Wow, was I ever nervous. The first time a microphone was stuck in my face and that little red light blinked to life on top of the camera, the butterflies in my stomach went from rather noticeable to the verge of overwhelming.
Who else felt nervous going on camera for an interview the first time?
The media outlet was from a show based on the west coast and the interview was about a product we were launching at a press conference. The request came after our CEO was urgently called away and a long line of spokespeople had somehow disappeared on me.
And, of course, time was limited.
I was young, just learning the business and the trade. The host of the TV show was kind, gave me plenty of leeway, and coaching. He certainly didn’t have to, but I very much appreciated it.
Not that it mattered. My tongue felt too big and I couldn’t think straight. I bungled the interview. I alternated from being unable to get any words out, to then trying to get ALL of the words out at once.
Thankfully, the story that did air was positive, and (mercifully) my nervous face never appeared on TV. I was equal parts relieved and upset.
The silver lining was that, really, the next time a camera appeared it would be hard for me to do much worse. So, I went on a mission. I ravenously consumed every article on the topic of delivering media interviews, watched an untold number of videos of good (and less good) TV interviews, and sought advice from those that could do it well.
I also went toward the uncomfortable, actively seeking out opportunities to be on-the-record.
Things have gotten better since that first experience, but I’m not sure there’s a person alive that has completely mastered the art of the on camera interview. I’ve found there’s always something to work on.
So, here are a few resources to help on your own journey…
The Art of Bridging in an Interview
Handling Unexpected Media Inquiries
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