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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.

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:

1. 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.

2. Important statistics or research
   These lend authority to your answers. If you can, favour studies undertaken by independent bodies.

3. Examples or anecdotes
   Examples help to bring the subject matter alive, adding light and shade to technically-based replies.

4. Simple explanations
   If you are expecting complicated questions to arise, prepare tight, concise explanations.

5. 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…”

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Soundbites
   A good soundbite can be extremely powerful. It is always worth preparing one or two in advance (usually based on your key messages).

10. 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 if you have a new product to launch, our Optimised Product Launch could be just what you need!

Let’s look at how good communication and basic planning will solve your problem and help you to convert your creation into actual sales. It’s a crowded marketplace and there will always be a lot of noise to cut through to get your product noticed, but it is far from impossible to achieve. Download our Checklist for a Successful Product Launch to help you understand everything you need to know about launching your new product!