How to Ace a TV Segment: Advice from the Pros

"Lights, Camera, ACTION!"  There's no doubt that many of you dream of landing a television segment, whether to share their brand's story or perhaps host a segment as an expert.  Whatever your goals, television work should be part of your outreach strategy, another forum from which to share your story.  That said, landing the segment is only half the battle.  Your real goal should be ACING the segment and leaving such a great impression that they ask you to come back again.  To help make sure this happens, we called on some television regulars to share their tips and insider information that helps them work it on the small screen (and get asked back again...and again...and again...)

Check out the scoop below and be sure to tune into these ladies live to see them in action (we've listed their Twitter handles to make it easy to follow them).

STRAIGHT TALK ON MAKING BEAUTIFUL TV MAGIC...

From lifestyle expert, host, gal on TV and Mom2Be in heels, Pamela Pekerman...

• When dressing: Avoid prints. A V-neck or scoop neck top is best to elongate the body. Same goes for nude shoes – you’ll look like you have legs for days. If you can, develop a signature look – mine is corals/berries. Avoid loud jewelry, especially necklaces that will be picked up by the microphone.

• Own your set. Prop products so that it’s easier for you to talk and, of course, be seen.

• When in doubt, smile.

• Be mindful that EVERY camera is live when they're filming, so always walk behind them.

• Be prepared for the unexpected and learn from each segment. I had one anchor ask me several times, “so what makes you an expert”? It completely threw me off. Now, before going on air I review one/two line answers for any question that has been asked in the past which is off topic from my segment.  

• Envision talking to your best friend.

• Invest in media training. If you are looking to be a host, learn ear/teleprompter and others skills that require a studio setting, try Patricia Stark. She’s the best of the best.  I’m also available to mentor and coach newbies, as well as assist with presentation skills.
   

From stylist and on-air fashion & shopping expert Dawn Del Russo...

• Hire an intern or assistant to help with the planning leading up to the segment.  There is so much to do once the segment is booked from pulling samples to seeing models, creating talking points and finalizing looks and displays.
   

From style & trend expert Brittney Hope Levine...

• When you know you're going to be pressed for time during a segment and you have a product that you have to fit in, make sure to include it in the beginning of the piece, rather than at the end.  This way, no matter what the price point or relation, you won't find yourself fighting with time (or the hosts) to make sure you get all your talking points across.  

• If you're doing a fashion segment, make sure to always have a run-through before with your models.  You need to see how each look appears on them and what works with their bodies.  In the past, I have "traded" looks with different models as one look appeared better on the other and vice versa.  Sometimes this is hard when you're doing a regional segment and working with models you're not familiar with, so I've arrived even earlier to test different looks on them.  A run-through is essential for making the final segment appear flawless.

• Always, always travel with a personal styling kit.  Whether it's a last minute stitch that needs to be made on a model's (or your own) clothing or a prop that keeps falling over on the table without tape, you never know what issues will arise when you get to the studio.
   

From style expert & author of The Bra Book Jene Luciani...

• If you DON’T have a TV background, then invest in some media training – this can go a looong way.

• In terms of reaching out to the press, send them clear, succinct and brief yet detailed pitches and then follow up without being annoying - it’s the best way to get booked.

From founder of TheBeautyBean.com & on-air beauty pro Alexis Wolfer...

• KNOW what you're going to say, don't just memorize it. When you speak naturally, you sound like you're having a conversation with the audience rather than speaking TO them.