Ace Your Satellite Media Interview with These Tips
Satellite media interviews are a popular method for connecting to a station via a live feed. But being a part of a satellite media interview can be very disorienting when the only connection you have with your interviewer is his or her voice in your ear. We’ve all seen our fair share of business guests who appear very uncomfortable. Don't let this be you.
Today’s tips will help you appear a bit more natural, should you ever be called upon to participate in a satellite feed.
Media outlets are well known for their reliance on satellite feeds. It’s more and more likely you’ll be asked to conduct a satellite interview. National media outlets often save time and money by sending you to a local station, where a live connection can be made. Many are now also relying heavily on live video feeds.
As with any media interview, the best way to ready yourself is to be prepared. Being interviewed by satellite is more difficult than a face-to-face interview, so be sure to practice as much as possible before the interview, using video playback, as well as feedback from colleagues and your trainer to improve your skills.
To succeed in a satellite media interview:
Treat the camera as a live person, engaging with it as if your interviewer were sitting across from you.
During the interview, move your head and hands as you speak, to avoid that “deer-in-the-headlights” appearance. Don’t swivel or fidget in the chair or do anything else that would appear distracting.
Before the interview is scheduled to begin, become more comfortable with the equipment.
Make sure the earpiece fits snugly in your ear and that you can hear. Make yourself comfortable with where you’ll be sitting, and familiarize yourself with the location of the camera. Ask any questions before you go on.
Occasionally there is a one- to two-second delay between the reporter speaking and when you hear it.
Ask the technicians about the potential for feed delays from your location.
Practice keeping a confident and comfortable look on your face (in the mirror, with colleagues, with your trainer). Try to avoid looking worried, panicked, or confused as you wait for the question, as your facial expressions can be misperceived by your viewers.
Keep your answers brief and to the point.
The reporter needs to keep the interview moving along. If you don’t get to the point, the reporter is likely to interrupt you, which can be very disconcerting.
If you’ve been asked to participate in a satellite interview and want to prepare more fully, please give us a call. Our media training sessions can give you the confidence you need to look like you’ve been interviewing for ages.