RELAX… IT’S JUST A CONVERSATION.
phrases to use during interviews
to take the pressure off….
Accuracy vs. Implications: What Really Matters in TV Interviews
Unlike a presidential debate, where every statement is scrutinized, TV interviews for general audiences are not about dissecting precise numbers. Instead, they focus on the bigger picture—the implications and why the topic matters.
As a former TV producer, I can tell you firsthand that unless the interview is specifically about a public report or widely known statistic (like economic growth or Department of Labor figures), the focus rarely rests on the exact numbers.
The Role of Accuracy in TV Interviews
When I worked with interview subjects, the emphasis was never on giving precise numbers. Instead, experts often stuck to ranges or general trends. This approach helped:
Keep the conversation fluid and engaging.
Avoid unnecessary pressure on reporters and interviewees to provide hyper-specific data.
Focus on the implications, which is what general audiences care about most.
This doesn’t mean you should throw out random figures without any basis, but you can relax knowing that accuracy in general TV interviews is not about perfection—it’s about clarity and relevance.
Structuring Your Responses to Avoid Accuracy Anxiety
If you’re worried about being too precise or making a mistake, here are some sentence structures that can reduce your fear while keeping your message credible and clear:
“What we have seen is…”
“What people have told us is…”
“Based on what we’ve encountered, we believe that…”
“A person/business/organization has told me in the past that…”
“You could come to the conclusion that…”
“It is projected that…”
These phrases provide flexibility while maintaining professionalism and credibility. They also help put your legal team at ease.
Focus on the ‘Why’ Instead of the ‘What’
The main takeaway here is that general TV interviews aren’t about nitpicking the specifics—they’re about delivering your message clearly and effectively. The key questions to answer are:
Why does this matter?
How does this affect the audience?
What are the broader implications?
By focusing on these aspects, you’ll create a stronger connection with viewers and drive your point home without stressing over exact figures.
Final Thoughts
Remember, your goal in a TV interview isn’t to deliver a spreadsheet of data; it’s to communicate an idea or insight that resonates with the audience. Use ranges, trends, and implications to shape your message, and let go of the pressure to be overly precise.
Still feeling nervous? Practice structuring your sentences with flexibility and focus on the bigger picture to build confidence in your next media appearance.