TV news

"Live interviews leave you in control of what is broadcast in the time you are given. However, stumbles, ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’ will be broadcast.

Recorded interviews allow your interview to be polished. You can even ask for a second take to get it right – do not expect too many tries, studio time is expensive. But you are no longer in control of what is broadcast. A five-minute interview can easily be edited down to 10 or 20 seconds.

In the studio, you will be faced by an artificial set. Cameras, TV monitors and technicians. It can be disconcerting the first time around. Do not try to work out which camera is on you and do not stare at yourself on the studio monitor. Do your best to ignore all of it. Concentrate on looking at the interviewer and getting your points across.

A note on appearance: Keep it simple and tidy! Avoid bright clothes, clothes with checks, glasses that darken in bright lights and uncomfortable shoes that set you wriggling. Viewers will be distracted from the message contained in the words if the pictures drown them out.

Read how David Clark and Emma Harding got on being interviewed for Channel 4 and ITN News