The pinnacle of getting media coverage for a business is to make it to a live interview with a media outlet. Be it TV, Radio, Podcast, or Facebook Live even, it is a great opportunity to get your face/voice in front of a wide audience to talk about your product/service offerings.

That said, being in front of the camera or microphone can be daunting to many. Also, as this is a live recording, there aren't any do-overs. With the Internet, any soundbites or bad viral marketing become amplified - so how do you get it right?

In lieu of a full media training session, here are some tips on how to rock a live encounter with the media.

1. Proper Preparation Prevents P*** Poor Performance

Like with everything in life, fail to prepare = prepare to fail. The editor or producer would usually provide a list of questions that the interviewer would like to ask (there are times you won't get it also). You should watch/listen to previous episodes to know the style of the interview and how the interviewer presents himself or herself.

In either case, it is best to have a maximum 3 talking points that you must get across in the interview. To help with this, here is a useful media briefing guide to fill out.

2. Be physically prepared

This might seem obvious but you need to look and sound good on-air. As the person representing your firm, you will the be the face that people associate with. So it would be advisable to rest well the night before (put on a face mask and perhaps get a hair cut - HD recording can be very unkind). Be sure to maintain your voice, so its a big no-no to heavy drinking/smoking prior. Ideally, try not to fall sick.

It may be a tall ask for some, but for the sake of the business, keep the celebrations till after the interview

3. Dress appropriately

Avoid wearing stripes or any other patterns, if possible. The reason being that it may create a weird optical effect - a moire pattern - where competing patterns compete with each other for visual dominance. 

All black or all white is not advisable. Neutral tones like gray or light pastels or blue are great options - more visually pleasing to the viewer.

One colour you must stay away from for TV is green. As you may know, special effects are projected on a green screen. If you're wearing green and these effects are being used, you'll blend into the background.

4. Stick to your talking points

Practice makes perfect. So with the media guide from earlier, get a colleague/friend to ask you the questions and answer them WITHOUT looking at the script (you won't have it during the interview anyway). Better yet, film yourself with your phone during the mock interview and see how you do.

Remember your 3 main points - and stick to them. This may sound rude but the goal of the interview is to get them across. If you get a tough question, always revert back to the points. Say "that is a good question and" insert a relevant pointer. Depending on the interviewer and the topic, generally they are not going to grill you for side-stepping the question.

5. Maximise technology and social media

Share with your social network that you will be live on-air a couple of days before. So they can either catch you live or be aware that you will be.

During the interview, PLEASE switch off your phone - better yet, leave it outside the studio or with a colleague / publicist. The last thing you need is this:TV Host Phone Rings Live on Air, Watch What He Does

Get the same colleague / publicist to take pictures, and if allowed, videos of the interview while goes on. You may even ask (though not always) get a copy of the video online later on. Share these with your network again to get another boost of awareness.

It may seem like a lot of work but doing a live interview well will mean putting a good foot forward for future business, assuring investors / customers, and inviting more interviews. All the best to you who will be going live in 3, 2, 1...