From Novice to Pro: How to Excel in Media Interviews With Expert Training



Media interviews are crucial opportunities to share your message, but also potential landmines if mishandled. Many make rookie mistakes when the red light blinks on due to insufficient training. The good news is anyone can transform from a PR novice to a media-savvy pro with dedicated coaching. 

Here are 10 expert tips


Know Your Key Messages

Before any interview, memorize 2-3 key messages you aim to convey. Boil down your priorities into memorable, tweetable soundbites. Find natural ways to pivot conversations back to your North Star points. Disciplined focus will keep you on message.

 

Bridge to the Big Picture 

Reporters often ask narrow questions. Use them as jumping-off points to connect topics back to the big ideas that matter. For example, pivot from a question about a specific charity project to discuss your organization's broader community impact. Bridging provides needed context and can help transition the conversation back to your main points. 

Simplify Complex Concepts 

Savvy communication makes the complex clear. Prepare analogies, metaphors, and examples ahead of time for unwieldy topics. Break down multifaceted info into digestible nuggets. Media training offers technniques to simplify complex ideas and what types of humour are appropriate and which are not. Remember, interviews should feel engaging and not like a lecture.

Own Your Mistakes 

Should you flub a fact or phrase on air, correct yourself swiftly and firmly. Regaining poise shows maturity and integrity. If errors happen after taping, request an opportunity to redo it. Model accountability and practice failing forward. Media coaching can also help you spot your mistakes. 


Think in Soundbites

TV and radio favor crisp, lively soundbites rather than meandering paragraphs. Craft yours ahead of time, keeping your key messages under 10 seconds. Write them as you speak to avoid stilted delivery. Concise, energetic soundbites drive social shares and reusability.

Mind Your Body Language 

Nonverbal cues like posture, gestures, and facial expressions comprise over half your message. Sit up straight, look attentive, and avoid fidgeting or nervous tics. Nod occasionally as others speak. Let your body language reflect your professionalism.

Slow Down Your Speech

It’s easy to speed up from nerves when the camera rolls. However, rushed delivery undercuts your credibility. Make a conscious effort to speak clearly at a measured pace. Slowing down improves comprehension and helps prevent mistakes.


Come Equipped With Stories

Back up your talking points by bringing statistics to life through brief, memorable examples. For instance, when discussing new green policies, describe how they would specifically benefit a member of your community. Stories create emotional investment.


Don’t Speculate

It’s easy to get drawn into hypotheticals and conjecture during interviews. Resist this urge by re-grounding discourse in facts of the matter at hand. If questions arise that you can't address, promise to follow up later with researched information.


Practice Under Mock Fire

Set up run-throughs facing realistic reporter questions to build your confidence. Ask colleagues to provide feedback that addresses any weak areas before the interview. The more you practice, the more natural you will appear on camera discussing any topic thrown your way.

With dedicated training and preparation utilizing these techniques, media interviews can transform from nerve-wracking moments to opportunities to shine. Approach each interview as a chance to further your mission and amplify your message masterfully. You've got this!


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