How to prepare for any media interview
Journalists make their job look easy, but that comfort and confidence is hard-won through thorough research and preparation.
Don’t, as the interviewee, assume you can step into the interview without a similar degree of preparation. For more insight into being fully prepared for a media interview, listen to Episode 2 of our podcast Revitalise & Grow.
Too many interviewees believe their expertise alone will carry them through a tough interview, because they are specialists in the subject under discussion.
Certainly, you can be confident your knowledge of the subject will be greater than the interviewer’s. However, that does not mean that in the frenzied, zig-zag course of an intense interview you can be sure of making an impact. This is your chance to create an impression and add something new and memorable to the subject. But this is only possible with considered preparation.
No interview worth doing is ever “easy” and without preparation in advance, you will make it even more difficult and more risky.
Here are 10 things you should prepare before every media interview:
- Your three key messages
Your first aim in any interview should be to communicate your key messages as clearly as possible. They will also come to your aid if you don’t know what to say. Three key messages is the right amount for you and your audience to remember.
- Important statistics or research
These lend authority to your answers. If you can, favour studies undertaken by independent bodies.
- Examples or anecdotes
Examples help to bring the subject matter alive, adding light and shade to technically-based replies.
- Simple explanations
If you are expecting complicated questions to arise, prepare tight, concise explanations.
- Bridging phrases
Bridging is a useful skill to transition you to a new point or topic. You should always avoid saying “no comment” instead, “bridge” to something you can say, e.g. “What I can tell you is this…” or “Our commitment is to…”
- Human stories
Real stories about real people are always more effective than anonymous overviews, and journalists love the human angle! If you can offer up a human story, your interview will be more memorable for all the right reasons.
- Limits
Always decide on the point beyond which you do not wish to go in an interview. Be clear about how much you are prepared to reveal on an issue and draw the line when you need to in a firm but friendly way.
- Something new
This is what the journalist wants so that they have a story. Make sure you decide what it is, and not the journalist.
- Soundbites
A good soundbite can be extremely powerful. It is always worth preparing one or two in advance (usually based on your key messages).
- Your overall viewpoint
Decide on your viewpoint and stick to it. Wandering from your position will weaken everything you say.
We’d love to know your top tips for making the most from interviews? Share with us at hello@adpr.co.uk! For more tips on managing the media, check out this blog and this one. And Episode 2 of our podcast is all about how to prepare for an interview, click here to listen!