Business Writing Center

Tools

Inside Business

Media Communication

Consider the following suggestions as you prepare for media interviews and telecommunication:

Preparing in advance

Gather your data in advance.  Collect reports, correspondence, and notes you will need for reference. Also, jot down a brief outline of the points you hope to cover. If you are appearing on television or radio, anticipate and practice answering questions you may be asked.  Just as important, prepare the main points you wish to emphasize.

Using audio devices

Audio devices include telephones and microphones (for radio, television, video, or video-teleconferencing).

1.  Speak conversationally, using pauses and inflection, as though you were addressing a small group of people.

2.  Watch your volume and distance. Omni-directional microphones will pick up sound equally from all directions.  For unidirectional microphones, you must keep your distance from the microphone constant.

3.  Avoid unwanted sounds.  Breathe quietly, avoid rattling your papers, drumming your fingers, or jingling coins. Avoid “p—pops”—practice speaking initial consonants such as “p” or “d” softly and smoothly when using a microphone.

Being on camera

You will work with a camera when you are speaking on video, video-teleconference, or television.

1.  Prepare for mechanical distractions. Rehearse on the set to learn cues and see the equipment.

2.  Decide where to focus: at the camera, at the interviewer, or at other people present. If you are recording a one—person video, look directly at the camera. If you are appearing on a talk show, look at the host.  If you are appearing on a video—teleconference, you will probably look at the other participants. Wear solid colors such as gray, blue, and beige. Avoid white, which may glare and black, which absorbs light. Also avoid tweeds, stripes, and patterns with sharply contrasting colors that will appear to jump around on the screen. Avoid jewelry that moves or which is large and reflective because of the studio lights.  Movement attracts attention, and you want attention to your message—not your jewelry.

Adapted from Guide to Managerial Communication, 5th ed. by Mary Munter, Prentice Hall, 1999.