Why You Need to Watch TV to Get on TV

Photo by Sam McGhee on Unsplash

Have you ever dreamed of being a commentator on a TV show? Maybe you have a book to promote or want to become a regular commenter on current events. But before you can get in front of the camera, there’s one thing you need to do: watch TV. 

It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people come to us wanting to be on TV, yet admit they never watch it. It’s like trying to swim without getting wet! So let’s dive into why watching TV is so important if you want to get on TV.

Stay Up-to-Date on Current Events

If you want to talk about current events, you need to stay up-to-date on them. Watching TV is one of the most efficient ways to do this. By tuning in to the news and other relevant media, you can stay informed about what’s happening in the world. You don’t want to be caught off guard when a host asks you about something that happened yesterday.

Identify Talking Points

When you watch TV as a potential guest, you need to identify talking points. What are the other guests saying? What is the host asking? What is the general tone of the show? This helps you craft your own talking points and ensures that you have something relevant to say that’s right for the show’s audience. By understanding the topics being discussed, you can come up with unique insights that will make you stand out from other potential guests.

Pay Attention to Details

Details matter. When you watch TV as a potential guest, you need to pay attention to details. How much time are guests given to speak? What are the talking points of the guests? What do the guests do or say that you like or dislike? How does the host set up the question? Do the guests pivot when they answer questions to stay on message? If so, what kinds of words do they use to make that shift? What style of clothing is used on the segment? Are lightheartedness and humor appropriate? If you were answering exactly the same questions, what would you say? Can you fit your talking points into the time allotted to the guests?

By paying attention to these details, you’ll be better prepared to be a guest commentator on TV. You’ll know what to expect and how to best present yourself on camera. You’ll also be able to anticipate questions and prepare answers in advance, making you more confident and articulate when it’s time to speak.

Become a Voracious Consumer of Media

If you want to get in the game, you need to become a voracious consumer of media. This means watching TV, listening to podcasts, reading newspapers, and following relevant social media accounts. By doing so, you’ll be able to join the conversation and stay up-to-date on the latest news. 

But there’s more to it than just staying informed. When you consume media, you’ll also get a sense of what works and what doesn’t. You’ll start to recognize patterns and trends, and you’ll be able to position yourself accordingly. For example, if you notice that a particular show tends to favor guests who are experts in their field, you can position yourself as an expert in your own field to increase your chances of being booked. 

Notice the Types of Guests a Show Uses

Start noticing what kinds of guests a show tends to use. For example, CNN and PBS love to do journalist roundtables. If you see a competitor on a certain show, odds are it’s a good fit for you, too!

Next Steps

Watching TV is an essential tool for understanding what it takes to be a successful guest. But it’s just the first step. By following the tips outlined in this post and investing in media training, you can become a confident and articulate spokesperson for your brand or cause. Our media training sessions can help you develop these skills and take your media appearances to the next level. Get in touch today!