Essential recommendations for media interviews
So that you and your message are compelling in the media.
Essential tips for media interviews
What you should keep in mind when being interviewed by the media. Here you will find 19 basic recommendations to help you and your message to be compelling in the media.
Overview
What should be considered for media interviews?
I was asked to share the most important recommendations for media interviews. And now I publish those tips here.
19 tips for media interviews
19 tips? Sometimes I talk for several days in a row about what deserves attention in media interviews. There are certainly some interesting aspects to consider. Every medium has its characteristics. That’s why you’ll find many articles about that topic on this website. At this point I will concentrate on the essential recommendations:
1. Carefully consider the commitment to an interview
Far too often, acceptances or refusals for interviews with the media are not systematically thought through. But a conscious decision is crucial! One of the reasons; the resources invested for it.
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2. Have your agenda
Think in advance about the message you want to convey in an interview and how you can illustrate it with examples. Elegantly attach your agenda to the situation.
3. Be aware of the consequences of your actions
Don’t let yourself be fooled in an interview. Stay away from even the most tempting bait and instead stick to your preparation.
4. Pay attention to your good state of mind
Stay calm to keep the audience at your side.
5. Stay consistent
You do not want to comment on a question? This is seldom a good idea, but if so, please do it properly.
6. Illustrate your arguments
A few interesting relevant figures, data, facts are a good idea. Just don’t overdo it. Besides, their significance is not always immediately understood. To provide relevant examples and anecdotes to illustrate your message.
7. Body language
Bear in mind the importance of body language. In television interviews, it is important to keep eye contact so that you do not appear devious or defensive.
More:
- Trustworthy body language. Trust, dignity, and body language.
- How to convince your audience!
- Speaking with your hands in your pockets during conversations, speeches, and presentations?
8. Present yourself vocally relaxed
Speak more slowly during an interview and make deliberate pauses. Use your voice to convey the message.
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9. Project personal involvement
Bring in your attitude, if appropriate with enthusiasm in your statements.
11. Be concise and understandable
Don’t be afraid to simplify your language – this will make your message easier to understand and more credible.
12. Pay attention to your posture
If you are interviewing on the phone, stand up to have more energy.
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13. Gain practical experience
Set up a real interview as soon as possible after your media training. Put what you have learned into practice and thus gain confidence in practice.
14. Manage your participation
It is your story, so exercise control in an interview, especially by bridging the gap to get where you want to be. Bridging is a technique that can help you to regain or retain control of an interview and move away from an uncomfortable or controversial topic.
And … prepare! Know the journalist, prepare, and practice.
15. Storytelling
Include more storytelling in your answers where appropriate. To tell a good story, keep it short but interesting, and include the necessary details for the story to make sense. Stories are the best way to form a human connection.
16. Keep an eye on the beginning and end
What’s said is said. There are no guaranteed time-outs during interviews.
For example, be aware that a printed interview begins the moment you enter the room or answer the phone. Be aware when interviewing on camera. Maybe the microphone is still switched on when you already think the interview is done. That happened many times; in the movie “The Naked Gun” and real life.
17. Focus on the objectives
Before and during the interview, concentrate on the intention you are aiming for. Keep your core message in mind.
18. Beware of untruths
Whether as an intentional lie, out of carelessness or ignorance; untruths often have a high price. And this is especially true in the media.
19. Preparation, preparation, preparation
Because of the chances and also the risks, it is worthwhile to prepare for interviews adequately. Too often interviewees contact me for the first time after unsuccessful interviews. It is much better to call me before an interview.
Assistance for your media appearance
You want to make the best of the opportunity. You want to face the questions and give convincing answers? Then I will support you with the preparation of your media appearance.
You decide on the scope of the support. My recommendation: Allow yourself and your audience at least one rehearsal with professional feedback. Then you know for yourself how you and your answers affect your target group, what you should do and what you shouldn't do, where there is potential. Why do you only want to get such feedback after your real performance? Then it is too late for the corrections. Cross-fire interviews, in particular, are very intense and only afterward do you have the opportunity to look at the results.
What does such professional support cost? You can find the fees here. You know best how much it will cost compared with the expected benefit. Benefit from the advantage. By the way, this can also be done with sessions via telephone or video support.
By the way, many people suffer from very intense stage fright during their appearances in the media and suffer through the performance. That's a pity because that is not necessary with appropriate help. Just in case ...
Just ask me personally
Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional help?
If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.
Transparency is important. That is why you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees and getting to know me. If you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.
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This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.
Published: June 4, 2020
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: June 4, 2020
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/grundlegende-empfehlungen-fuer-medieninterviews/
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