Your Media Training Re-Boot: Part 1 of 2

Addressing ‘Do I have to Smile?’ and Other Missteps and Misconceptions

By Joanne Stevens

Smiling Sunflower

Given our breathtaking, unrelenting news cycle- TV viewers are being bombarded by a never-ending litany of new, professional guests within group discussions. The majority of their wisdom and insight is helpful.. but in many instances I get frustrated by folks who could benefit from some media tips.

Here’s some advice that should at make at least me more comfortable as I watch them.. and perhaps it might liberate some other folks from a few misconstrued rules. My blanket recommendation: Please know that making assumptions, or following mis-guided advice from well-intended friends and family will often find you uncomfortably ambulating a wrong road. .

Here are some interview tips that might prevent folks from tripping up:

A briefly stated answer or analysis (Media Point) with a noteworthy lede line is more powerful than just going on and on… keeping me on-edge as I struggle to isolate your points. Bear in mind that this concise technique of sharing wisdom allows for presenting several points in answer to a single question- so not only will we follow you more readily, but you can pack more in.

What is a Lede Line? An attention-grabbing statement that tweaks a listener’s interest, after which he/she is motivated to listen to what follows. It serves as the first sentence of your Media Point. It could be a fact or interesting statistic.. an analogy..a personal generalization or philosophical observation.. or a tip, or word of advice.

How long a contribution is too long? There is no, one numerical answer. I've been at my work for so long that I admit I just hear a ding sound in my right hemisphere when a sentence or full answer exceeds my listening limit. Let’s say that:

Each point should be about 4-5 simple sentences- including your lede line.
Simple sentences rarely have mid-sentence embedded phrases.
You can go as short as 2 or 3 sentences if you want to pack a wallop
Starting with ‘but.. and.. so..’ is permissible .
To avoid being tagged as a time grabber: let's say you shouldn't go longer than 3 brief points per answer.
Know that concise sentences are more readily tweeted out by producers and extrapolated as soundbites in subsequent news of the day reporting
Do your homework! You won't regret it. Watch 1 or 2 of the shows you'll be showing up on. Listen to a few of the regular contributors' complete comments,. These folks are often those who were first consistently invited guests; they have the lede lines and contribution length down.

There is no ‘blind-siding’ with unanticipated questions or topics. You might share that you are ‘not prepared to cogently address that’- or whatever natural phrase you might use. Follow up by contributing on a broader scale or a contiguous issue.. eg. ‘I think it’s important that we touch upon xx..’ or ‘something else I believe is significant here is… ‘ and share something interesting/worthwhile. Best advice: always come prepared with a few extra media points up your sleeve.

Thank you for reading all of the above.
And now: the answer to the pressing question keeping folks up at night:
No- you don't have to smile!! If you're comfortable being there- just talk!! As long as you're sincere about your answer, your eyes and facial expressions will be freed up to deliver a natural mix of expressions and innuendos.

The non-forced smile holds true for the beginning of the show as well. If you're told to look into camera 2 as you're being introduced- why would you smile if the topic is serious? Of course if you’re excited to have the opportunity to pose fresh insight into a topic, you may find yourself with a twinkle in your expression that seems to communicate a sense of 'I can't wait to share my thinking with you’. Bottom line- if you’re prepared and ready to contribute, trust your natural body language. .

Thank You for Watching for Part 2