Long after people have forgotten what you said, they will remember the way you said it. Your behavior during the interview will do as much to communicate a message as the words you use. If you are overbearing, arrogant, overly defensive, or hostile, you will alienate the audience. Be friendly and sincere. Without conceding your point of view, you can be courteous and respectful of the interviewer and the others present, even opponents. Be aware of the following:

Select Appropriate Dress for Television

Your clothes and appearance are important in a television interview. Take a quick look in the mirror just before going on. Fix stray hair, slipped or crooked tie knots, or smudged mascara. For many formal studio interviews, you may be taken to the makeup room first.

You are representing the Church. For a studio interview your dress should be dignified without being overly formal. Avoid brown or light grey suits; they don't look good on television. Unrelieved black and white don't look good on color cameras. Stripes and checks, particularly narrow ones, are distracting to the viewer.

Women should avoid flashy jewelry that reflects studio lights. They should also avoid bangles, chains, and necklaces that rattle and cause problems with sensitive microphone equipment.

A touch of red in a tie or scarf works well on television and can relieve more formal clothing.

Be Aware of Body Language

Seating position. When you sit, lean slightly forward with one foot slightly ahead of the other. Sitting upright looks attentive. Sitting too far forward looks commanding. Leaning back looks defensive. If you are in a swivel chair, it is best to ask for another one. If a different chair isn't available, don't swivel from side to side. Doing so makes you appear tense.

Use of your hands. Place your hands on your lap or somewhere comfortable. Keep them away from your face when you talk. If you gesture naturally with your hands when speaking, then continue to do so, but don't suddenly introduce gestures for the camera. Folding your arms makes you appear to have a closed attitude. Some mannerisms such as biting your lip or rubbing your ear can be distracting if done to excess.

Body contact. Do not touch the host or another guest as you talk.

Coughs. Don't fight the need to cough. Simply turn away from the microphone and cough or clear your throat.

Reactions. Assume that your face and body are always in view when you are on the set. Shots of people's reactions are often used on television, so stay alert. You can portray a feeling with a disbelieving look, a smile, or a nod of agreement as your questioner or another guest is talking.

Looking at the cameras: Ignore cameras and microphones. Focus on the questioner.

Other Cautions

Don't be defensive. Don't assume that the interviewer wants to attack your message. See the interview as an opportunity, not a battleground.

Don't be a slave to the questions. You are not at the interviewer's mercy. You are the guest—the interview depends on you, and you know far more about the subject than your questioner. Don't ignore the questions, but use them as stepping-stones to the points you want to make.

Don't read from your notes. You might be allowed to have a few key points as one-line prompts on your lap or on a desk. But do not read from your notes or you will appear overly rehearsed or defensive. On radio you have more freedom to use notes than on television.

Don't use unfamiliar terms. Remember that those of other faiths will not understand many Church terms such as Relief Society, stakes, wards, investigators, firesides, or meetinghouses. Define such terms if necessary.

Don't lose your temper. If you lose your temper, you have lost the confidence of your audience. No matter what the provocation, maintain your composure.

Don't apologize. Show that you understand what a criticizer is saying, but never apologize for Church doctrines or practices.