Media interviews can significantly impact your reputation, brand, and career. However, being unprepared can lead to misstatements and even damaging headlines. With proper media training, you can turn these potential pitfalls into opportunities to shine. When you’re well-prepared for an interview, you exude confidence and articulate your thoughts with ease. By anticipating potential questions and challenges, you can craft thoughtful responses and avoid getting caught off guard. This lets you control the narrative and ensure your message is effectively communicated.
Why is this important to understand?
1. Be prepared and understand your purpose
Entering an interview unprepared or unclear about its purpose can undermine your credibility. To avoid becoming an “interview victim,” take control by viewing each question as an opportunity to reinforce your key public relations messages. Ensure you have a solid grasp of the topic and know precisely what you want to communicate. A little media training does not hurt, either.
Pro tip: you can always ask if you can get any questions beforehand.
2. Speak clearly and avoid jargon
3. Guide the conversation
While journalists lead the interview, don’t hesitate to steer the discussion toward your core messages. Remember, you likely possess more in-depth knowledge about the subject than the reporter. Take the initiative to explain complex points and simplify concepts, ensuring your perspective is clearly understood. But please, do answer the question asked.
4. Stick to the truth and avoid speculation
5. Be mindful at all times
