A few episodes ago, I talked about where to look during a TV interview, either in-studio or remote interviews by Skype or Zoom. That was episode 5, so if you missed it and have a TV interview coming up, definitely listen to it.

I want to follow up on that with a related topic, and that's a mistake I see experts make when they are interviewed on TV, whether it's remote or in-studio.

And it's simple. You need to know how to act, what to do, when you're talking, of course. But just as importantly, what to do when you're not talking matters.

As I said in Episode 5, in-studio, you are not going to look at the camera, except maybe for a split second in the introduction of the segment and during the outro, the end of the interview. You are going to focus on and look at the host. That's who you're having a conversation with.

That's obvious when you are talking, when you are answering the host's questions. But you need to stay just as focused on the host when he or she is talking and asking questions.

So often, I see experts on TV who think they aren't on camera when the host is talking. They look down at the desk or table. They fix their clothes or hair. They scratch an itch. All kinds of weird behaviors.

Maybe you would get away with it. If there are multiple cameras, the producer might switch to the camera focused only on the host when he or she is talking, and you won't be seen.

But you don't know that. Producers like to have both the host and guest in the shot. Again, you aren't looking at the monitor to see what the audience sees. You have to assume that you are always on camera. So be on your best behavior for every second of that 2-4-minute interview.

By best behavior, I mean looking directly at the host and listening intently.

Great TV interviews require presence. Your tendency will be to think ahead to what you want to say, and you don't really answer the question the reporter is asking. But if you really listen and answer the questions, your interview will go so much better. And most hosts will ask questions in ways that allow you to pivot to your talking points.

The key is to look at the host and focus on what he or she is saying for the entire interview. I promise it's easier said than done, but it is well worth your attention and effort.

That's one of the things I do with the clients I work with one-on-one is that you and I find shows that are best for you and your business, pitch reporters, hosts and producers to get TV interviews, craft a message and talking points that position you as the expert in your field, and deliver an amazing interview.

Now please remember, that just like my website, my coaching and everywhere else, that I am not giving business, financial, legal, medical or any other kind of advice here. Talk to a professional for advice specific to your situation.

If you want to learn more...if you want more customers, more clients, more patients, you want to make more money, you want to be recognized as THE expert in your industry, or you even want people you don't even know to come up to you at the gym or in the grocery store, thanking you for helping them, I can help you become a Media PRO.

Go to MediaProsCoaching.com and sign up for a FREE 30-minute media strategy session with me. We will see where you are and what you're trying to achieve in your business, and then plan some strategies for you to get more media interviews and appearances to achieve all those goals and far more.

While you're there, pick up my FREE eBook - The Media PROS Interview Checklist, offering you a handy reference full of tips to shine in your next media interview or appearance so they keep asking you back, over and over.