Have you found yourself being contacted by a journalist who wants to interview you for an article about your company? A media interview is a terrific approach to enhancing your company’s presence and reputation because it shows that the journalist found something fascinating about your brand. However, it’s crucial to be informed of what to do during an interview, as well as what to avoid, before you start.
Ensure that your business receives positive coverage by the media by following these helpful tips!
Learn the Nature of the Interview Beforehand
Determine the journalist’s or interviewer’s intentions before you decide to sit down to be interviewed. Will it be televised live or pre-recorded? What perspective is the reporter attempting to take on your business? Will there be an opposing side within the segment? Your readiness for the big day will be greatly improved if you are aware of the answers to these questions.
Prepare for the Media Interview
Even if you believe that you are familiar with the subject matter at hand, it is crucial to prepare for any media interview. To do this, you must ask the interviewer for the questions in advance so that you can prepare your talking points and communicate with your team regarding sensitive material that your company wishes not to be exposed to.
Have Catchy Quotes
Quotes in terms of interviews are frequently quick, to-the-point responses. Make a list of your top three talking points, then condense them into brief, memorable “sound bites” to ensure that your key ideas get broadcast, even if the interview is only reduced to a brief clip.
One strategy for doing this is to offer arguments, examples, and even stories, which work well for printed interviews. Giving your characters likeable and interesting backstories gives your narrative colour and interest, which can assist the work take on a more positive tone. Additionally, anecdotes provide a more in-depth, “behind-the-scenes” look and humanise the company or you as its representative, making you more approachable to your audience.
Consider any Unforeseen Questions
Expect some spontaneous questions as the talk takes an honest turn, ranging from harmless follow-ups to more delicate inquiries. When these situations arise, maintain composure, pause before responding, and carefully consider what to say next. Try to steer your response to your initial talking points as much as you can.
Making use of bridging comments, which enable you to recognize the interviewer’s inquiry and then go on to your main message, is another strategy to use when facing challenging interview questions.
Be Genuine
Although we suggest that you study for the interview beforehand, you should also be careful not to over-rehearse your answers. Aim to be as genuine as you can, maintain your composure even in the face of difficult inquiries, and always be courteous.
Need Media Interview Training?
We assist executives of all ranks at The Broadcast Institute in honing their presenting, public speaking, and media interview engagement abilities. Together, we’ll design a special programme that takes into account the demands and objectives of your company. Paul Connolly, the creator of The Broadcast Institute and our primary trainer, will go over the types of questions you might be asked, the best ways to respond to them, and, most importantly, how to do so with assurance, clarity, and credibility. Does this sound like the right course for you? Click here to book a free 15-minute consultation with Paul.