“Is that a smirk or a grimace? You started laughing as I mentioned this legislation. I mean this is a very serious proposal from the government. Will you ignore it?” 

Amol Rajan to ASLEF boss Mick Whelan on R4 Today recently. Whelan completely ignored the interjection and – to be fair – may not have minded the intimation that he was mocking and/or contemptuous of the government.

Yet it’s a reminder that it is fair game for a presenter to reflect on your physical reaction as a question is being asked. The most common by some way is the nod. You might be nodding because (a) you were expecting the question or (b) because you understand the question. But a nod gives the signal that you accept the premise of the question. And that’s something you absolutely might not want to do.

“You’re nodding as I ask that so presumably it’s something you agree with.” 

I talk a lot in media training sessions about stillness. It’s a concept I’ll explore in more detail in future weeks (try to contain your excitement), but it comes into its own as you listen to questions. Revealing how you feel can – and occasionally is – used against you.

Established media lines have been blurred for a while now. Just as a print journalist might turn up with a camera, a broadcast journalist is increasingly tasked with churning out 300 words for online after their report has aired. I heard a fascinating account this week from a press officer that appears to blur those lines even further. Their spokesperson was a recent guest on Robert Peston’s weekly ITV political programme. Scheduled for Wednesday evening at 22:45 it is recorded earlier in the evening but – crucially – broadcast live on Twitter. So far so good. The problem comes with breaks, filled naturally with adverts on ITV. Not so Twitter, which simply continued showing the studio feed. So guests naturally thinking they were off air were actually being seen by those dedicated enough to watch the whole thing live. Now I’m not sure if this was a one-off production error or a consistent theme, but it’s extremely unfair on the guests – and another sobering reminder that the minute you walk into a studio please assume every camera is rolling and every microphone is live. Even during the breaks.

I attended an awards ceremony last week celebrating academic impact with the work of each nominee showcased in a short film.

What stood out for me as I watched these lovely films was the use of the first person…

“I was able to directly influence policy…”

“I’m proud of the impact my work has had…”

I suspect the academics were cajoled into it a bit – they were after all nominated for awards celebrating the individual, but it struck me how powerful it sounded.

And also how rare it is to hear in interviews.

It didn’t sound arrogant. It sounded impactful. Don’t be afraid to make yourself important on air – as long as it’s warranted of course.

If a journalist feels you are at the heart of a story they are much more likely to cede control of the interview’s direction.