The Dos and Don'ts of Media Interviews
Introduction
Media interviews provide a great opportunity for individuals or organizations to showcase their work, ideas or products to a wider audience. However, media interviews can also be a double-edged sword if not handled properly. Here are some dos and don'ts to help you navigate media interviews and to ensure that you make the most of each opportunity.The Dos
Prepare and practice your key messages:
Before the interview, take the time to think about what you want to communicate to your audience. Identify your key messages and practice delivering them in a concise and effective manner. This will help you stay on track during the interview and ensure that you don't miss any important points.Research the interviewer and the media outlet:
Do some research on the interviewer and the media outlet that you will be speaking to. This will provide you with valuable insights into their audience and the type of questions that they are likely to ask. It will also help you tailor your key messages to the specific audience.Be confident and enthusiastic:
Confidence and enthusiasm are key to a successful media interview. Your audience will respond positively to your energy and passion for your work. Make sure that you maintain eye contact with the interviewer and speak clearly and confidently.Bridge back to your key messages:
During the interview, it's possible that you may be asked questions that are not related to your key messages. In such cases, use bridging techniques to steer the conversation back to your key messages. For example, you could say "That's an interesting question, but what's really important to remember is..."Thank the interviewer:
At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to share your ideas or work with their audience. This will help you build a positive relationship with the media outlet and may lead to future opportunities.
The Don'ts
Wing it:
Never go into a media interview unprepared. This is a surefire way to derail the interview and damage your credibility. Take the time to prepare your key messages and practice delivering them.Lie or exaggerate:
It is never acceptable to lie or exaggerate during a media interview. Your audience will quickly pick up on any falsehoods and this will damage your credibility. Stick to the facts and be honest.Bash the competition:
Criticizing your competition during a media interview is never a good idea. It can come across as unprofessional and may damage your reputation in the industry.Be defensive:
If you are asked a difficult question during a media interview, it is important to remain calm and composed. Being defensive or angry will only make the situation worse and may damage your credibility.Ramble:
It's important to keep your answers concise and to the point during a media interview. Rambling or going off on tangents can bore your audience and detract from your message.