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Updated December 8, 2002

Media Savvy #3
Tips to Prepare You to Meet the Media

"Hello, Cameras!"

A little preparation can help you look and be your best for interviews:

  1. Choose your color of dress carefully. Red and orange tend to vibrate on-screen while bold patterns generate visual fuzz. Beige, light gray, or other neutrals work beautifully. If you don't know what style of dress looks best on you, turn to someone who does.

  2. Leave metallic and shiny accessories at home. They reflect light. Also be careful with bracelets that make noise the microphone could pick up or a necklace or pin that will hit the mike.

  3. Keep hand gestures to a minimum. To be understood clearly, speak in your natural voice and a touch slower than your everyday speed. Practice with a camcorder so you know how you want to sound. Don't look for the red light on the camera. Instead, address your comments to your interviewer.

  4. Remember, you are being interviewed-one or two word answers are boring, nor do you want to drone on. Make sure you have Talking Points and a copy of RWA® Facts close at hand. Listen, Respond, Bridge. A Bridge is your segue into one of the Talking Points you want to emphasize during the interview.

  5. Don't assume the interview is over until you are told to move or your host moves. You don't want to broadcast a sigh of relief.

  6. Bring a copy of your book. Some television interviewers will give you a close shot of the cover. If you have to hold the book up, hold it up for a good minute. Don't raise it up and immediately lower it because the camera will not digest the picture.

  7. Bring your own introduction. Don't assume the interviewer will be prepared in any way. Send your press kit in advance of the interview and bring an extra intro when you arrive at the station.

Media Savvy is a column of quick tips to help you prepare for the media side of writing.
It is written by RWA® members Morgan Chilson, Mary Burton, and Cathy Maxwell. Permission to reprint this column is given to Romance Writers of America® local chapter newsletters.