Eight ways to boost confidence in media interviews

Even if you have loads of experience, you’ll probably feel some nerves when doing TV and radio interviews. So how can we control these feelings and make sure we come across as calm and confident? Here are some tips.

1. Know what you want to say

Make sure you’re clear what you want to achieve in the interview. Then prepare key messages that will have the right impact. You’ll also need ‘proof points’ – facts and examples that back up your key messages.

2. Prepare for what’s ahead

Find out everything you can about the programme, interviewer and the story you’ll be part of. Check the format of the interview and what any other contributors are likely to say.

Ask for the areas of questioning too. While you’re not likely to get a list of the questions you’ll be asked, you should be told what subjects will be covered. Make sure you’re ready to answer likely questions.

3. Allow enough time

Make sure you have time to prepare properly for the interview, travel to the interview location, get set up and settle in.

Allow extra time in case things go wrong, for example with public transport, traffic or getting lost. I’ve found it useful to arrive early when going to a studio, and then reviewing my notes there, rather than vice versa.

4. Check your appearance

Project a confident image by dressing appropriately for the story and the location. Check you look clean and tidy, with nothing that will distract the viewer. Looking confident will help you feel that way too.

5. Practice out loud

It might feel a bit weird, but practice saying your key messages out loud. If they feel unnatural or difficult, change them. Even better, why not ask a colleague or friend to do a mock interview? If you’ve practiced the interview, the real thing should feel easier.

6. Take a moment to relax

Don’t fill every minute before the interview with reading your notes. A great interview is as much about how you come across as what you say. Spend a little time working on relaxation, by doing breathing exercises for example.

7. Act confidently

Adopting the right mannerisms, tone and posture will help you feel more confident and be more confident. Think of it as a positive feedback loop. Slow down, adopt a relaxed and steady pose, maintain an appropriate level of eye contact and plant your feet firmly on the ground.

8. Build up experience

One of the best ways to be confident in interviews is by…doing interviews. Start with some less challenging scenarios and build confidence from there. It’s not just about standard broadcast interviews. Student interviews, podcasts and social media videos can all provide useful experience (but you should still take care – especially if these will end up online or elsewhere in the public domain).

Bonus tip: media training

Media training is a great way to build confidence in a controlled environment. If you work for a charity or non-profit in Cardiff or elsewhere in Wales, why not check out my bilingual media training sessions? I can tailor these to the needs of you and your team, with discussions, advice and role-play exercises in Welsh and/or English. Get in touch if you have any more questions or would like to book some training.