Production Tips: B-TV ~ Top Twelve Tips for Talent

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1. Enjoy yourself. It shows!

2. The Magic Bubble — Stay in the Magic Bubble. What looks wonderful is when you, the host, and other guests are having a riveting conversation. Once the show begins, ignore all of the hubbub. Never glance out of the Magic Bubble. The slightest peek shows and makes a person look guilty of something or twitchy.

3. A Myth — It is a myth that you need to know which camera you are on. The camera loves the people who simply ignore it.

4. Mic Check — When you are asked to do a mic check, just describe some subject to the host in an easy, natural voice. For instance, tell about a favorite restaurant or movie or sports team, or even what route you took to get here. Saying 'Test 1, 2, 3' does not use a normal part of your voice and will give a false audio level. Only one person may speak at a time during a mic check.

5. Listen! — Even if the host is talking to another guest, you may be included in a wide shot. Each person should listen as if what the other person is saying came off a mountain on a stone tablet, as if pearls and emeralds are falling from his or her lips. Avoid rooting through papers, looking at the ceiling, or even preparing for your next answer. It looks rude or dim-witted. The audience can only pay as much attention as you do.

6. Fake Talk — Many shows will ask you to begin with Fake Talk. Before you and the host actually begin your real conversation, the audience will see a wide shot of both of you apparently having a fascinating conversation behind the opening title and music. If your show uses 'Fake talk,' after you hear "Quiet on the Set," you and the host will 'fake talk' until the host is cued. Do a lot of nodding and use hand gestures freely. If you both sit stiffly silent, it looks like a scene from the land of the living dead.

7. Two Words — When the host thanks you at the end, just nod and say two words: "Thank You." If you say more, the host may be forced to cut you off and that makes the audience feel uncomfortable.

8. Yogi Berra — Remember the Yogi Berra Rule: "It ain't over 'til it's over." After the host signs off, the show is not over. Stay in the Magic Bubble because you will still be seen in the wide shot for up to a minute and a half while the credits roll. A quick glance out of the Magic Bubble to see what is going on wrecks the illusion.

9. Inner Beauty — Interesting TV does not care about prettiness. In reveals inner beauty and admires authentic passion, however quietly expressed.

10. Smile — Grin like a fool, nod, and gesture. Being more expressive than you feel comfortable will look about right.

11. No Papers — You know your subject matter intimately. Trust yourself. Trust the host. Just share what you know in a normal conversation. Rustling through papers actually makes you look badly prepared and it sounds awful. If you must, put three to five points to cover on an index card, using phrases not complete sentences.

12. Coffee Shop Technique — If I met you at a coffee shop, you would have no trouble intensely explaining every detail about your subject. In other words, you are already prepared to talk about your subject.

13. The Gesture Box — The close-up includes a person from the top of the head to the solar plexus (breastbone), and about as wide as the shoulders. If this is a one-time appearance, don't think about it, but if you are on TV regularly, or are the host, teach yourself to gesture under your chin and above you solar plexus and no wider than the shoulder joint. This will include your wonderfully hypnotic and expressive hand motions in any shot.

14. Cell Phones — Turn off all cell phones and pagers.

15. Thank you for helping with this show at BTV. We really appreciate your time and talent.