Media Handbook for National Human Rights Institutions During the television interview • Visual cues make up a large part of communication. Be relaxed and be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. • Choose clothing carefully. Avoid solid white or black clothing and anything with close stripes. Avoid flashy jewellery which can catch studio lights. Dress professionally; grey, blue and brown clothes often look best. • Look at the interviewer, not the camera. • Avoid distracting gestures or mannerisms. • Sit straight – but not stiff – and lean slightly forward in the chair. Do not swivel in the chair. • If standing, place more weight on one foot. This will help stop you from swaying. • You are always “on”. Be careful about what you say, even if you think you are not being recorded. After the interview • Watch or listen to the story. This will help you prepare for the next interview. • Monitor any feedback or community/stakeholder reaction to the story. • Make a log of all media requests and completed interviews. This will help you see where your media coverage is strong and where any “gaps” exist. • If there is an error in the story, contact the journalist and point out the mistake. He or she may be able to update the story or issue a correction. Only go to the journalist’s editor as a last resort, such as when there is a major error which the journalist refuses to acknowledge. UN Photo by Fardin Waezi. Chapter 2: Engaging with the media: Tools and strategies | 31