Category:

Recommended

Description and Purpose:

Advice about media interviews.

Method:

Read the following advice, and apply it for media interviews (in so far as it is applicable to your national situation).

Interview Preparation

• Research the program
• Find out the aim and angle of the interview
• Why you, and who else will be interviewed?
• Ask for type of questions to be asked, and the first question
• Live or recorded?
• Who will be interviewer?
• Length of interview?
• Audience?
• Recap your issue
• Focus on your ‘ask’
• Formulate and learn 3 main ‘points to make’ in support of this
• Consider all possible questions and practice answers.

Interview Tips

DOs

• Dress smartly
• Be punctual
• Be relaxed, be yourself
• Answer crisply and directly, speak slowly and clearly
• Keep language and message simple.
• Give ‘sound bites’ of around 20 seconds (practice this!)
• Get your main points in
• Be sure of your facts
• Always sound reasonable and thoughtful
• Paint pictures, use examples
• Be positive and upbeat
• Try to be personable and express passion for the issue
• Be prepared to answer uncomfortable or difficult questions.
• Speak clearly and in a natural voice. Avoid getting upset or angry.
• Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer.
• Mention your organization

DON'Ts

• Exaggerate
• Lose your cool
• Be aggressive, even if challenged
• Be tricked by leading questions
• Waffle or ramble on
• Get sidetracked from your message