This column is quoted from one which Suzuki (our companyfs employee) wrote for Bizloop as they had requested. Please check Bizloop to see the latest issue.
Strategies and Things to Avoid with Japanese TV Coverage
Strategies for the Interview: Do Not Be Nervous
@It would be difficult to ask someone not to get nervous in the presence of massive technical equipments and faces they have only seen on TV. However, appearing on TV is a tremendous opportunity for both your company and yourself. Try to go in feeling relaxed.
@With impromptu interviews, responses can become very disorganized due to nervousness. Editing can only fix so much. Your main points may become muddled, which would be waste of a golden opportunity. For the viewers, nervous interviewees look clumsy. They will not catch your message.
@To take advantage of your chances to promote your company on TV, try and figure out some relaxation techniques that work for you. Silly rituals are fine so long as they work. This is especially beneficial for people who are not used to doing interviews because they will try to overcompensate and answer as completely and perfectly as possible. Unfortunately, they end up digging themselves into a hole by using vocabulary that they are not used to. This result would be very disappointing.
@There is no need to be so formal for the interview. Technical vocabulary is unnecessary. Formal business talk is needless. @Try to be relaxed and be yourself for the interviews. Smile and mix in some jokes, answer in simple terms - those are the most effective TV interviews.
Strategies and Things to Avoid with Japanese TV Coverage