Home
>
Public Relations
>
What not to wear when doing a TV Interview

What not to wear when doing a TV Interview

? Don't wear all black. You'll look as though you're disappearing into a hole. This often throws women into a panic, as we love the slimming properties of black, particularly when TV will probably make you look slightly heavier than you are in real life. Black trousers or skirt will normally be fine as a filmed interview will generally concentrate on your top half, but do go for a colour on top if you can.

? Don't wear all white. It makes TV lights bounce back and you'll look as though you just descended from the heavens on a cloud.

? Don't wear anything with a very small pattern such as pin-stripes, tweed or polka dots. Again, it has a strange effect on TV lights known as strobing. Men should avoid pinstripe shirts ? bring a change of clothes if you're not sure.

? No visible logos of companies or brands (watch out for this particularly on sportswear) as this may be regarded as advertising. You may be asked to change if a logo is too obvious.

? Avoid buying a new outfit the day before and acting as if you're going to a job interview. If you feel too stiff and formal in your clothes this will affect how you express yourself.

? If you can't decide what to wear, bring a change of clothes ? plenty of people do and it can be a good idea if your original choice turns out to be unsuitable.

? Ask if there are any colours you should avoid wearing. This can happen if they clash with the set, or if an effect called ChromaKey is to be used ? this is the effect which is used as the basis of some special effects, where a particular colour is replaced by pictures. The usual colours affected by this are green and blue (this is why it's commonly known as blue screen effects). So if you were in a studio where this effect was being used and you happened to be wearing a blue tie, you could look as if you had a big hole in the middle of your body, which will probably not enhance your corporate image.

? Above all, ensure that however you look is congruent with how you want to come across ? if your message is sober and serious, dress appropriately. Likewise, if your message is fun and frivolous you can probably leave the navy suit at home. Some TV professionals reckon that wearing pastel colours can make you look younger, but you may not necessarily want to look younger, especially if you're appearing in an expert role.

It's worthwhile bearing these guidelines in mind any time you meet a member of the media, even if it's non-visual interview such as radio or print. How you look will still have an impact on how you are perceived, so make sure you give the impression you intend to on all levels.

And in case you were wondering, it is true that television can make you look as if you're a few pounds heavier than you are in real life. It's all to do with the fact that a TV picture is made up of a series of horizontal lines, and other technical reasons I won't bore you with.

Suffice to say, when you meet people who regularly appear on TV, they often look much smaller and slimmer than you might expect ? this is because many TV presenters (especially female ones) decide to keep as skinny as possible in order to look regular size on the box.

Now, how you regard this is up to you. I'm not telling you this so you can all rush out and join Weight Watchers. It's just something else about the process to be aware of and take into consideration. You don't have to look a particular way or be a particular weight to appear on TV, but it will help your over-all performance if you are happy in your own skin, whatever size that may be.

Joanne Mallon is a life coach, journalist and TV Producer who has coached hundreds of people through TV interviews.

This is an extract from The Beginner's Guide to TV Interviews, the ebook available from http://www.medialifecoach.com. Visit the site to find out more about our coaching programs and free newsletters.

You can contact Joanne by emailing http://www.medialifecoach.com.

efficient cleaning crew Lake Forest ..

In The News:

Washington court rules automated license plate reader images are public records, even when stored by vendors like Flock Safety, setting precedent for transparency.

Fake airline texts claiming flight cancellations are targeting travelers with convincing scams. Learn how cybercriminals steal personal data and credit card info.

Discover how iOS 26's new Adaptive Power feature automatically extends iPhone battery life by learning your usage patterns and adjusting performance intelligently.

New TikTok malware campaign tricks users into running PowerShell commands that download Aura Stealer, which steals credentials and authentication tokens.

Gaia Family offers fixed upfront pricing for IVF cycles with unlimited embryo transfers and financial protection, partnering with over 100 U.S. fertility clinics.

The Jetsons Act aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced air mobility by establishing regulations for hybrid ground-air vehicles.

Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are targeting users with convincing charges and urgent phone numbers to steal personal information and money.

Fox News Digital's artificial intelligence newsletter digs into a robot in Russia that faceplanted, George Clooney's alarm and OpenAI's rivalry with the New York Times.

Major data breach at Conduent exposes personal information of 10+ million people. Government contractor hit by cyberattack affecting Medicaid, child support systems.

Texas startup Janta Power raises $5.5M for innovative vertical solar towers that generate 50% more energy than traditional panels while using just one-third the land.

NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket Thursday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, beginning their journey to Mars with arrival expected in 2027.

Learn how to set email reminders on iPhone and Android so you never forget to reply again. Simple built-in features help you stay organized and on top of messages.

Discover how Apple's passkeys revolutionize Mac security by replacing vulnerable passwords with biometric authentication and encryption for ultimate protection.

New survey reveals 78% of parents fear AI scams targeting their kids, yet nearly half haven't discussed these threats. Learn why this dangerous gap exists.

Chrome now autofills passport and driver's license info automatically. Google's latest browser update adds official document support with encryption and user control.

Scammers impersonate Department of Veterans Affairs employees claiming veterans owe money, but real VA communications only direct to VA.gov or official channels.

The AltoVolo Sigma hybrid-electric aircraft flies 500 miles at 220 mph while operating 80% quieter than helicopters, featuring safety systems and compact design.

Google search scam alert: fake customer service numbers can give scammers remote control of your phone. Learn how to spot these traps and protect yourself.

Electric vehicles overtake gas cars in total CO2 savings after just two years of driving, with emissions benefits growing over time as power grids get cleaner.

Louvre Museum reportedly used "Louvre" as password for surveillance system during $100M jewel heist. Learn how weak passwords put even famous institutions at risk.

Bipartisan AI jobs bill from Sens. Hawley and Warner would require companies to report AI-related layoffs and hiring to Department of Labor quarterly.

Joe A. from Shelton, Connecticut, lost $228,000 to a ZAP Solutions cryptocurrency investment scam after his divorce, highlighting rising online fraud.

AI-powered autonomous trucks from Waabi and Volvo target U.S. freight driver shortage with Level 4 self-driving technology and NVIDIA computing platform integration.

Survive flight disruptions with expert travel tips: Book early morning flights, download airline apps and know your refund rights during service cuts.

Apple's iOS 26.1 update delivers major security fixes, performance boosts and enhanced privacy controls for your iPhone. Discover why updating now protects your data.

What not to wear when doing a TV Interview

Public Relations