Media Training - why am I nervous?

Tips to help you prepare for an interview with confidence

In the days of the two- or even three-martini lunch, a memo circulated among the top executives at a leading advertising agency. It said: ‘To all account directors. If you must drink at lunchtime please make it whisky not vodka, so our clients will know you are drunk and not just stupid.’

It’s an important lesson for those about to be interviewed. The Dutch courage may make you feel better, but it will damage your performance no end. And on television the audience won’t be able to smell your breath...

But there are a host of things you can do to make you better prepared. The Media Training Company recommends you think about the following for starters.

Consider your appearance

TV is a visual medium. The truism hides an important fact. Screen time is restricted. If your appearance is unsuitable for your role and message, the clash will prevent the audience taking in what you are saying.

So if you’re the CEO of a large financial organisation then dress the part. Dark suit. The blue shirt and red tie favoured by leading politicians – research shows that it really does lend an air of authority.

But if you’re a surf guru, stick to shorts and loafers.

Women can get away with just about anything these days, but the basic rule still applies. If you’re giving an interview about something serious, such as war in the Middle East, dress formally. If not, wear what makes you feel comfortable.

Ask yourself some obvious questions that most people don’t bother to ask. Does your hair need washing or trimming? Do you need a shave?

Arrive in plenty of time. If you rush you'll be flustered, which will make you feel and look nervous. Nervous people look shifty and untrustworthy on screen. Make sure you meet the people involved in the interview and find out what the first question will be. Then plan your first answer.

Do accept make-up. It will remove the appearance of a moist upper lip, jowly jaw-line and shiny forehead.

Don't worry about technicalities of the studio – you won’t be asked how television works. Unless you’re a television engineer, of course...

How to control your nervousness before the interview starts

The success or failure of an interview is often determined before it starts. It lies partly in the briefing and planning, partly in the care you take in presenting yourself and partly in the mental attitude with which you approach the interview. It's no use pretending you won't be nervous, and in fact not all nervousness is bad. The right amount of adrenaline can give you the edge to perform at your best.

Why are you nervous?

Because you’re afraid of the unknown. To overcome that it’s only necessary to ensure that you have collected all the information you’ll need to answer any possible question you can be asked during the interview. And there are only a limited number.

Then there’s the fear of failure. But there’s no chance of failure if you’ve done your background research and made sure you’re thoroughly briefed on the subject.

Have firmly in your mind the three key points you want to make and chose an outline form of words to get them across. But don’t learn them off pat – you’ll sound and look stilted and evasive f you can only answer in one way.

Then there’s the anticipation. As we all know the waiting is the worst. So don’t allow any dead time. Before setting off, while traveling to the interview and while waiting in the studio keep yourself occupied. Read the papers, or a book. Talk to anyone – studio technicians, the receptionist, the person who brings you a drink.

And use physical ways to combat the symptoms of nervousness. Think positive. Breathe deeply. Take a brisk walk - it burns up the adrenaline. Loosen your face muscles. Sip water - don't let your mouth go dry. Note the location of the toilet.

The Media Training Company teaches all these skills, and it’s amazing and gratifying how big a difference they can make to the success of any media interview.