Turn Off the Camera

Do you bring a camera and lights for practice interviews?

Keep the camera off when media training. Build confidence first. #mediatraining #publicrelations

It’s a common question asked of media trainers while planning a session: Do you bring a camera and lights for practice interviews?

No, I reply. 

Why? Unless you are preparing someone specifically for a TV appearance, don’t waste your money. It is far more vital for successful media interviews if you first focus on how to answer a question. 

Once the camera goes on, the “deer in the headlights” look begins. Upon video review, the trainee focuses on everything the trainer does not want: voice, hair, shirt, jewelry. “I sound like that?” comes next. 

The better approach is to practice, practice and practice even more on how you’re answering questions to ensure you have a grasp on your goals and delivering your key messages. 

Over a decade of media training executives from global brands including Bank of America and Ford Motor Co., the more fear you can identify and reduce during training, the better the results. 

And the biggest fear, by far, is screwing up during an on-camera interview.

Build confidence first. Do so by drilling trainees with hard questions and coaching them on how to establish control. Help them focus on making eye contact while adding vocal variety when answering. 

Then, when the time is right and the trainee is ready, turn on the camera for practice. The camera won’t be nearly as frightening as they will see themselves competently handling the questions and not overwhelmed by their appearance.

Bottom line: Get the messaging down before turning on a camera.

To learn more about successful media interviews, visit Benderoff Communications or email eric@bendycomm.com.