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.
Professional Media Coaching: Enhance Your Media Presence
In front of a camera, something change.
Make the Most of Every Opportunity
Maximize your media opportunities by confidently handling challenging questions and delivering compelling answers. Whether it's a live Q&A session or dealing with unexpected questions during an interview, I can help you develop the skills to stay composed and articulate. As a professional media coach, I will help you prepare thoroughly for your media appearances, using techniques such as mock interviews, personalized feedback, and targeted practice sessions to ensure that you feel assured, poised, and in control.
Tailored Support to Fit Your Needs
You decide how much support you need. I recommend scheduling at least one rehearsal session with professional feedback. Rehearsals help identify weaknesses, refine your delivery, and build confidence, ensuring that you're fully prepared for your media appearance. This helps you understand how your responses impact your audience, highlights areas for improvement, and boosts your overall effectiveness. Rehearsing in advance allows you to gauge how well your answers resonate, understand what works, and identify opportunities to refine your delivery, such as improving body language, pacing, or vocal tone. Don’t wait until after the performance—by then, it's too late to make adjustments.
Cross-fire interviews, in particular, can be intense and demand quick, confident responses. Unlike traditional interviews, they often involve multiple interviewers who may ask rapid, challenging questions, requiring you to think on your feet and respond under pressure. Preparing with professional feedback ensures you're ready for any challenging questions, minimizing the risk of being caught off guard.
Transparent Costs, Immeasurable Value
Curious about the cost? My fees are transparent and listed here. Feeling confident and delivering a strong media performance is invaluable, as it can significantly enhance your credibility, help you connect with a broader audience, and even lead to career opportunities, such as new clients or speaking engagements. Take advantage of professional coaching to ensure your message connects effectively with your audience. Sessions can be conducted in person or conveniently via telephone or video—whatever fits best into your schedule.
Overcome Stage Fright
Many people experience severe stage fright during media appearances, which can make the experience stressful and less effective. My coaching specifically addresses stage fright by using techniques such as deep breathing exercises, visualization, and gradual on-camera exposure to help manage anxiety and build a confident on-camera presence. With the right coaching, you can overcome this fear and transform your media appearances into opportunities to shine and inspire others, rather than moments of dread.
Contact Me for More Information
If you have specific questions or want to know more about how I can help, just ask me directly. For questions that might interest others, please feel free to post them in the comments section below.
Looking for Professional Support?
If you're interested in coaching, training, or consulting, have organizational questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, the best way to reach me is through this contact form (where you can choose whether to provide your personal data) or by email at mail@karstennoack.com. You can find the privacy policy here.
Transparency and Frequently Asked Questions
Transparency is important to me. To help you get started, I've provided answers to frequently asked questions about myself (profile), the services I offer, fees, and the process of getting to know me. If you like what you see, I'd be delighted to work with you.
Remarks:
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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
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German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/grundlegende-empfehlungen-fuer-medieninterviews/
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