Editor's Note: Thanks to advancements in technology and the ever-improving speed of internet access, vidcasting (the online delivery of video) is quickly becoming as popular as Blogging. While much of this article mentions TV as the delivery medium, the concepts presented below can be applied to vidcasting as well.
Appearing on TV is no longer the realm of celebrities; with the rapid growth of cable stations, appearing on a TV, a video or a Webcast is a marketing tool within the reach of almost all of us. Whether you are being interviewed, running a training program, demonstrating a technique, or doing a 'how-to' video, you can make a difference between a memorable experience or one you hope your clients and friends will never see.
The 360-degree look
When you are on TV, looks matter. People who don't know you or what you do will see how you look as a first impression. Almost no one is perfectly happy with the way they look, but looks alone should not stop you from accepting an offer to appear in front of a camera.
Most of us have a "mirror idea" of what we look like-a full-front image of ourselves we see in the mirror, holding still and smiling. But that image isn't how others see us; we move, smile, talk, gesture-giving a much more lively picture than the mirror-check look.
So be prepared for the 360-look: make sure to check your hair from the rear view. And in that view, check for escaped labels, stray hairs or threads, loose buttons, gaps or a jacket that doesn't hang right. Don't wear anything fussy, or something that requires constant adjusting and tugging to stay in place. You want to look calm and in control.
Look the part
You might not have an on-camera wardrobe, but you can make the most of your look by playing to the camera with simple clothes. It's tempting to wear something memorable and interesting, and with some luck, it might work for you. But don't count on being able to stand a certain way, or sit on a chair that's the right height. On TV there is a thin line between looking interesting and distracting. You want people to pay attention to you and your presentation, not your fake-fur tie.
Tips for women...
Solid colors flatter most women; patterns tend to make you look larger and heavier on camera. Avoid thin stripes, as they 'flare'-seem to move or blur on camera. The same is true of vivid colors-bright reds, yellows, hot pinks, acid greens and white take on a life of their own under TV lights. Basic black sounds safe, but it works best in pants or skirts. Too much black is not flattering to every skin tone, and if you wear a contrasting top you can look cut off. Listen to the guidelines of the producers.
Colors that flatter most skin tones on TV include dark blue (but not a midnight navy), charcoal, teal, plum, and a forest green.
Three-quarter length sleeves are flattering if you've been skipping gym workouts, V-necked tops makes your face appear slimmer, and a scoop neck can show off a piece of jewelry, but try on the outfit before you appear on camera. No matter how young or attractive you are, you want to make sure the neckline doesn't expose too much cleavage or pull awkwardly when you move. TV studios are kept very cold, and you'll want to take that into consideration when you choose your outfit. Most women hosts or news anchors wear jackets, vests, or loose tops for that reason.
... and tips for men
You don't have to wear a suit to appear on television, particularly if you are demonstrating your art, but let the producer give you suggestions. If you are going to appear on a panel, you'll want to blend in with the other panelists. A suit is a visual cue that your are to be taken seriously in a business discussion.
If you are wearing a suit, wear a long sleeve shirt, and have your cuffs show one-quarter inch below the suit sleeves. Wear an off-white shirt in blue, grey, or cream, with no stripes. Ties should coordinate, and to be on the safe side, shouldn't have small patterns, like club or rep ties. They flare and jitter and no one will watch your face.
If you don't have to wear a suit, dress neatly and comfortably. Shirts should be plain, solid colors. If you are wearing an old favorite, make sure it isn't faded or worn. Jeans can look great with a T-shirt and jacket, but the jeans shouldn't have rips or tears in them.
What about makeup?
Men and women wear makeup on camera. Most TV lights are bright (and hot) and can make anyone look washed out. Ask the producer if you should apply your own makeup. Most shows will put powder on you to reduce the shine on your face, and some studios will apply TV makeup, which feels heavy and awkward even to women who wear makeup every day. Once the makeup is on, don't touch your face, or you will transfer the makeup to your hands, clothes, and props.
Demonstrating your work
If you are doing a demonstration of your work, talk to the producer to see how close the camera will be. Tell the producer what sort of tools you use, and what happens when you use them. The producer needs to know if there will be noise, flying debris or times when you (or the host) can't be heard.
If there will be lots of close ups, you'll want to practice your demonstration, as you won't be able to move your hands much, or they'll get out of camera range.
If your demonstration consists of several steps, you will be asked to bring your project in stages, maybe even multiple pieces. Ask the producer exactly what you need to bring, because once you start to film, things move fast.
Interviews need practice, too
If you are being interviewed, you want to have the best possible outcome. Make sure you are clear on who your audience will be, and what the objective of the show is. If your audience is high-school students who want to know about your field as a career, you will want to talk about your education, experience, and the satisfaction of the choices you made to reach your level of expertise. If the object of the show is to help those in your field choose the right tools, you'll want to think about the three most important tools to your work. Ask the producer what questions the host or interviewer might ask. You won't be grilled by an investigative reporter, but you don't get second chances and you can't take things back or demand that they be edited out. Don't jump to another topic in mid-sentence. That's fine in a classroom, but is distracting on video.
Practice answers to keep them short. Most people who are asked a question give too much information and take too much time. Time is an important commodity on TV, so plan to get your point across quickly. The rule of thumb is "don't tell the host everything you know about the topic, just tell them enough to get to the next question."
Prepare a few sound bites that take just seconds and will not be edited out. If someone asks a writing instructor, "Who are your clients?" "Everyone," might get edited out, but "People who have something worth remembering, looking for the best way to say it," will stay in.
If the hosts interrupts you, it's a sign you've made the point. Don't keep talking over the host to finish your sentence. If you are asked a question and need a second to gather your thoughts, use a stall phrase like, "I get asked that a lot" and smile.
If the hosts tells a joke at your expense, smile or laugh. Most hosts don't want to insult you or demean your work, so be ready with a smile.
The best way to be prepared is to ask the producer everything you want to know and to practice. Stay flexible, and bring something to pass the time. It's not unusual to have to wait a long time before your segment is taped, and it's best not to spend the time being anxious.
About the Author: Quinn McDonald is a writer and nationally-known speaker who has achieved the "Professional" designation from the National Speakers Association. Contact her through her website, QuinnCreative.com.
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