If you are interviewed on TV or radio the last thing you want is for viewers and listeners to think you sound dull and monotonous. So make sure you try hard to sound lively and interested – an extra 20% of energy above your normal conversational voice is usually about right. After all, you are in the entertainment business here, otherwise the audience will tune out. On TV you need to make sure that all this energy doesn’t mean arms flailing about and head bobbing around. This can be hugely annoying and distracting for viewers although of course on the radio it won’t show. Wave your arms as much as you want, if it helps make your performance lively and engaging, although you need to make sure you don’t get too carried away and knock the microphone. Unless it is a really sombre topic, inject a bit of warmth into your voice by lightening up your expression. They say you can ‘smile on the radio’ – and listeners will definitely hear it. (Taken from the book The M-Factor by Tom Maddocks.)
Tom on X
When does a tough media interview become a bullying issue? And how do you make sure you're not on the receiving end?
We can now offer on-camera and autocue skills coaching for spokespeople who have to present online video material or webinars.
