Reading Summary 8

8 - Reading Summary Sylvia Kearney

8 - Reading Summary    Sylvia Kearney
References

Schwager, M. (1986). Training for Television. Training & Development Journal, 40(10), 62.

Theme: Understanding the interview process in public media and radiating confidence takes a lot of training. “Media interview training helps professionals become more skilled and confident on TV.” (Schwager, 1986)

Summary: There are certain techniques that can be learned to help understand the interview process and how to enhance self-confidence. Video taping you is one major step in recognizing flaws. However, it is not only how you act and what you look like. Here are some worthwhile ideas to think about before sitting down to an interview:

§  Learn how to take control. This means have only to key points in your message, otherwise you could overwhelm the audience with too much information. Plan the timing of the copy. On-air time goes really fast. Be aware of giving your first and most important point first and when you feel the time is closing in, offer your second point. Anticipate key questions and be able to answer them. Turn negative sentences into positive ones. Practice, practice, practice, especially, out loud.

§  Learn how to achieve credibility. Establishing a good rapport with the interviewer, for example calling him by his or her first name can humanize the interview and alleviate any communication barriers that can arise. Believability is another great point. Never try to answer a question you don’t understand or know. Lastly, be aware of your body language. Learn the executive pose.

§  Learn how to confront crisis and hostility. Emotionally charged situations can turn into a crisis very quickly. Keep the problem in perspective. Compare and contrast the problem or use analogies. Be very aware of the position a company sets. You can help issues by being compassionate, yet consistent.

§  Learn what to do on arrival. First of all, you should always arrive a little bit earlier. Be aware of studio time. A lot of things are going on in a studio, from moving cameras, to many people walking around and finishing last minute details. Try to relax. Most of all, end your interview on the same not it began.

Application to lesson: Preparing for an interview cannot be done overnight. It takes some training and preparation. No wonder that one should never agree to an interview right then and there.

Application to EMS: Once you are prepared for interviews, you’ll be a major asset to your company. No wonder some PIO’s on the TV are doing it so well.