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GOVERNING YOUR CITY III Communication Tips for Television By Cindie Ryan and Heather Morris he purpose of cablecasting city `r� Use a wireless mike if you want to leave council meetings is to improve 18 ( the dais to comment on a map or slide. communication with the corn- Don't ask questions once people munity.When residents are well informed,they can participate have left the lectern and gone back to their seats. Ask speakers to return to more effectively in their govern- ✓ the microphone, then ask your ques- ment and make better decisions Be aware of the way you sound. tion. Remember, even though you and on matters impacting their Often the way we say something the rest of the chamber audience can families.The tips and suggestions below comes off more strongly than the hear, that doesn't mean the sound is are designed to reduce obstacles to message. Avoid speaking in monotone. reaching the home audience. clear,accurate communication with Learn how to analyze the way you Video presentations. Remember to your citizen audience via television. sound to others. Listen to council do a little bit of an introduction before Camera presence. The camera sees replays without watching. showing the video or slides. An abrupt, all. Always assume you are on camera Use simple and easily understood "Here's the video," will result in and behave accordingly. You may ap- language. Avoid jargon, clever twists, uncomfortable silence. pear in a wide shot or a two shot even and industry language. Be precise, Handling on-air audio visual when you are not speaking. The cam- concise, and comprehensive. In con- problems. Use humor and stay calm. era accentuates every mannerism, good versation, ask questions, listen to • or bad. answers, and follow up. On major video and slide presentations, conduct run-throughs and take great Sit up straight. Good posture not Always be yourself. This is the most care to ensure a smooth presentation. only projects confidence, but also puts important thing to achieve and, surpris- This is "live" television and occasional you in proper position for speaking ingly, can be the most difficult. Be sound and/or video problems will into the microphone. Some council willing to be introspective and to occur when you are on-air. Staff should chamber chairs have a tendency to change what can be changed, and to be available to solve the problem and make people too comfortable, so make accept the rest. you should continue conducting the a conscious effort to maintain good Be, or learn to be, an optimist. Look meeting. posture. for the positive side of the person to Help other speakers be heard. Many In general, avoid wearing checks, whom you're speaking. Be positive speakers tend to just start talking with- stripes, and other busy patterns. These about matters and issues you are con- out paying attention to the microphone. tend to "vibrate" on television. Stay fronting. Share upbeat attitudes with If you notice the microphone is off to away from horizontal stripes and dark, others. the side, or the speaker has turned muted colors. Clean, simple colors Microphones. Assume your micro- away, redirect the person back to the work well. And try to avoid wearing phone is always on. Microphones are mike. A momentary interruption is clothes that match the color of the very sensitive; every tsk, sigh, cough, preferable to not hearing the person. council chamber chairs. sneeze, and whispered comment will Citizens may also turn around to Other tips for television include be heard. When applauding, move direct comments to the council. Some- staying alert physically, even when you your hands to the side so you're not times they even walk to the dais to pass aren't talking. Don't watch the moni- clapping directly into the microphone out information. If they are speaking tor. Ignore cameras and people moving If you use your mute button, remem- during any of these times, the home in the chamber. Lean forward slightly ber to turn it back off when you begin audience will not hear them. Encour- in your chair and don't swivel about. to speak. age speakers to return to the micro- Rest your hands naturally in your lap Always speak into the microphone. phone to complete their comments. r or on the desk. Position yourself 8-12 inches from the General communication tips. Limit microphone and speak directly into it. Cindie Ryan is communications and the points you make. As a general rule, Speak in your normal manner at a marketing manage for the city of Brea, • confine your comments to two major moderate sound level. Avoid speaking Calif.,and Heather Morris is the city's items. Keep your thoughts and presen- when you turn around to point to a public information officer.Excerpted with tation concise. Don't ramble and think display, or as you direct your com- permission from Nation's Cities Weekly, before you speak. ments to another councilmember. ©August 1999 National League of Cities. APRIL 2000 MINNESOTA CITIES 13