What not to wear for a Television Interview

When facing a television camera, most people feel at least a little intimidated. It can feel awkward to have the barrel of a lens in your face and bright lights about you. But you can turn that anxious enery around to have a positive impact on your presentation.

Preparation is key (rehearse for all events!) and that includes what not to wear when you are in the hot seat for a television interview.

Go for some colour in your choice of clothing for your upper body. Forget wearing all black or, for that matter all white. Black makes you disappear into a hole. If the backdrop is black or even quite dark your troubles with black will be multiplied. White is too bright, will reflect camera lights and possibly mess with your skin tones. Black pants (or skirt) will work, but use some colour for the top half.

Avoid small patterns such as pin stripes, tweed or polka dots. Cameras are superior technologically, but those tiny patterns can make your outfit syncopate with the camera and the result is a strobing (fluttering) from your finer prints.

Wear crisp, clean clothes that are comfortable. A new suit/outfit purchased just for the interview, may prove to be uncomfortable and have you feeling stiff, translating to how well you express yourself.

It is not uncommon to be told to take along a change of clothes because you are unsure what will look best.

Nothing wrong with this idea if a change room is available.

Above all, ensure your appearance is congruent with how you want to come across. A message that is serious requires appropriate dress.

You may, however, be promoting a fun event. Then it is best to leave the dark suit at home and look as if you too will be out to enjoy the good times.

Casual wear is fine and even more so with pastel colours. (They look great on television!). Pastels can tend to make you feel and look younger and that may be best – unless you have been recruited as an expert and need the business professional look.

It will help your overall performance if you are comfortable in your own skin - appropriately covered in clothes that make you feel fine!