At this year’s annual Dietitians of Canada conference, I had the pleasure of meeting Lindsey McGregor who has been a Registered Dietitian in Alberta for the past 9 years. She currently works for Alberta Health Services and is passionate about the public making maximum use of the life changing advice that Dietitians provide. Lindsey just participated in her first TV interview and shares these wonderful tips with us!
How did you get started in the media?
I got started working in media through the Dietitians of Canada (DC) Spokesperson program. I have always been interested in media work, and the DC Spokesperson program was a very good fit for me.
What was your most memorable moment of your first TV interview and why?
I did my first interview this year on “Vegan Lunches for Adults.” When the anchor started singing the “beans, beans the magical fruit” song, I didn’t know if I should jump in, or what was going on. If you watch the video I look noticeably uncomfortable at that point. (Editor’s note: Lindsey did a fantastic job of busting that myth!)
What do you think you could improve on for your next interview?
I prepared a lot the weekend before the interview. I knew the information cold, but I felt like I had to follow a mental script I had made vs. being flexible and answering questions as they came up. Now that I reflect, I appreciate how a combination of being well prepared, and an ability to be flexible and go with the flow in the interview is important.
Can you share at least one tip or a nugget of advice for dietitians who would like to work / who are working in the media?
Before working in the media, I participated in Toastmasters for a year. Through crafting and presenting speeches with Toastmasters, I was aware of techniques that can make public speaking more engaging, for example, avoiding the use of filler words, staying on time, standing tall and making good eye contact. Not only did Toastmasters prepare me for this opportunity, but it also was a great way to meet new people.
Reach out for support. I realized that within my network of friends, family and colleagues, I had many people who could offer support with different aspects of media work. For example, I discussed with my sister who directs live television ways to make the segment maximally visually appealing. Kate Comeau of Dietitians of Canada was incredibly helpful in preparing me for what I could expect during the interview. My friend Dan Labutes, a local chef from a high end restaurant, also helped me prepare my food demo – I cannot thank him enough. He made the food look beautiful!
Watch Lindsey’s TV interview here.
Thanks so much, Lindsey! Great job on your very first interview! We can’t wait to see more of your TV interviews in the future!
