When we’re discuss television interviews during our Media Training courses, one issue which we discuss is body language. 

Where do you look? How should you sit? What should you do with your hands?

First things first, where to look

If the interviewer/presenter/reporter is there in front of you, you look at them. Don’t look at the camera, however tempting it might be.

If on the other hand you are doing a remote interview, for example on zoom or teams, then you look straight at the lens. Aim to have the lens at eyelevel so that you’re not looking up or down. That might mean propping your screen on some books. 

During the introduction, nod or smile when your name is mentioned to acknowledge this, as the camera will probably cut to your face.

Throughout the interview, keep your expression open, warm and friendly – don’t allow any frustration or irritation to show. 

What to do with your hands

Again, best practice on this depends on whether you are doing a face-to-face, in person, interview or being interviewed remotely.

If you’re doing a first face-to-face interview then let your hands do what they would normally. If you Naturally gesticulate then feel free to move them around – and vice versa. If you try to do something which doesn’t come naturally, you will become tense and distracted from whatever you are talking about. 

And remember, if you put your hands in your pockets, you may have keys or change which jangles and could cause a problem. 

However, do be careful about just decorating, if you are on a remote call. Hands looming towards the screen can even be a little bit scary, so keep them low.

How to sit

TV studio chairs are notoriously uncomfortable – difficult to sit back in, and often with a strange eye-line.

However, whatever type of chair you are using, sit up straight. Tilt your pelvis forward so that you are not slumped and your spine is not curved over. Curving your spine, and slumping will make you look submissive. The other benefit of sitting up straight is that it opens your chest and helps your delivery.

Slouching or leaning back in the chair will make you look disengaged and too relaxed, so we often tell interviewees to remember the acronym BBC, standing for bum back chair – sitting with your bum in the back of the chair means you’ll sit up straight and look alert and engaged.

Make sure you don’t cross your arms, which can appear defensive.

How to stand

Plant your feet slightly apart, as this will prevent you rocking around or fidgeting too much. 

A television viewer will see your face, assess your body language and make a judgement about you before you have even opened your mouth to speak. Follow this guidance to ensure you make the right first impression. 

If you’d like some practice at giving TV interviews, find out more about our media training courses here and get in contact with us via this page.