This is Part 3 in a series written by Dr. Karen Hayter, one of my favorite TV interviewers (used with permission).

Part 1: Key lingo you need to know before guesting on a television talk show

Part 2: 18 Important Tips on How to Dress for a TV Appearance

TV Cameras

The program you are doing could have one camera, or two, or even three or more. When you are talking to the host, it is best to look at the host, unless you are told to do otherwise. If you have an important point to make, you can always look right into the camera. (Note: the camera with the red light “on”—the tally light”—is the camera that is “on”).

Hint on communicating with the camera—and therefore with the audience: always look through the camera—like you look through your car windshield—not at it. And look right through the middle of the camera. Focus in on not looking away from the camera while you are talking “through” it.

You may want to put an imaginary picture on it, and talk to that. Or you may want to pretend that you are talking to the person behind the camera, or someone sitting in your living room. When you are not talking “to” the camera, try to remember that this is a conversation you are having, and try to forget the cameras and everything else that is going on around you.

Microphones

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS assume that they are on, and be careful of what you say.

Try to wear something that will make it easy to attach a microphone to-something with a collar, or a jacket, or blouse, with a skirt or pants, etc. Or a short sweater, a jacket, etc. One piece pullover dresses with no collar and long sleeves make it very difficult to hide a mic wire, and to get one on you in a graceful manner.

Men: when you get the microphone on, and are seated, be sure to pull your jacket (if you are wearing one) down in the back so it does not bunch up around your neck and shoulders.

IFB

The IFB is the piece that goes in your ear so you can hear audio. If you are doing a “call in” show and you cannot hear the audio, tell someone. They will probably have “audio” speakers on the floor of the set, too. Many, many programs will not provide you with an IFB.

Stay tuned for our next installment: How to behave when you guest on a TV talk show.