By: Helena Stanley
We all know interviews can be stressful, whether online or in-person, but doing one for news outlets can feel even more intimidating. Interviews can be tricky, but if you are prepared for what is to come, then they lose their fear factor. That’s why we’ve decided to put together this list of how to properly prepare for a media interview.
Prepare for the Interview
If the interview is not specifically based around one topic, think of talking points that will work to you and your company’s advantage. You want to appear professional, yet passionate, about what you are discussing. If you are discussing something pre-determined, think about any difficult questions the interviewer may ask and brainstorm an appropriate response to each question. By doing so, the interviewer will not catch you off-guard and you will be able to remain cool under pressure.
Be Honest, Don’t Speculate
Honesty is always the best policy! If you are dishonest, and the interviewer discovers they have caught you in a lie, it ruins your credibility. Therefore, being honest is the best way to go. In addition, do not speculate, if you do not know the answer to one of their questions, tell them you will find out and get back to them later. It’s better to give them information a little later via email or phone call rather than tell them the wrong information at the time of the interview.
Don’t Use Jargon
Whether you are an attorney, an accountant, or a CEO, you will need to explain things in layman’s terms rather than the jargon or acronyms that you use regularly at work. Chances are the audience may be confused if you do not explain the meaning of your career-specific words. By speaking clearly and concisely, the interviewer, and subsequently your audience, will be able to better understand the message you are trying to deliver.
Nothing is “Off the Record”
While you may think speaking “off the record” means it is safe for you to disclose sensitive information, it rarely holds true. If you are giving information you and or your company are uncomfortable having in the news, then avoid talking about it. You want your press to be positive, so attempt to steer the conversation toward positive points about you and your company.
Reflect
Once you finish your interview, it is good to reflect on how you think it went. What do you think you could have improved on? What do you think went well? Is there something you wish you would have said (or not)? By reflecting on your media interview, you can better prepare yourself for the future. You can always improve no matter how many times you’ve done one before.