How to Prepare for Your First TV Interview

You've landed your first TV interview. Congratulations, and don't wing it. A few hours of preparation make the difference between a forgettable segment and one that builds your brand for years. These TV interview tips will get you ready.

This guide is part of our PR strategy playbook. If you're not there yet, start with how to get local media coverage, which explains why local radio is the best training ground.

Before the interview: ask the producer

• What's the segment about, and what angle are you taking?
• How long is it? Live or recorded?
• Who's the host? Anyone else appearing?
• In-studio, on location, or remote?
• Can I bring a product or visual?
• What should I avoid wearing (set colours, green screen)?

Prepare three key messages

Decide the three things you most want viewers to remember. For each, have:

• A one-sentence version
• A short story or example
• One memorable fact or number (only one you can back up)

Everything you say should connect back to these.

Craft soundbites

Short, clear, quotable lines of about 10–20 seconds. News segments may use only one clip from your whole interview, so make each answer able to stand alone.

Example: "Most small businesses don't need a bigger ad budget. They need a clearer call to action."

Practise out loud

• Have someone ask you likely questions, plus a few tough ones.
• Record yourself on your phone. Watch for filler words, fidgeting and long answers.
• Aim for answers under 30 seconds.

What to wear

• Solid, mid-tone colours that suit you
• Avoid fine stripes, small patterns and big logos
• Avoid very shiny fabrics and noisy jewellery
• Dress for your brand and the show's tone
• Bring a backup outfit if you can

On the day

• Arrive early. Studios run on tight schedules.
• Assume every microphone is live, before and after.
• Look at the host, not the camera (unless told otherwise).
• Sit forward slightly, feet grounded, hands relaxed.
• Smile when appropriate. Energy reads lower on camera than in person.
• Say your company name naturally once. Don't force it into every answer.

Handling tough questions

1. Listen to the whole question.
2. Acknowledge it honestly.
3. Bridge to a relevant key message: "What matters most is…"
4. Don't speculate or say "no comment." If you don't know, say you'll find out.

In a crisis situation, preparation is even more important. See crisis communications 101.

Remote interviews

• Stable internet and a wired connection if possible
• Camera at eye level, face well lit from the front
• Quiet room, simple background
• Look into the camera lens when speaking

A one-page interview prep sheet

• Segment: show, host, date, length, live or recorded
• Angle: what the producer wants to cover
• Key messages: 1, 2, 3
• Proof points: one story and one fact for each message
• Likely questions and your short answers
• Tough question and your bridge
• Call to action: one website or resource

After the interview

• Thank the producer and host
• Ask for the clip link and share it, tagging the outlet
• Add it to your press page (what your website needs)
• Ask for feedback. It's the fastest way to improve
• Offer to be a resource for future stories

Every appearance strengthens your founder brand and makes the next booking easier.