Lizzy Caston
S t r a t e g i c , I n t e r a c t i v e , & C r e a t i v e C o m m u n i c a t i o n s
Tips for Talking with Media 1. Rather than an unannounced interview, try to schedule a time to speak with the reporter or ask to call them back. This gives you a chance to prep and collect your thoughts. Even having an extra 5-10 minutes is better than being put on the spot. 2. It's perfectly fine to request interview questions or an outline before the interview. The reporter might not agree, but you can ask. Some will provide them. 3. If you don't have a lot of experience talking to the media, do some "practice interviews" with a friend or friends. Write down some questions, and have them play reporter. Have your friends ask some unexpected questions as well. 4. Practice by using a tape recorder and listen to it. Have friends critique for clarity. 5. Mind your articulation. Be aware of saying, "like", "um", "er" "you know", and similar words. Speak clearly, steadily and slowly if you need to. Pausing is fine, but don't try to fill the void with chatter. Many people end up talking really fast when nervous, so practicing before an interview can help. 6. On the flipside, don't memorize what you are going to say. That can come across as stiff or flat. Be natural, normal and calm. BREATHE. 7. Do speak in short sentences with your main points. Think in quotes and sound bites. Think about what you would want to read and hear. Sometimes putting your thoughts into bullet points or short notes beforehand can help. Feel free to give examples as well to help better illustrate your answers. 8. Avoid acronyms, technical jargon or other complex language. Avoid words and terms that might not be easily understood by the general public or the reporter who might not be a subject matter expert in your field. 9. Feel free to ask a reporter to repeat back what you just said. Just simply say, can you repeat what just told you? 10. Be factual. If you are uncertain about anything in your subject matter, say that you are not sure or do not know. Offer to get back to them on those particular questions, and follow up with a call or email once you have been able to do your research. Feel free to send them to someone else who might have the answers. 11. Do treat journalists with respect and courtesy. Try to develop a professional relationship with them. This will go a long way in future interviews and mutual trust.
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12. When stating your opinion, rather than that of a group you are involved with, say, "This is just my opinion, not so and so's." 13. Unless you have strong and established trust relationship with the reporter – be cautious about "Off the Record" conversations. There might be a misunderstanding and your discussion could still end up in print. 14. Avoid being defensive. Never say, "no comment" since it will look like you are guilty or hiding something. Instead, say, "I'll need to get back to you on that" or "I need to check on that before I can answer it." Explain why you can't or won't answer the question. An example would be, "I can't answer that until I've been able to check the most current notes from our meeting to make sure I am giving you the most accurate information," or "I don't feel I can answer that until I've checked-in with my colleagues." 15. If you are misquoted or the reporter makes a major factual mistake call the reporter, not the editor. Find out what happened and ask for a correction if it really bothers you. However, If the mistake is minor, it may be better to let it go. And if you feel the story is well-done, let the reporter know that too. TV Media Tips 1. Try to dress neatly but plain. Too many patterns, bright colors and lots of accessories can be distracting. The focus should be on you and what you are saying, not what you are wearing. Women should avoid short skirts. 2. Sit up straight, but be relaxed with your hands, legs and arms. 3. Mind your body language. No need to wildly articulate with your arms and hands. Be careful not to mirror what the reporter is doing. If they nod their head, you don't need to follow. 4. Try to stay focused and remain in the present with the interview. BREATHE. If you are relaxed, then you will come across as being relaxed. SMILE 5. If there is time, try to talk with the reporter before you go on camera. 6. It is perfectly fine in edited (not live) interviews, to ask to redo a specific question if you feel you fumbled it.