In general, when you are being interviewed on television, the quieter the background, the better. Noise can be a distraction for the viewer and take away from your message and image.

But not always.

Sound can add to your story and message. Those of you who are regular listeners to National Public Radio or the BBC already know this when it comes to radio, but it applies to TV as well.

Case in point: When former President Jimmy Carter is interviewed around the globe, he is often at the site of a Habit for Humanity house in the process of being built. Obviously, in the process of building a home, there is lots of clatter from hammers, saws, etc. Of course, Carter could ask his fellow volunteers to stop hammering while Carter goes on national television to comment on the issues of the day. But Carter, wisely, does not ask the volunteers to stop hammering.

Continued...