You made it. You’re on TV. Time to take full advantage of this opportunity. Don’t screw it up, because you may not live it down, and you may not get another chance anytime soon. To help you know what to do and, more importantly, what NOT to do, here are five ways to look right on television.

1 – Make it your top priority

Okay, that invite is in your inbox. You are over the moon excited. But you also have bills to pay. Maybe you have kids and a social life and other things that matter to you. Just understand, a good showing on this program could be great for ALL of those people and things you love. And, if you lay an egg, it could reflect poorly on all of that. So, make sure you are fully prepared. You need to look the part, know your stuff, and be ready for anything.

2 – Know what to say and how to say it

On TV, clear and short is always better than thorough and long winded. You will not get your point across, and audiences will not hear you if you drone on. Practice getting your ideas and points into quick, quippy sound bites. Easy to remember – and repeat – chunks that deliver on the topic without boring the audience. Don’t know how to do that? Sign up for an improv class. Watch the experts and learn their techniques. Just get it down.

3 – Stay on point

TV hates rabbit trails. Don’t over-explain and don’t meander off down rabbit trails of similar, more or less related, topics. Whether you are talking about your brand, your product or you have been invited on to explain something in your expert wheelhouse, you are there to provide something for the audience to understand. You also want to engage and entertain them. Even if it’s about you, it’s not all about you.

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4 – Stay on message

Yes, it sounds the same as #3. But it’s also different. This is because the host and, likely, any other guests, will not share your agenda. They will try to get you off track. They will ask gotcha questions and try to pin something on you. You have a message. Stay on message … no matter what happens. Nothing is more important to your TV appearance than the take away the audience has.

Speaking of takeaway…

5 – Keep your cool

You do not want to have a meltdown on live TV. You. Do. Not. Call it “couch jumping” or “Dean Screaming” or whatever you want, but a meltdown on live TV will live on the Internet forever. You may be able to get past it, but it will never go away. No matter what they say, just keep your cool and remember to stay on message.

Bonus tip 1: If you’re wearing a mic, assume it’s hot.

Bonus tip 2: I don’t really have to tell you to dress appropriately and show up on time, do I? But maybe I need to define “late” and “appropriate.” If you’re on time, you’re late. Be there at least an hour early. Yes. An hour. There is no room for “traffic delays” on live TV. Take a look at how other people in your position dress. What will you look like if they put you up against an antagonist?

Ronn Torossian is the founder and CEO of 5WPR and one of the most well-respected Public Relations professionals in the United States.

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Ronn Torossian is the Founder & Chairman of 5W Public Relations, one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the United States. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company's growth and vision, with the agency earning accolades including being named a Top 50 Global PR Agency by PRovoke Media, a top three NYC PR agency by O'Dwyers, one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces and being awarded multiple American Business Awards, including a Stevie Award for PR Agency of the Year. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America's most prolific and well-respected public relations executives. Throughout his career he has advised leading and high-growth businesses, organizations, leaders and boards across corporate, technology and consumer industries. Torossian is known as one of the country's foremost experts on crisis communications. He has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly in the media and has authored two editions of his book, "For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations," which is an industry best-seller. Torossian's strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, a Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, Metropolitan Magazine's Most Influential New Yorker, and a recipient of Crain's New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Outside of 5W, Torossian serves as a business advisor to and investor in multiple early stage businesses across the media, B2B and B2C landscape. Torossian is the proud father of two daughters. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and a board member of multiple not for profit organizations.