When You Are "On The Air"

Personality: should demonstrate warmth, etc.

Appearance: beauty is not essential but overall attractiveness is a plus

Voice: clear voice with no heavy accent or impediment

Poise: should be capable of handling tough questions; no obvious nervous habits

Articulation

Provide reporters a card or paper with name, etc., of the spokesperson

Preparing the Spokesperson

Watch/listen to news on shows you'll be on

Learn the format

Learn their questioning techniques

Determine how you can best tell your story

Drill spokesperson on possible questions

Rehearse

Practice answers

Practice demonstrations

Role play

Familiarize spokesperson with facts, etc.

No large prints/checks/patterns

No noisy jewelry

Avoid loose change or keys in pockets

Remember the camera can add 10 pounds; wear clothing that minimizes girth

Wear solid colors; subdued tones are preferred. Men are wise to choose grays and dark blues

Avoid blacks, whites and shiny fabrics. Bright white shirts and blouses can "burn" on camera

Remember spokespersons create an image for the organization

Men should choose conservative ties; avoid bold patterns, never wear bow ties unless you are seeking the image of professor or Research Ph.D.

Women should avoid jewelry which reflects light and could attract viewers' attraction

Careful attention should be paid to necklines, hemlines, etc., flare skirts sit better on TV

Women should wear street make-up, but avoid white shadows, too much green or blue, also avoid long eye lashes

Talk slower than regular conversation pace for Television; regular pace is best suited for radio

Keep hands out of pockets, especially if you have change or keys in them

Never talk down, keep your eyes level and your mouth toward the microphone

If you hold pages of script, don't rattle the paper

Ignore studio distraction

When interviewed for TV news, look at the reporter, not the camera

When doing TV demonstrations, play to the camera; keep demonstrations simple

Red lights on studio TV cameras indicate it is capturing the on-air image

Use visuals for TV whenever possible

Voice Guidelines

Avoid any type of abrasive style

Don't ramble; don't talk fast

Avoid buzz words

Don't pad with "uh", "you-know", and other filler phrases

Don't speak with a closed mouth

Practice, Practice, Practice

Interview Pointers

Know what you want to communicate and make that a priority

Have strong interest-getter to start the interview

Don't talk too long; use brief, concise language

Don't answer questions that aren't asked unless they help you meet interview goals

Have facts to back up statement

Expect reporters to ask some questions more than one time if you don't answer clearly or fully

Avoid absolutes

Don't allow reporters to change topics