I'm going to be on TV! Help me look decent!

November 4, 2014 11:26 AM

I just found out I'm going to be interviewed for a PR thing for my workplace tomorrow, and it will air on local news. Exciting! But I'm so worried I will look bloated/saggy/dull/sleepy or talk with a lisp or a weird accent or completely lose my mind and stare blankly at the camera, sweating. What are some tips to help me look, feel, and speak at my best?

Some details that might matter: I'm going through a breakup so I'm crying a lot, adding to the undereye bags that have begun to grace my face. Am 30. 5-10 lbs overweight. Am very pale. Decent at makeup but I don't know what "reads well" on TV. Don't own a blazer or other traditional business gear, can't afford to buy new clothes before tomorrow.

Any tips and pep talk tidbits would be welcome! Thanks!

posted by elken to Grab Bag (26 answers total)

Can you record yourself practicing? Just use your smartphone or something.
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 11:28 AM on November 4, 2014 [1 favorite]

Get as much sleep as you can tonight. Eat low-carb (meats, fats, and veggies only) today and hydrate well. These three things together will cut down on the bloated/saggy/dull/sleepy thing.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 11:34 AM on November 4, 2014 [1 favorite]

You are going to be representing your work, yes? So wear your normal work gear (I'm assuming it's something like business casual). Make sure it's clean and ironed with no stains. Nothing sheer that shows undergarments. Nothing with logos other than your business name. No busy patterns. Look through your wardrobe and pick out colors that flatter you and don't wash you out. E.g., I look like death warmed over in light blue but dark blue, brown, black are great colors for me. Do you have someone who can come over and help? Sit or stand in a brightly lit area and have that person evaluate your outfit.

Will you be walking around your workplace? Wear shoes that you can walk easily, safely and confidently in. Have the path set ahead of time and make sure it's clear of obstructions or trip hazards.

Can you find out if the news program staff can help you with makeup? I never wear it so I'd be at a loss where to start but if you already know what to do, maybe poke around on YouTube. I'd be willing to bet there's videos about television makeup. Drink lots of water today. Get lots of sleep. What time is the interview? If it's morning, make sure you are up and about several hours before so the sleep puffiness has time to subside. Do you have proper airflow in your bedroom? When I sleep in a closed bedroom, I wake up much puffier and congested.

What do you want to convey about your business? What's the point of the interview? Sit down and write out some key points you want to make sure and cover. Know all the names of the relevant executives. Note anything important/relevant in the company's history (founding, jobs created, community relations/volunteering by employees, future of the business).

Use this to leave that breakup frustration/disappointment/ego bruising behind you. You are so awesome that you have been selected to represent your company and your coworkers on television! Woot! You are going to be great!

Break a leg!
posted by Beti at 11:43 AM on November 4, 2014 [4 favorites]

Exciting, indeed!

Regardless of whether you wear foundation or not, buy yourself some oil blotting sheets and anti-shine/mattifying gel. There are a zillion brands, including Sephora, Smashbox, and OC8. They will help reduce the shine which makes everyone look better on camera and under hot lights.

Have a great time!
posted by skye.dancer at 11:44 AM on November 4, 2014 [1 favorite]

Seconding those oil blotting sheets. Buddy up with the camera operator, and asks him/her to let you know if you are shiny or if something weird is happening with your hair. If you think it will help, ask them to flip the monitor around so that you can see what you look like.

Trust that they are there to make you look good. Don't wear stripes. Have fun (:
posted by justjess at 11:49 AM on November 4, 2014 [1 favorite]

If possible, try to find a place for the taping with bright, diffuse light (rather than all the light coming from overhead or from one side).
posted by amtho at 11:56 AM on November 4, 2014

The video referenced in this post shows how you can make your jawline appear better defined. You need to be careful not to make it too obvious on live camera, of course.
posted by Dragonness at 11:59 AM on November 4, 2014

If you're in the NYC area I can immediately refer you to a stylist and an interview coach who can help you. You can contact me by MeMail.
posted by JimN2TAW at 12:00 PM on November 4, 2014 [2 favorites]

don't wear white near your face or red anywhere. also beware of busy prints. all of these things are not camera friendly - pretty standard.
posted by crankyrogalsky at 12:05 PM on November 4, 2014 [3 favorites]

I (a totally non-media-savvy person) just had to do this for a local news show. I was referred to this list of suggestions, which I found helpful, but mostly for confirming my existing thoughts. Since I was just going for "professional person with non-obtrusive wardrobe" rather than "fabulous stylish person" I ended up wearing solids: a dark teal V-neck sweater and navy lightweight wool trousers, and no jewelry except my watch and wedding ring. If I had pierced ears I probably would have worn small earrings. I wore very neutral makeup but did make sure I was wearing the full face, and especially under-eye concealer. I got a blowout the night before since the show, but could also have worn my hair pulled back. It all looked fine. The host was wearing a dark green V-neck sweater dress, which I took as a sign that I had made a reasonable choice.

I wasn't sure what questions they were going to ask me (again: live) but given the general topic I gave some thought to what questions they were likely to ask and (more to the point) what messages I especially wanted to send. You know how politicians can take any question and manage to work their message into it? You can do that too, it doesn't have to be cheesy.

Since it's going to be pre-taped, I imagine you'll have a little bit of leeway to ask them to re-do bits if you flub them.
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 12:20 PM on November 4, 2014 [4 favorites]

Speak really slowly and don't be afraid to pause and think between sentences and even words. It might seem like you are speaking too slowly but in fact people listening appreciate it and get more from what you are saying. The fact that you are on MF asking for advice means you are going to do GREAT since you are obviously not overconfident. Hope (and know) it will go well.
posted by RafikiGuy at 12:34 PM on November 4, 2014

Response by poster: Another thing: I may have understated the "crying a lot" thing. I'm still at the stage where I am horribly scatterbrained and accosted by grief at random moments, and my face is very easily puffy and red-flushed. I'm going to allow myself another big cry later tonight, but I would like to wake up tear-free.

So are there any tips for drawing my mind into a laser focus so that I don't lose my cool before or during the interview? Idle times, such as if I have a few seconds to think, are dangerous for me right now. I meditate semi-regularly but I'm wondering what ratio of coffee:xanax (or whatever else) could help my brain be on point tomorrow.

Interview is mid-morning, for what it's worth. And thanks for all the tips so far!!
posted by elken at 12:40 PM on November 4, 2014

If it were me, I would go for a run tonight or even just a nice long walk. Maybe a brisk walk in the morning as well. Nothing like endorphins to cheer you up and help tone down the pre-interview jitters.

And if you feel yourself getting teary in the morning pre-interview, maybe try doing a couple jumping jacks or push ups or something. Not enough to get yourself sweaty, obviously, but a few minutes of vigorous exercise can be a great way to keep the tears away.

Also, if ever there was time for positive self talk and good old fashioned pampering, this is it. Maybe get a manicure if you have time after work tonight? Or do one at home if you're so inclined. Having nice nails always makes me feel a lot more put together, although I would probably stick with clear (or very neutral) nail polish to avoid it being too distracting when you're on camera.

Good luck!
posted by litera scripta manet at 1:13 PM on November 4, 2014 [1 favorite]

Wear a full face of makeup: primer, foundation, blush (a little more than you would normally wear, the lights will blow you out, especially if you are pale [as I am, too]), mascara, liner, a darker lip than usual (for the same reason as the blush). Don't worry about eye shadow if you don't like how you look in it normally. (I have to go on TV for work occasionally, and I always have to tell the make-up artist that I look insane in eye shadow. I do just extra upper lash liner and mascara. Fake eyelashes if you can do them.) In my experience, if I look slightly overly made-up for real life, I will look good on TV. Wear a v-neck for sure, in a sold color that flatters you.

You, the crew, and the interviewer are in this together and it's in their best interest to make sure you are awesome and do a great job, and look swell (as long as they're not interviewing you about, you know, all the murders you committed or whatever). They will help you come across well! Have fun, you will do great.
posted by Countess Sandwich at 2:07 PM on November 4, 2014 [2 favorites]

Avoid as much sodium as you can.
posted by Room 641-A at 3:12 PM on November 4, 2014

I'm an actor who's done TV and film.

First of all, you don't look like what you look like on camera. The camera adds weight and a lot depends on how you're lit. I look like a hag on camera and still manage to have a fulfilling existence, if it's any comfort to you.

If it's the local news, it'll probably be very bright studio light. What I'd say is just look your best, meaning do a basic, flattering "corrective" make -up - light concealer, lightweight foundation. If you wear eyeliner, wear a natural application of it. If you wear mascara, light application of that. Don't overdo with eye shadow, and stick to a more natural shade of lip color. Light blush, if any. You're aiming to smooth out skin discoloration and look your best, not like you're wearing makeup. I'm sure they'll at least have pancake on hand to help with any shine issues but bring tissues in case.

Wear a jewel-toned cardigan over a shell, or a simple crisp button up shirt. Something that doesn't draw attention to itself but complements your skin tone. No stark white, no black, no patterns, no scarves, no clunky jewelry. Wear your hair off your face but avoid a tight bun.

You're going to be fine. Focus on listening to the question and let the interviewer take the reins. Trust that this is not about how you look but the story you're there to share.

Good luck.
posted by TryTheTilapia at 3:18 PM on November 4, 2014 [5 favorites]

Oh man I was so nervous the first time I was on TV! I spent a ton of time in the bathroom at work fixing my hair beforehand! It wasn't bad though - it felt so cool to be on TV!

Just remember to smile and speak slowly. If they're doing the spot in the morning and then airing it later, that's great because it's not live (less pressure). They can do multiple takes, edit out anything weird, etc.

The best thing for me was to remember that I was representing my company for a PR spot, and that we're all on the same side. It's not like you're a politician and they're going to be grilling you on-air. In fact, one thing to remember is that you don't actually have to answer the question they ask. If you have specific talking points, you can focus on those and steer the conversation your way to make sure you way what you want to say.

As said above, the biggest thing to avoid is really busy patterns because sometimes they look weird on camera.
posted by radioamy at 5:03 PM on November 4, 2014 [1 favorite]

Wear solid colors and neutral makeup. Smile and be in the moment. It will be over with so fast. You will be with people who do this sort of thing all the time and they will guide you. Just go in and have fun with it. Try to work in that you are single and looking. :)
posted by myselfasme at 5:41 PM on November 4, 2014

When I'm not feeling my best before having to meet people, looking at cute videos of animals and practising my smiling both help to even out/elevate my mood a little, and picking out key words to focus on before a speech seems to centre me for the actual thing. You might find some tips for crying/puffy eyes in this Lisa Eldridge video. Chookas for the interview! You'll be brilliant! :)
posted by SailRos at 5:45 PM on November 4, 2014 [1 favorite]

Hopefully the network will have someone to do (or at least touch up) your makeup before you go on camera. Pro tips: Certain types of powders and bronzers have iridescent bits in them that cameras read as super shiny. Avoid these. Also, Preparation H can do wonders for puffy eyes. Sounds weird, I know, but it totally works.

Don't drink too much coffee beforehand, it can make you jittery and extra nervous.

Actually, if you have time, go to a MAC store and throw yourself on their mercy. Tell them you are about to be on TV, they'll probably get a kick out of it. Buy something after the makeover to be polite. Like some non-sparkly powder for touch ups :)

Do not wear black. Or white. Or red. Or patterns, stripes, etc. Teal looks good on almost everyone.

Remember to breathe. If you start to get nervous, or find yourself fidgeting, take a slow, deep breath and smile as you slowly exhale. Repeat until calm. Avoid negative self-talk. Be positive and gentle with yourself. You can do this :)
posted by ananci at 6:18 PM on November 4, 2014 [2 favorites]

I know you said you don't have a blazer, but do you have a cardigan?

They are going to want to put a mic on you and they won't want to see the wire hanging down your chest. The preferred solution is to clip it to a lapel and run the wire under the jacket/sweater. If they can't do that, then they'll want to run the wire up under your blouse/sweater/top.
posted by sardonyx at 7:51 PM on November 4, 2014

Re: the crying. I am a crier who has gotten through some high pressure things (important exams) under upsetting circumstances (recent death of my father). I find that for short periods, I am able to just defer being sad. I just remind myself that I'll deal with the feeling later, and redirect myself to the topic at hand. You can do it. And if you wake up with puffy eyes after crying at night (ahem), try some advil or aspirin (but not tylenol) in the morning.
posted by i_am_a_fiesta at 8:50 PM on November 4, 2014 [1 favorite]

If you wake up and your eyes are puffy cucumber slices or straight-up ice packs can help.

Hemorrhoid cream works too but I wouldn't try it just before an appearance...for next time.
posted by warriorqueen at 10:48 PM on November 4, 2014 [1 favorite]

Smize. Smeyes? Whatever.

This is a Tyra Banks thing and it absolutely works. Essentially try to smile but only with your eyes. You will feel like nothing happens but I promise you SOMETHING happens. I've taken many pictures of people and the difference between the shots where they are smizing (or even thinking about smizing, strangely enough), and not, is as clear as day and yet hard to identify.

It's a bit trickier for video (as opposed to stills) but it doesn't take much to try and keep it in mind. Smize.
posted by dirtdirt at 9:09 AM on November 5, 2014

Response by poster: Update: I followed so many of the suggestions above, and they were very very helpful in getting my brain to a good place. I think the interview went well, and now I get to wear a face full of natural makeup, not too shiny, with good hair and a jewel-toned cardigan for the rest of the workday :) Thanks again!!
posted by elken at 9:57 AM on November 5, 2014 [3 favorites]

Sweet! Congrats.
posted by TryTheTilapia at 11:29 AM on November 7, 2014