This is Part 5 in a series written by Dr. Karen Hayter, one of my favorite TV interviewers (used with permission).

Ask what he/she would like to be called, and then call them by name. This will establish rapport.

If you have questions, ask them prior to the program or during breaks.
If the show is a “call in” be sure and call the person on the phone by name.

If you want a copy of the interview, bring a VHS tape and have it labeled for mailing and the name and date of the show. You might even want to include a mailing envelope, postage paid.

Try to imagine that you and the host are the only people in the world. Try to imagine a cocoon around the two of you, and make sure you get said what you came to say.

If you are on with other people, know what you want to say. Don’t get baited or hooked into saying something you can’t back up.

Be sure and thank the host. And, after the show is over, you may want to thank the crew – they hardly ever get any affirmation. Send a thank-you note to the host, station, whatever.

Practice not paying attention to distractions, whether something falls down or someone is talking. Focus and concentrate. And have fun!

Recognize that the goal of most television is to entertain/inform/educate, to keep people from switching channels (channel surfing) and to sell products. You are, in some ways, merchandise to them, and you may be treated as such. Don’t worry about it. If the crew acts like you don’t exist, or if they talk, laugh, whatever, during the program, just ignore it and don’t take it personally. They have done thousands of these shows, and it is second nature to them.

Also in this series:

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

Part 3: Everything You Need to Know about TV Cameras and Microphones

Part 4: How to Behave Yourself When You’re a Guest on a TV Talk Show