Fifteen Minutes of Fame

By Fernanda Lazzaro
LAS Customer Service Representative

We have been working remotely and entrenched in a virtual world for two years. As mandates are lifted and we emerge from behind our computers, in-person conferences are tangible. In May and June alone, LAS will be attending, in-the-flesh, the FONOM and AMCTO conferences, respectively. We’re looking forward to socializing face-to-face with our peers. But the casual-dress-overgrown-locks look will not be acceptable, and there won’t be a “camera off” option. 

Participating in conferences might be part of your job description. During those few days, you’re probably traveling light. So, what are you to do when you wake up a little later than planned, haven’t styled your hair, haven’t ironed your clothes…wait, that’s not the bad part…and then Municipal World approaches you for an impromptu interview?  (I speak from experience.) 

With in-person conferences, (and possible surprise media encounters) bound to happen I consulted with Britany Ardiel, who works at AMO’s Membership Centre as an Administrative Assistant. Ardiel is also a trained make-up artist and suggests how we can look our best. 

1. APPEARANCE

Ardiel advises to pack a few essentials when attending overnight conventions.

Moisturizer: Invest in a good moisturizer for your skin type and create a habit of applying it daily. Your skin is your largest organ; therefore, everyone benefits from healthy moisturized skin. Besides, dry skin can be very apparent on the unforgiving eye of the camera lens. Bring a travel-size bottle with you to the conference, in case you feel dry and need a quick glow before your interview. Don’t forget your neck and hands too!

Water and more water: Drinking water throughout the conference will help keep you hydrated and alert. It also helps plump up the skin while helping you look less tired even if you feel tired. Staying hydrated will also help keep your mouth moist, which may keep at bay peanut-butter mouth before your media interview.

Lip balm | Chapstick | Vaseline: Just as dry skin is distracting, dry and chapped lips can be even more distracting on-air. 

Breath Mints: You may have had a lunch with loads of onions. A breath mint just before the interview would help keep your breath fresh and sans offense. PS. Avoid chewing gum on-air.

2. CLOTHING

Wear what feels comfortable, including the shoes. Your face can't mask painful feet. Try to avoid neon colours, and when in doubt, pack the basics: blacks, blues, and greys. 

3. NERVES

Your face is glowing. Your hair is tame. Your clothes are flawless. What do you do about your nerves?

Be present: Staying present should be a way of life, but it is crucial during an on-camera interview. The last thing you want is to look confused by the question because you were not paying attention. If you are not happy with one of your responses, you can ask for a retake as long as it is not a live interview. 

Don’t forget to breathe: Try breathing slowly through your diaphragm. Ardiel suggests counting to ten: four counts breath in, six counts breath out. The slower exhale helps to calm your nerves.

Fidgety hands? If you are sitting down, try keeping your hands on your lap or on the table. If you are standing, try clasping them in front of you. Essentially, you want your hands to hold each other down. If you feel the urge to flail, just squeeze one hand over the other.

Where to look: Engage with the interviewer and the audience (camera). Some reporters may stand beside the cameraperson and may ask you to avoid looking into the camera, instead, focusing on the reporter. Just ask the interviewer for directions.

Ummmmmm: Watch your “uh’s”, “um’s”, “likes”, and “you know what I mean”? If you feel tempted to interject with any of the above, try to take a breathe instead. It helps to be present (first point in this section), so you can catch yourself before you say any of these filler sounds or words. 

Be Grateful: Always thank your interviewer. Good manners are important, even if the interview ends up being contentious. Not only is it just nice to be polite, but the camera may still be rolling.

You are the expert. The media approached you so be proud that you know what you are talking about.