Is your credit union thinking about creating a marketingvideo? Is a team member appearing on a news or talk show toexplain a new product? Do you need to do some ‘damagecontrol’ regarding a recent issue? Here are some tips for you tolook like an on-camera professional.

Stick to the Message

A huge part of doing well on TV is honing and sticking to yourmessage. First meet with your team and hammer out a message.Develop five key talking points and stick to them throughout theshow. Practice in front of an audience of colleagues andbring the confidence that made you a CEO.

“To calm your nerves beforehand, remember it's simply a recordedconversation,” said Kim Rahilly, KRPR Creative in Beverly Hills,CA. “You do hundreds of one-on-one talks a year. So don't freak outabout it like you might with your first big speech.”

If you are making a video, understand your message and it willset you apart from your competition. Define your goals for each video—building brand recognition or site traffic orproviding information on a new product—and keep your ‘conversation’focused on that. You also should understand how your messagerelates to your audience. While it seems simple, manymarketing messages overlook the basics.

Be Yourself

People connect with people, so be your real self. It is betterto show that you're vulnerable than come off as fake. You alsoshould be confident—you are the credit union expert. Remember thatno one knows more about your credit union than you do, or else theywould have invited someone else to appear.

Appearance Matters

“Content is half the battle, but appearance is the other half.Be confident, straightforward and honest in your delivery, andpeople will take the time to consider your thoughts. Show upsweaty, jittery and with a convoluted message, and your first TVappearance could be your last.” Rahilly said.

Remember to wear makeup—both men and women. “Makeup is veryimportant on camera, especially in this day of HDTV. If you don'tuse makeup, you will look pale, and you will look like a zombie onTV,” Rahilly said laughing. She also recommends sitting straightand tall and keep your hands flat on your thighs. If you fold themin your lap, you end up looking hunched and diminutive oncamera.

These tips, while maybe uncomfortable, will make you look likethe confident, self-assured professional that you are.