Tweet

Media Interview Tips

Written by: Margie Fisher

Article Overview: Congratulations, you’re going to be interviewed! This is exciting but probably a bit nerve-racking for you. Here are some points to remember in all interviews:

Media Interview Tips

Congratulations, you’re going to be interviewed! This is exciting but probably a bit nerve-racking for you. Here are some points to remember in all interviews:

1. The reporter or writer may want to speak to you soon but you may already have made an appointment when he/she wants to speak with you. Now, here is something I can’t emphasize too strongly: unless your previous commitment is one you just can’t change, try to be flexible and work around the reporter’s schedule. Otherwise he/she might just decide you aren’t worth the trouble.

2. Say what you would like quoted. Jokes, sarcastic remarks and off-the-record comments are no-nos. Your comments might be taken at face value – and printed as fact.

3. Be polite – even if you’ve been kept waiting, or are troubled by some of the questions.

4. Never disparage anyone, especially your competition (you’ll always get more respect when you take the high road).

5. If you don’t know the answer, say that you don’t, but that you’ll get it to the reporter after the interview.

6. Never say “no comment;” this is a red flag to the media. Instead you can say “we are currently looking into that matter and we’ll let you know more when we are ready to release that information”.

7. Don’t use acronyms or industry jargon that you’re familiar with – but others may not be.

8. Use analogies, stories and “quick bite” answers when possible.

9. Use quick, interesting statistics or facts to make key points (example: according to a recent study, 95% of Americans would benefit from at least one dental veneer).

10. After all of your interviews, thank the reporter and ask when the story will appear. When it does, make sure to send a hand-written thank-you note. Most people don’t, so you will be remembered favorably the next time a publicity opportunity comes along.

Related Articles
  “A Positive Look at Media Interviews and A Prescription for Successful Media Interviews”
  “Media Tips From Your PR Doctor For Effective Electronic Media Interviews”
  Ten Survival Strategy Tips For Hostile or Sensitive Interviews From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
  How-to Prepare Yourself for a Media Interview
  Telephone Interview Tips: How to Get Your Foot In The Door

Article Tags:



Related Forum Posts
Business Tips - How about: Tips for managers to handle employees more effectively? Tips on how to deal with difficult customers? Tips on how to deal more effectively with suppliers? The only three I have in mind right now, but will try to come up with something else. Chris
Re: Kevin needs "social glue" ideas - Hi, I like the idea of "10 items that could act as "social glue" because I am an internet marketer. But I agree with the rest that the 10 recent post is nice. Maybe we should open up a new section in the forums on Social Media...or Social Media Marketing. I will tell you that the world is about 1 1/2 behind when it comes to understanding social media. Building a section now will put EvanCarmichael.com is a great position a year down the road when people realize Social Media can produce more traffic than SEO. Jeff
Re: New forum - online businesses! - Thanks Evan for this great Interview and I will be pleased to be part of the new forum on online businesses!
Re: Kevin needs "social glue" ideas - [quote="WebBizIdeas.com":gvtxsu7g]Hi, I like the idea of "10 items that could act as "social glue" because I am an internet marketer. But I agree with the rest that the 10 recent post is nice. Maybe we should open up a new section in the forums on Social Media...or Social Media Marketing. I will tell you that the world is about 1 1/2 behind when it comes to understanding social media. Building a section now will put EvanCarmichael.com is a great position a year down the road when people realize Social Media can produce more traffic than SEO. Jeff[/quote:gvtxsu7g] Hi Jeff, Thanks for the suggestion. Why don't you start a new post (with a poll) to see if there's enough interest in your idea for a social media section?
Re: How to finance your independent movie - Hi, The video doesn't come up with its own URL... But it's the very bottom video on the page. Here's the description of it: Financing, Production and Social Impact of Feature Films Host- Carol Atwood - Founder, Spartacus Media Enterprises Panelists: Bill Johnson - Co-Founder and Partner, Inferno Distribution Steven Haft - Producer, Media Consultant Michael Goorjian - Actor, Producer, Writer


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Providing Feedback

Resistance to Change and How to Deal With It

Marketing & Sales tools – going back to basics

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.