7. What to wear – avoid spots, stripes (including pinstripe shirts and suits) and small patterns – they make camera go squiffy (‘strobing’ to be precise). Also avoid all black and white.

8. Ensure that everything about you is congruent with message you are giving. If your message is sober, dress accordingly (leave Homer Simpson tie at home).

9. Remember that virtually everyone who ever appeared on television (including famous people) felt nervous beforehand. Nerves just show you that you’re part of human race. Use your nerves to create energy.

10. Use your appearance to give you most benefits. Tell your past, present and future clients all about it and if possible include a link to it on your website.

© Joanne Mallon 2005 – Extracted from The Beginner's Guide to TV Interviews – e-book available from www.MediaLifeCoach.com

· 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 2005

This is an extract from The Beginner's Guide to TV Interviews, ebook available from www.MediaLifeCoach.com

For more information visit website or contact joanne@medialifecoach.com