5 Ways to maximise morning TV interviews

by Thomas Murrell

Morning or breakfast TV programs are a great way to get your message across.

• They are usually more informative, relaxed and friendly than current affairs orientated interviews.
• They are often hosted by a team of two presenters - male and female. This format is a popular genre across the world.
• It is a really good way to get known fast, build a profile and gain community support for a new idea.

Through a recent experience being interviewed for a breakfast TV program called 'Wake Up Perth', I want to share with you my insights and reflections. Learn from my experience so you can perform at your best.

Here are 5 ways to maximise morning TV interviews:

1. Prepare
   You must work out what your angle, hook or spin is. What is your key message? How can you make this unique, distinctive and memorable?
    
2. Look good
   TV is a visual medium. You must look good and dress well.
    
3. Supply suggested questions
   Presenters and producers on breakfast and morning TV work bakers hours (for example they often start at 3 or 4am in the morning) - and this means they often are under time pressures. Make their life easier by supplying a suggested list of questions, short 1-page biography and suggested short introduction.
    
4. Share something personal
   Make it personal - remember your audience and the interviewer will want to connect at an emotional rather than logical level.
    
5. Warm up your voice
   Sounding bright and bubbly at 5:00 AM or 7:00 AM in the morning is a real challenge. Always warm up your voice and be more animated than you normally would be.