need to improve on.
Here are my pointers for authors or experts who secure a national TV spot:
- The TV network will send a car to pick you up and drive you to the local studio for the interview. Confirm you have the right time and the right time zone. If the media outlet is based in New York, they will be working in Eastern Time.
- Check email the night before. The booker or anchor may have some last minutes questions they need a written response on. Try to send that back to them the night before so you do not have to scramble in the morning to write comments and get dressed.
- Leave your cell phone on. The booker will likely call your cell phone to check in with you before your car pick-up. Let them know you are ready to roll for the morning interview. Call your marketing director or publicist if you need some last minute support before you arrive at the studio.
- Rehearse. You will have a window of less than ten minutes to get your points across and answer the anchor’s questions. Be prepared! The questions will come at you fast, and your answers need to be concise and clear.
Make sure your publicist or publisher has sent the booker or producer the talking points you want to cover in the segment. The show producers or on-air host will refine the questions but this gives them something to work with.
Finally, get a good night’s rest. Do not stay up too late, and eat a nourishing dinner. Do not go out with friends to celebrate. You can have a celebratory drink the next night.
Relax and enjoy! This is your time to shine in the spotlight. Remember to smile. You have a short amount of time to get your ideas out to the nation, so hit them with your newsworthy viewpoints.