STUDIO BASED TV PRESENTER TIPS

Here's some advice to take on board before you step in front of the television camera.

1 - I used to wave my hands around when I spoke to people. It's how I expressed myself in private. On television though it's a different matter.  It distracts viewers attention from the interview situation.  If you do the same, try sitting on your hands.  If you are standing, fold your arms or put them behind your back. Keep still.
2 - Listen to the person you are interviewing.  So many presenters miss 'golden moments' where they could have picked up on something interesting the guest has said.
This is because the interviewer has written or memorised their list of questions without thought to the response from the guest.  Be prepared to go off of the subject remembering to link back to it.
3 - Ideally you want your guest to share with you something they have not shared with any other presenter. You want an exclusive.  Research your subject and be bold. Ask.

Italian presenter Llaria DAmico

4 - Know where the camera is.  Sounds stupid I know.  It's a good idea if you are sharing the studio with fellow presenters to know if you're in shot or not.  During rehearsals find out where 'edge of frame is' and if the director is taking a wide shot on a different camera...KEEP STILL.
5 - Wear something sensible.  Something that won't distract viewers from what you are saying.  See left !


 If you are going in to the studio to be a guest here are a few tips for you from someone who has been in that situation.


Jo Jo Harder is a fashion designer.  Jo Jo found herself being asked to appear on television shows after she started her “America’s Top Dog Model” contest.  Through her struggles and learning she has come up with these tips for how a guest/ presenter should prepare when appearring on a television show.  

1. Know Your Subject & Be Prepared To Talk About It: So this sounds sort of silly, but in the end it’s really the reason that you are on television in the first place – you are the expert. One thing that you need to understand about television is that it’s all about time management: you need to speak in short, crisp statements that leave an impression. Your time on camera will be very short and knowing your stuff will help you to make the most of it. I’m hoping that it goes without saying that you should spend some serious time practicing answering probable questions.
2. Study Your Customer – The TV Show: Even if you’ve never seen the show that you are going to be appearing on before, you had better spend some time coming up to speed on it. You need to know the names of the hosts, the name of the show’s producer, and of course the basic format of the show. You need to know EVERYTHING that you can find out about the show including what time of day it is on, how long it’s been on the air, where taping is going to be taking place. Of course, you also need to know WHAT you are expected to be talking about and just how long you will be expected to be speaking.
3. Looks Count (A Lot!): No matter what your mom told when you were growing up, on TV looks really do count for a lot. It’s not so much about your looks (you look maaavvolous darling), but rather it’s all about the clothes that you choose to wear. What you want to wear are bright, rich colors. What Harder recommends that we stay away from are white, ivory, and pastels with the exception of women’s blouses and men’s shirts worn under a jacket. Hopefully it goes without saying that EVERYONE needs to stay away from bold prints, plaids, and check patterns. If you show up early enough and have a pleasant personality, you just might be able to get some attention from the show’s makeup artist. This can be critical because without some help, we all have a bad habit of looking “washed out” under bright lights. Now just make sure that you’ve combed the hair and trimmed the nails and you should be good to go!
4. Maintain Your Cool: Remember that television is all about ratings and so the show is having you on in order to try to boost their ratings. That means that anything can happen (“That’s interesting, but let me now introduce your long lost father…!”). Sit with your hands in your lap, your feet crossed away from the camera and look into the eyes of the person who is interviewing you. Smile as much as you can without seeming too weird. Help the show to manage its time by keeping your answers short and to the point. Always be prepared for the host to do something unusual and keep your cool at all times.