How to do an Online Media Interview: Media Training Tips

It’s finally time to get the lighting right. It’s finally time to get the camera angle right. It’s time to set aside nerves and confusion and get it straight. This late in the game, you either think you have this all down pat (and you could be wrong), or you are still too nervous to get on camera. This is the straightforward, quick guide to doing a proper media interview in your home office or at your workplace.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts:

Do an analysis of the room behind you. Too much light? Too little light? Is the background distracting? Are the shelves interesting or does something stick out of your head to make you look silly?

Analyze lighting. Use some artificial light where need be.

Look at the camera. You want to look at the camera at eye level. I’m sharing about the rule of thirds in my video above.

Eliminate background noise. It may be cute when your pet interrupts your Zoom call with a colleague, but not so cute during a live TV interview.

Assess audio. You may need to opt for earbuds or USB microphones or headsets. It depends on your circumstances. It depends on a trial interview practice session.

It’s hard to be both the producer and the guest. I’m here to help you prepare for your next media interview.  Schedule a complimentary, confidential call with me https://calendly.com/braud/15min

Crisis communications and media training expert Gerard Braud, CSP, Fellow IEC is based in New Orleans. Organizations on five continents have relied on him to write their crisis communications plans and to train their spokespeople. He is the author of “Don’t Talk to the Media Until…”

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