FC NOW: The Fast Company Weblog
February 9, 2005
Fast Company... on the Air!
So, I was on TV this morning. You can obtain a partial transcript via Google Video, but I was on ABC World News This Morning to discuss the recent 25 Top Jobs for 2005 online feature.
Now, I went through media training several years ago, but this was my first time on TV. And it was fascinating. Awake at 2:30 a.m. on three hours of sleep, car service at 3:30, at the studio by 3:55. Makeup, hair, brief meeting with Heather Cabot, and a fresh copy of the New York Times.
I was on the set by 4:40, and off in two minutes. Then to a back room for a remote hookup, another two or three minutes. Back in the car, and home by 5:30. Four more hours of sleep later, here I am, in the office.
Have you or someone you work with ever been on TV to discuss company business or your work? What was your experience like? How did you prepare?
Posted by Heath Row at February 9, 2005 11:19 AM | Category: news + current events |
2 Comments
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The one rule that I have always followed (and that I preach to clients) is: "You are the only one who knows what's going on"
Don't trust the interviewer to have a clue why you're there or what you do. Take a note from the politicians...keep 3 or 4 talking points in your head and focus your answers on them. Take control of the interview without ticking off the talent.
On the chance that you're being interviewed by a pro that does know what they're doing...these talking points help too. It keeps the conversation focused on what you're there to push/promote and not just on the questions you're asked.
The major key is to act like you're the only expert in the world without apprearing arrogant.
I was the guest speaker of a Rock Program on Live TV twice, in Italy. My role was to be in the audience until the time to translate for the interviewee came up.
The interview itself was about serious business: treating brain-injured children.
The publicity rolls, we move up to the bench ready for the interview (no make up or pre-interview, BTW).
My challenge was already pretty tough: to translate so that the 3' allotted would allow the specialist to say enough and me to resay it in Italian.
Imagine my surprise when the presenter stuck the mike in my face and asked the first question - the most important, the one setting the tone.
No worries. I was prepared fully and later learned that my answer was actually the one everyone remembered. Including the infomercial on the methodology recorded by Liza Minnelli that ended our interview.
I have since gone through extensive media training as part of my job and have learned more techniques and ways to articulate a message effectively, stay in control, etc.
The most important aspect for me remains whet I learned through that experience. To slow down time for oneself, think things through slowly inside and at the same time appear quick on your feet to have the best soundbite.