Page 211 - The New Articulate Executive_ Look, Act and Sound Like a Leader

202 AFTER THE SPEECH AND MANAGING THE MEDIA

Try not to nod when interviewers are asking you questions. You
know that your nod is a courteous sign that says, in effect, “Yes, go
on, I understand,” or “I am listening.” But on TV your nod, particu-
larly in conjunction with a hostile or pejorative question, can seem
to mean, “I agree with your damning assumptions,” or “Yes, I am
guilty and ashamed.” Feel free to nod only if you happen to be in
wholehearted agreement.

Wipe sweat off your brow with your finger, not your handkerchief.
TV lights can sometimes be uncomfortably hot, and it is not uncom-
mon for people to perspire. If you feel beads of sweat developing, try

to discreetly run your forefinger along your brow. Should you choose
a handkerchief, it would look like it was the question, not the lights,

that is making you sweat. Using your finger can actually give the
impression that you are thoughtful.

Never play to the camera’s little red light. Instead, keep your eyes
on the host or other panelists at all times, and try to imagine that
you are having a conversation that approximates a relaxed social
situation. The studio director controls the action, so don’t waste your

time trying to find the “on” camera. You will only wind up looking
distracted and untrustworthy. Besides, unless you are a professional
on-air “talent,”’ you will appear to be grandstanding.

Never look at yourself in the monitor. In most studios, the monitor
will be hidden from view, but if it is not, resist the temptation to
check yourself out and see how you look. You will appear distracted
and inane to people watching. Instead, concentrate on the host or
panelists and later request a tape of the show.

Try to be as “likable” as possible. Likability counts for a lot on TV.
You can measure likability in several ways: by staying cool and rea-
sonable under a bullying attack, by showing a sense of humor, and
by being prepared with facts and fi gures and revealing a genuine