While the recent CNBC interview featuring GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen sparked plenty of conversation, it also offers a timely reminder: live television is a uniquely high-stakes communications environment that demands precision, preparation, and presence all at once.
Live television interviews move quickly. They’re unpredictable. And they demand a level of clarity, composure, and control that can be hard to maintain, especially when you’re balancing complex business priorities in real time.
But the good news is that with the right preparation, they’re also one of the most powerful tools to tell your story. At Narrative, media training is at the core of how we prepare clients for moments like these – here are three strategic principles we consistently emphasize:
1. Get Comfortable With Your Message. And The Questions You Don’t Want to Answer.
Preparation is about rehearsing your talking points just as much as it is pressure-testing them. Start by reviewing your host’s past interviews. What’s their style? Where do they push? What are THEY personally interested in, and is there a way to anticipate the direction they might take their line of questioning?
From there, ensure your team is proactively shaping the conversation. That means pitching clear, compelling angles in advance, so producers and hosts understand what you want to discuss. But don’t stop there. Beware of the broader news environment. If an issue is in the headlines, assume it will come up. The best guests follow these steps, so they aren’t caught off guard.
2. Master Virtual Etiquette; It Matters More Than You Think.
In today’s media landscape, many interviews don’t require you to be in-person. While this may save time, remote interviews introduce new challenges. Small details can quickly become distractions. Avoid the basics: no swivel chairs, no shaky setups. Log on early and do a full tech check to ensure your audio and connection are seamless.
Frame yourself intentionally: steady eye contact, good lighting, and a clean, professional background go a long way. These elements may seem minor, but they directly impact how your message lands. If viewers are distracted by your setup, they won't absorb your story.
3. Own Your Story.
Ultimately, the most effective spokespeople are the ones who genuinely believe in what they’re saying. Energy, clarity, and conviction are contagious. If you’re not excited about your message, it will show, and the host and even the audience will disengage. That doesn’t mean every topic is easy, but it does mean finding an authentic way to communicate why it matters.
And if that feels difficult, that’s where Narrative comes in. These three pillars are a big part of what we build into the media trainings we run with clients. The right preparation can transform even the most complex or sensitive topics into something clear, compelling, and confident. Broadcast interviews are high-stakes media appearances that can shape public perception in real time. Whether you're stepping in front of a camera for the first time or sharpening your approach ahead of a major announcement, the right media training can make it one of the most effective ways to elevate your voice and your brand.
