This is Part 7 in a series written by Dr. Karen Hayter, one of my favorite TV interviewers (used with permission).

Many people have unpleasant experiences with television interviews because they expect the host to carry the program. You – the guest – MUST know the what, why, and how of your book or project, and you must be interesting.

• How is your book going to help people?
• Educate them?
• Inform them?
• Entertain them?
• Change their lives?

You must convey that information in brief sound bites, with passion, interest, and conviction.

Assume that the host of the program has not read your book and knows next-to-nothing about your project. You and your topic may be treated less wonderfully than you anticipated, but don’t take it personally.

Don’t let the host’s actions and/or attitudes control yours. Don’t let the host “bait” you into something that makes you look stupid…unless you choose to go there. If you want to be controversial, be just that, but get ready for the response, and be ready to defend your position with logic and class. Always be polite; a soft answer really does turn away wrath.

Keep your integrity. If you feel out of your league, it is always better to say, “I don’t know” than to try to fake it.

Know your goal. Remember, you are there to share information, make people think, present a different point of view, entertain, make money, help people, or sell books. Know why you are there and keep your goal in mind throughout your interview.

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

Part 5: How to Interact with the Host and Crew When You’re on a TV Talk Show

Part 6: 11 Essential Items to Bring to a Television Interview