Written by: Stafford Wood, APR, is President of Covalent Logic, a Corporate Communications and Public Relations firm, and the author of “On the Record: The Essential Guide to Media Relations.”

 

 

Personal Presentation on Camera

Personal presentation is a key aspect of successful media interviews and public speaking opportunities. Whenever you are interacting with a member of the press or representing your company in public, dressing appropriately not only presents your company in a favorable light, but it also helps you have confidence in yourself.

Most importantly, you want what you’re saying to be the focus of your interview or sound bite. Dressing in a way that does not distract is just another way to ensure you are doing everything to get your message across.

 

 

WHAT TO WEAR

In general, professional business attire is your best bet. This means for men, a suit and tie (or blazer and tie) and for women, either a suit or an appropriate dress.

In general, clothing should be dark, neutral colors (black, navy, gray) or deeper colors (jewel tones as opposed to neon colors). Solid colors are best. Patterns should be small and simple shapes. If your company or cause has specific colors associated with it, incorporate these into your outfit. Wearing a red tie to support heart disease awareness, for example, is a good idea.

The best “interview” outfits are simple business attire that fit well and are not distracting on camera. Necklines should be high enough to ensure modesty, regardless of if you are sitting or standing. Choose clothing that makes you feel confident. Keep hairstyles, jewelry, makeup and other accessories simple and professional.

Professional business attire is not always practical for an interview, especially if you are on-site at a more casual business event or outdoors. In these cases, follow the general outfit guidelines, tailored for a business casual audience. For example, wear a solid color button-down shirt or a collared shirt. If you are participating in a corporate philanthropy event and your group has matching t-shirts, wear the t-shirt, provided it isn’t too wildly colored.

Tip:

Most interviews are shot from the waist or chest up. You can ask a reporter or camera person to frame you in a certain way for interviews.

 

 

 

WHAT TO AVOID

In most cases, when dressing for an interview, avoid the following:

Outfits Comprised of Very Light Colors

In certain lighting, light colors or white can wash out your skin tone. With an inexperienced camera operator, white can glow or bleed on screen.

Busy Patterns

TV is not the time to wear a plaid blazer. Stick with solid colors, where possible (including ties), as they are less distracting on camera.

Clothes that Fit Poorly

Clothes that are too tight or too loose may make you uncomfortable, which could come across in your interview.

Flashy Accessories

Jewelry or other accessories that are reflective, large or fussy could be distracting on camera. This includes hats, in most situations (unless worn for safety reasons), and sunglasses.

 

 

Body Language

Positioning yourself appropriately on camera helps you appear more put-together and confident. Here are a few critical things to consider with your body and body language.

Ask the reporter or camera operator where you should look during the interview. They will usually position you so that you are speaking to the reporter off camera, instead of looking directly into the lens. Be aware of the microphone. Regardless of the kind of mic the reporter is using, assume it is on and recording.

Avoid waving your hands too much. When speaking, do not gesture wildly with your hands, as this can be distracting on camera. Straighten your clothing and remove distracting things. Once you are in position, check your tie or neckline to make sure everything is in place. Remove distractions, like pens tucked in your pocket, your cell phone, or your work name badge.

 

WHEN STANDING

• Stand up straight, feet a comfortable distance apart, with your shoulders back and your hands loosely at your side.
• Stay in place. Don’t fidget or move around too much.

WHEN SITTING

• Sit up straight with your shoulders back and your hands loosely in your lap.
• Avoid chairs that you sink into or that are too soft, because you will look like you are slouching.
• Sit on the edge of the chair and lean slightly forward to look active and alert.

 

WHEN STANDING AT A PODIUM

• Center yourself behind the podium, and make sure you can see and be seen over it.
• Stand up straight, and avoid leaning over the podium or gripping onto the sides too tightly.
• Do not leave the area behind the podium unless this is part of a planned speech.