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How do I prepare for a TV interview about splash pads?
Quick answer
Prepare 3 sound-bite messages of 10-15 seconds each. Wear solid colors (avoid white and busy patterns). Stand or sit so the splash pad is in your background. Speak at the camera or interviewer, not at the floor. Smile, breathe, and bridge from the question to your message.
Local TV interviews are short — typically 30-90 seconds of you make air. Prepare like a pitch. (1) Develop 3 sound-bite messages of 10-15 seconds each — a problem statement, a personal story, and a call to action. (2) Practice each aloud at least 5 times until they flow naturally. (3) Wear solid colors that are not white, black, or busy patterned; jewel tones photograph best. (4) Stand or sit so the splash pad is visible behind you for context. (5) Make eye contact with the interviewer or, for live shots, the camera lens. (6) Speak slightly slower than conversation pace. (7) Bridge from any question to your message: 'That's a great question — and what I want viewers to know is...' (8) Repeat the issue, not the criticism, when responding to negative framing. (9) Smile and breathe. The reporter will pick the strongest 30 seconds, so make every one of your three messages quotable.